Wilder Ranch State Park – Ranch History Tour
Wilder Ranch State Park 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesWant 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 StatesSanta 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 StatesThe 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 StatesThe 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!
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Redwood Loop Tour
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA, United StatesCoast 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!
Santa Cruz Mission – Adobe Building Tour
Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park 144 School St., Santa CruzJoin us at 1pm for a guided tour through Santa Cruz’s oldest building, the only remaining example of indigenous housing from the California Missions. Learn about the daily life of people who lived here, and ways in which the Spanish Mission system drastically impacted local native people’s culture and landscape.This is a FREE event open to the public, no reservations required. Call (831) 425-5849 for more information.
Wilder Ranch State Park – Ranch History Tour
Wilder Ranch State Park 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesWant 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]
Santa Cruz Wharf: Salsa by the Sea
Beach Street and East of Santa Cruz Wharf Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesSalsa By The Sea is a free, weekly outdoor salsa dancing event held by the wharf on Beach Street, directly in front of the Santa Cruz Beach Volleyball Courts. The event runs all year long (except when it rains). Some weekends are Bachata by the Sea, with more bachata music played than salsa.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Movie with Santa “Elf”
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesTis the season for an evening of joy and holiday cheer inside the historic Cocoanut Grove Ballroom! • Holiday Pajamas are encouraged! • Each attendee also receives a fun holiday headband! • Snacks available for purchase • Banquet chair seating. • Fun inflatable chairs available on a first-come first-served basis 4:30pm Doors open, Cookie Decorating 5:00pm Storytime with Santa 5:30pm Movie Screening in Sunroom – ‘Elf’
Meet the Doulas
Circle Family Center 245 Sea Ridge Road,, AptosMeet and talk with birth and postpartum doulas as you learn how they work with families. Sponsored by Birth Network of Santa Cruz County, this free event is open to those planning to birth in Santa Cruz, and surrounding counties. Studies show doula care: results in a shorter, smoother labor, creates a more positive birth experience, reduces need for medical interventions such as pain medication and epidurals, reduces postpartum depression, results in greater success in breastfeeding. Registration required for login information. birthnet.org
Gateway School Tour
Gateway School Santa Cruz 255 Swift Street, Santa CruzVisit us on one of our monthly Tuesday tours. Hang with our kindergarteners on Kindy Island, see what’s growing in our Life Lab outdoor classroom, join our middle schoolers for a science experiment, and see first hand the unique benefits of a K - 8 education.
Wonderland Birthday Celebration
Wonderland Toys & Classroom Resources 19-B Rancho Del Mar, Aptos, CACelebrate Wonderland’s 8th Birthday on Tuesday, December 5th. Single item discount (exclusions apply). Visit and take pictures with Santa from 3-5pm. Grown-ups only shopping and light refreshments event 7-9pm.
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds: Holiday Lights
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds 2601 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA, United StatesThe 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
Wilder Ranch State Park – Birding Walk
On this 2.5 mile hike, be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces, with many stops to view the many birds, plants, and scenery along the way. You will help each other spot and identify birds! Bring your binoculars if you have them, clothes for variable weather, and good walking shoes.Sign up here!Meet next to park map in Wilder Ranch main parking lot. Rain cancels. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 426-0505.