Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Redwood Loop Tour

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton, CA 95018, USA

Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed! Every Saturday and Sunday 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!

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Redwood Loop Tour

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

Every weekend day at noon, the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks will be taking folks on a guided walk through the Old Growth Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest.  On this 1-mile stroll, you will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among those old-growth giants over 200 feet tall. They say that the Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed!

Free

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Guided Redwood Hike

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

Every Sunday at Noon      Experience a guided hike through an old-growth redwood forest filled with ancient trees over 200 feet tall.  Connect one on one with park staff. During this adventure you will learn about redwood life, histories, ecology and more! The trail is flat, accessible, and just under one mile long. Meet at the park visitor center, rain or shine. This event is free, but the parking fee at all state parks for the day is $10.

Free

Santa Cruz MAH: Toy Trains

Santa Cruz MAH 705 Front Street, Downtown Santa Cruz

Get whisked away into the whimsical world of Toy Trains and enjoy this beloved annual pop-up exhibit at the MAH. Members of the Golden State Toy Train Operators will be on hand to once again share their amazing collection of toy trains at the MAH. The public is invited to view Toy Trains in the MAH’s Atrium for free. To access other exhibitions and gallery spaces in the museum, there is a small entrance fee. Toy Train Dates Thursday, December 19: 12-6pm Friday, December 20: 12-6pm Saturday, December 21: 12-6pm Sunday, December 22: 12-6pm Thursday, December 26: 12-6pm Friday, December 27: 12-6pm Saturday, December 28: 12-6pm Sunday, December 29: 12-6pm

Free

Wilder Ranch: Historic Grounds Tours

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

Discover what life was like a century ago on this innovative dairy ranch. This hour-long tour includes the 1896 water-powered machine shop, horse barn, uniquely constructed 1860’s cow barn, 1858 farmhouse, and 1897 Queen Anne Victorian home. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 426-0505. Please reserve your spot online.

Wilder Ranch State Park – Ranch History Tour

Wilder Ranch State Park, 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

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]

Pigeon Point Lighthouse History Walk

Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park 210 Pigeon Point Rd, Pescadero, CA, United States

Lighthouse History Walk with Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic ParkJoin us for a 45 minute walking tour of the historic grounds of Pigeon Point Light Station. Meet by the fence in front of the first cottage. Hear tales of whalers, bootleggers, shipwrecks, the building of the lighthouse, the “Wickies” and their families, and the restoration of the tower (currently closed to the public). Visit the Fog Signal Building to view the magnificent First Order Fresnel lens and explore the exhibits. ADA accessible.Register: Lighthouse History Walk

Roaring Camp Railroads: Redwood Forest Steam Train

Roaring Camp Railroads 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, United States

Travel over trestles, through towering redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and the forest.

Bookshop Santa Cruz: Chanukah Story Hour

Bookshop Santa Cruz 1520 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz

Perfect for families with children of all ages! You’ll light the menorah, sing the blessings, read stories, and sing songs.

Free

Roaring Camp Railroads: Redwood Forest Steam Train

Roaring Camp Railroads 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, United States

Travel over trestles, through towering redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and the forest.

Gilda’s: New Year’s Eve

Gilda’s on the Wharf Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, United States

Take your friends and family to Gilda’s on New Year’s Eve for a celebratory feast on the wharf with views!  They will be open all night through 8am if you need that first breakfast of the year. 

$8 – $36

Felton: Farmers Market

Felton Farmers’ Market 120 Russell Ave, Felton, CA, United States

The Felton Farmers’ Market is a treasured weekly gathering May through October, now running for over 30 years. We appreciate the dedicated customers who call this market a second home. Your support of regional agriculture and small, local businesses makes a difference. The Felton Farmers’ Market was started in 1987 and is the second oldest market in Santa Cruz County. SCCFM took over operations in 2009 and our team has developed deep ties to the community. Every Tuesday a quality collection of regional farms and food businesses throw up their tents to sell a colorful array of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, artisanal bread, seafood and other staple foods. Connecting residents directly with local farms, the Felton Market is an essential part of the regional food system as well as a resource for nutritious organic foods and basic agricultural education.

Persephone: NYE Dinner

Persephone 7945 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA, United States

Ring in the New Year with a delicious celebration at Persephone Restaurant. Chef Cori has crafted a magnificent menu that will delight your taste buds and set the perfect tone for a memorable evening.  Special Champagne selections will also be available for purchase.  First Course: Caramelized Onion Fromage Blanc in Phyllo with Balsamic Reduction  Second Course: Trout Cakes with Trout Caviar Main: Choose one of  Apple Cider Braised Pork with Polenta and Braised Collards  Chicken Biscuits with Arugula  Artichoke and Mushroom Risotto with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach  Dessert: Choose one of  Champagne Cheesecake with Grape Compote  Millionaires’ Shortbread  Make your reservation now to secure your spot and welcome the New Year in style! 

$95

Vino by the Sea: Roaring 20’s NYE Party

Vino by the Sea 55 Municipal Wharf Ste B, santa cruz, CA, United States

Vino by the Sea, upstairs at the Santa Cruz Wharf, is having a Roaring Twenties New Years Eve party!  There will be a two drink minimum, but why not go for dinner tickets? Dinner starts at 6pm. Collision Course, a classic rock band, will start playing at 7pm and will keep the party going until 1am. There will be a ball drop, toast and countdown for 2025!

$30 – $75

Bruno’s Bar and Grill: NYE Black and White Ball

Bruno’s Bar and Grill 230 Mount Hermon Road, Suite G, Scotts Valley, CA, United States

You don’t have to break the bank to have fun this year!  For just $25, Bruno’s will have party crowns & hats, noise makers, 2 full bars open, late-night appetizers available to purchase and best of all, a live performance by the absolute best 90’s cover band – Fire Peach! You’ll be dancing all night to the greatest grunge, alt-rock, and 90’s pop-punk songs.  Go early and eat dinner upstairs in “The Jim” or downstairs in the dining room, and they will have a prime selection of delicious American-style food waiting for you. 

$25