Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds: Holiday Craft Fair

Crosetti Hall, Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds 2601 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA, United States

Heritage Holiday Craft and Gift Fair returns for its 46th season! Go see what has become the official start of the holiday season in the Pajaro Valley.  With three big buildings to shop, you will find crafts, gifts, antiques, collectibles, toys and much more.  Many crafters have been regular appearances here for years. Great food favorites will be available in the Heritage Holiday Kitchens for your enjoyment. Bring the family for a great shopping experience, enjoy a great dinner, and walk through the holiday lights that will be found throughout  the fairgrounds.

Soquel Village: Christmas Tree Lighting

Corner of Main St. & Soquel Courtyard 4900, Soquel Dr., United States

Get ready to deck the halls and light up Soquel Village at the first-ever Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Join the festive fun with caroling, early evening shopping and scrumptious snacks. A special invite has been sent directly to Santa…

Event Series Early Bird Tour

Early Bird Tour

Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserach Reserve 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville (Royal Oaks), CA, United States

Amateur and expert birders alike will find a place on the Early Bird Tour! Local guides lead these 2-3 mile walks, sharing the life histories of the birds that call Elkhorn Slough home, and giving tips on identifying species.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Birding

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground 2591 Graham Hill Road, Scotts Valley, CA, United States

We are offering a bird watching program on Dec 2nd at 9:00am. Join us to learn all about life histories, behaviors, field markings, etc. On this 1-mile walk, we will make specific observations about characteristics that will certainly help us quack the case for many bird identifications! Let's plan to meet in the campfire center of the campground. Hope to see you there! Make sure to bring binoculars and a jacket so you're not murmuring under your breath "brrrrrrrrrrrrd."Reservation required; click here to RSVP.

Lighthouse Field State Beach – Habitat Restoration Work Day

Habitat Restoration Volunteer Work DaySaturday, October 7 from 9 am to noonSaturday, November 4 from 9 am to noonSaturday, December 2 from 9 am to noonSpend a beautiful morning at Lighthouse Field State Beach with friendly people AND help the park by volunteering for one of our upcoming work days!From 9 am to noon on the first Saturday of the month, volunteers will support habitat restoration of popular day-use areas and trails by removing non-native vegetation, such as ice plant and Himalayan blackberry. Hand tools such as loppers, shovels, pulaskis, and hand clippers will be used to remove the weeds. Volunteers should bring a refillable water bottle, lunch, sun protection, and work gloves if available. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes and layered clothing; long sleeve shirts and pants are strongly recommended to avoid poison oak exposure. Visit https://volunteer.calparks.org to sign up! Parking is limited, so carpooling is encouraged. Ages 8 and older welcome – minors must be accompanied by an adult. 

Book Sale

The Scotts Valley Friends of the Library are holding a winter book sale on Saturday, December 2nd, from 10-3 at the Fireside Lounge at the Scotts Valley Library located at 251 Kings Village Road. Come find those literary gifts! We have great conditioned children’s books, fiction and nonfiction books, including some boxed sets. Specialty books such as cookbooks, oversized books, genealogy books, musical and music books, antique/vintage books and antique glass books will be available. How about CD’s, DVD’s, and audiobooks? We’ve got them! Puzzles will be there too. All proceeds benefit the Scotts Valley Library.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Guided Walk – Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA, United States

Come learn about the story of Big Basin: past, present, and future while wandering under the guardian old-growth redwoods that have seen it all! This program is a 1 hour walk on a 0.6 mile, flat and easy trail designed for all ages. We will be covering the cultural history of this unique area including Indigenous groups, loggers, and preservationists. Of course, we will also discuss natural history such as the amazing coast redwood and the CZU Lightning Complex Fire as well as the future of our park.Participation is free, however, a $10 vehicle day-use fee will be charged upon arrival, or you can reserve a parking spot by clicking here. Please plan to meet at the temporary visitor center area located next to the restrooms at 10:45 am. There is no drinking water or cell service at Big Basin, so be sure to bring plenty of water!For more information, questions, or concerns, please contact [email protected] here to Register

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Redwood Tour

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA, United States

Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed! Every Saturday at 12:00pm, we are taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest together. On this 1-mile stroll, we will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. Click here to RSVP. Let's plan to meet in the front of the Visitor Center, we hope you can join us!

Event Series Visits with Santa

Visits with Santa

Downtown Information Kiosk 1130 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA

Santa is coming back to Santa Cruz and he can't wait to visit with you and hear all about the adventures you've had this year. And of course, he wants to hear your Christmas wishlist. Stop by to say hello to him at Childish on Pacific. 1122 Pacific Avenue Saturday, December 2 (after parade) 12-4pm Sunday, December 3, 12-4 Saturday, December 9, 12-4 Sunday, December 10, 12-4 Saturday, December 16, 12-4 Sunday, December 17, 12-4 Friday, December 22, 12-4 Saturday, December 23, 12-4

Wilder Ranch State Park – Ranch History Tour

Wilder Ranch State Park 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Want to learn about the rich dairy history of Wilder Ranch State Park? Dreamt of peeking inside our beautiful Victorian homes and barns? Join us weekly on Saturdays and Sundays for a 1.5 hour long tour of the historic buildings of Wilder Ranch! Meet at the visitor's center at 1 pm. Pre-register here or join us on the day-of. This tour is free. Parking in Day-use lot is $10. Questions? Call (831)426-0505 or email [email protected]

Boulder Creek: Tree Lighting and Santa Visit

Boulder Creek Boulder Creek, CA, United States

Santa has it on his calendar to come to Boulder Creek again!  There will be vendors, a band, activities, and Santa himself!  Don’t miss the fun and the countdown to lighting the town tree!

Santa Cruz Harbor: Lighted Boat Parade

Santa Cruz Harbor 135 5th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

The Lighted Boat Parade features 50 beautifully decorated power and sailboats parading through the Santa Cruz Harbor. Limited viewing is available from the Murray Street bridge, from the East Harbor launch ramp, and from a variety of harbor paths. Charter boats are available. Remember to bring a reusable mug for the hot drinks and snacks available at various locations through the south harbor. *Don’t go out to Walton Lighthouse. The parade won’t go that far.

Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds: Holiday Lights (walk-thru only)

Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds 2601 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA, United States

The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation and the Agricultural History Project will again present HOLIDAY LIGHTS 2023 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Starting November 24, 2023 – Holiday Lights will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in November and Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in December. HOLIDAY LIGHTS is over a 1/2 mile drive-through experience at the Fairgrounds of spectacular lighted Holiday displays all around you. Giant Christmas trees twinkling with lights – Santa – reindeer – snowmen – lighted tunnels, and many more magical moments. Stay in your warm car and drive through this Holiday Experience. The event is open on  Hours from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm. We will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Evening to add to your Holiday Festivities. NEW THIS YEAR: Walk-Thru Holiday Lights happening December 2nd & 3rd!   DATES November 24 – 26 December 2 – 3 (walk-thru only) December 7 – 10 December 14 – 17 December 21 – 24

Candy Cane Lane Christmas Pop-Up at Little Trends

Little Trends 1052 South Green Valley Road, Watsonville

‘Tis the season for holiday shopping! Come join us at Little Trends in Watsonville on Sunday, December 3rd, 10am-2:30pm for a Candy Cane Lane Christmas Pop-Up. Santa & Mrs. Claus will be stopping by from 11am-2pm for photos. Christmas-themed story time and music for littles will run the entire event including a soft play area for littles and a bounce house. Come support local small businesses. Open to everyone, stroller-friendly and family-friendly! We cannot wait to see you there!

Free

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Redwood Loop Tour

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA, United States

Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed! Every Saturday at 12:00pm, we are taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest together. On this 1-mile stroll, we will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. Click here to RSVP. Let's plan to meet in the front of the Visitor Center, we hope you can join us!