Half Moon Bay – Library Rangers at Half Moon Bay Library
Join Half Moon Bay State Beach Staff at the Half Moon Bay Library for a story and a craft. Each month we learn about a different aspect of the natural world. This month's topic is
Seacliff Inn: Sip and Stroll
Seacliff Inn 7500 Old Dominion Court, AptosEvery third Thursday, join Seacliff Inn for a Sip & Stroll event where local artists come together to show and sell their works. What goes better with art than wine? The featured winery of the month will be offering tastings of three varietals for you to enjoy in the company of your most creative Aptos neighbors.
Cocoanut Grove: Bach to The Beatles by Candlelight
Boardwalk’s Cocoanut Grove 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesCandlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Santa Cruz. Get your tickets now to discover the music of From Bach to The Beatles at Boardwalk’s Cocoanut Grove under the gentle glow of candlelight. General Info Duration: 60 minutes (doors open 45 mins prior to the start time and late entry is not permitted) Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult Accessibility: this venue is ADA compliant Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone Tentative Program Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major, BWV 1048: I. Allegro Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007: I. Prelude Ave Maria (Bach / Gounod) Concerto for 2 Violins in D Minor, BWV 1043: I. Vivace The Beatles: I Want to Hold Your Hand Yesterday Blackbird Strawberry Fields Forever All You Need Is Love Eleanor Rigby Michelle Love Me Do Something In My Life Hey Jude Here Comes the Sun Come Together
Downtown Santa Cruz: A Christmas Carol
Santa Cruz Veterans Memorial Building 846 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesSanta Cruz Shakespeare presents a world premiere adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, by Artistic Director Charles Pasternak. This Carol will hew closely to Dickens’ original text while embracing the exciting, inspiring spirit that SCS is known for. Featuring Mike Ryan as Scrooge, as well as local favorite Julie James, the production will take place at the historic Santa Cruz County Veteran’s Memorial Building.
Joe’s Bar: Twisted Xmas Singalong
Joe’s Bar California 9, Boulder Creek, United StatesSing and laugh along with the Trolley Drops as they play songs like: Reindeers on the Rise to Credence Clearwater’s Bad Moon Rising, Hey Mr. St. Nick to The Byrds’ Hey Mr. Spaceman, and I Just Bought a gift to the Beatles’ I just Saw a Face. If you haven’t been to Joe’s, you haven’t been to Boulder Creek! 21+ Event
Cocoanut Grove: Candlelight Nutcracker Music
Boardwalk’s Cocoanut Grove 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesCandlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Santa Cruz. Get your tickets now to discover string quartet music inspired by the winter and holiday spirit at Cocoanut Grove at Santa Cruz Boardwalk under the gentle glow of candlelight. Tentative Program Holiday Medley – Various “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” “The First Noël” “Deck the Halls” “O Holy Night” – Adolphe Adam “Ma’oz Tzur” – Traditional Hanukkah Song “The Snow is Dancing” – Claude Debussy “The Seasons, Op. 37a” – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky I. January. “By the Hearth” XII. December. “Christmas” “The Skaters’ Waltz, Op. 183 (Les Patineurs)” – Émile Waldteufel “Greensleeves (What Child is This)” – Traditional Holiday Medley “Joy to the World” “Angels We Have Heard on High” “Away in a Manger” “The Nutcracker, Op. 71” – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Miniature Overture Act I, Scene II: No. 2, “March” Act II: No. 12d, Divertissement. “Trepak, Russian Dance” Act II: No. 13, “Waltz of the Flowers” Act II: No. 14c, Pas de Deux. Variation II, “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy”
Roaring Camp Railroads: Redwood Forest Steam Train
Roaring Camp Railroads 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, United StatesTravel 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.
Natural Bridges State Beach: Monarch Butterfly Self Guided Tours
Natural Bridges State Beach 2531 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesStroll through the Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve and be on the lookout for every splash of orange on the walk! The monarch migration is variable, please check the website or contact the park at (831)423-0871 to find out the current population. To arrange a tour for groups of 10 or more, please visit www.thatsmypark.org. Events made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks. Parking near the trail accessible entrance is $10.
Santa Cruz MAH: Toy Trains
Santa Cruz MAH 705 Front Street, Downtown Santa CruzGet 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
Mount Hermon: Christmas Boutiques and Concerts
Mount Hermon Conference Center 37 Conference Dr, Felton, United StatesThis holiday, immerse yourself in the joy of the season with the annual Mount Hermon Christmas concerts, Buffet dinner (or Sunday lunch), and Christmas Craft Boutique. For the concert, Tim Zimmerman and The King’s Brass present hymn classics with a contemporary flair December 13-15. On December 20-21, The Blue Gospel Scripts will have a fabulous cast of narrators portray Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, telling the gospel story between musical numbers performed by A-list musicians and singers. Friday, December 13th: 1:30 – 7:30 PM Craft Boutique; 5:00 – 6:00 PM Buffet Dinner Seating; 7:30 PM Concert Saturday, December 14th and 21st: 1:30 – 7:30 PM Craft Boutique; 5:00 – 6:00 PM Buffet Dinner Seating; 7:30 PM Concert Sunday, December 15th: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Craft Boutique; 12:00 – 1:00 PM Buffet Lunch Seating; 2:30 PM Concert Friday, December 20th: 1:30 – 7:30 PM Craft Boutique; 5:00 – 6:00 PM Buffet Dinner Seating; 7:30 PM Concert Saturday, December 21st: 1:30 – 7:30 PM Craft Boutique; 5:00 – 6:00 PM Buffet Dinner Seating; 7:30 PM Concert
Capitola Mall: Free Santa Photo
Capitola Mall 1855 41st Avenue, Capitola, CA, United StatesGet a FREE digital photo with Santa and a gift for children. No reservations required. Photos are first-come, first-serve. Photos and giveaways are while supplies last. When Santa is not there, feel free to take your own photos in their holiday themed selfie station!
Watsonville: Farmers Market
Downtown Watsonville CA, United StatesThe Watsonville Farmers Market is every Friday afternoon from 2-7 all year round at the City Plaza in Downtown Watsonville. Don’t miss out on the wonderful locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. Bring your appetite as there are tons of delicious prepared foods to try.
CC Apothecary and Wellness Boutique: Yule Gathering
CC Apothecary & Wellness Boutique Highway 9, Felton, United StatesGather with kindred spirits to share in the warmth of community, sip on seasonal drinks, and enjoy sweet treats crafted for this special time of year. This evening will include a meaningful group ritual to honor the winter solstice, and a lively spell, holiday card, and recipe swap—so bring your favorite magical or seasonal creations to share! This gathering is a chance to reflect, connect, and celebrate the turning of the year surrounded by like-minded friends. Embrace the magic of Yule and take home new inspirations for your winter practice.
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 2024 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Starting November 29, 2024 – Holiday Lights will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until Christmas Eve. 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. They will have two Bonus Nights this year – Monday December 23 and Tuesday December 24th. DATES November 29 – December 1 December 5 (Krampus naughty list walk-thru only) December 6 – 7 (walk-thru only) December 8 December 13 – 15 December 20 – 24
Rock of Ages Chanukah Shabbat Service
Temple Beth El, Aptos 3055 Porter Gulch Rd., AptosA musical mystical joyful and soulful Jewish community experience. For all ages, everyone welcome!