Santa Cruz Parent

Popovich Comedy Pet Theater
2025-12-05 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, 95062, United States
Popovich Comedy Pet Theater
Friday, December 5, 7 – 8:30pm
Come see the cute, funny, Popovitch comedy pet show.

Direct from the Vegas Strip. The cutest, furriest show on the strip will delight the young and the young-at-heart.
This family show features more than 30 house cats, dogs, parrots, even a miniature horse and a mini pig!
Voted “Best Family Show in Las Vegas,” Popovich Comedy Pet Theater features a unique blend of physical comedy and award-winning juggling skills by former Circus veteran and “America’s Got Talent” finalist Gregory Popovich, alongside the extraordinary talents of his performing pets!
Trained using positive reinforcement techniques that enhance their natural abilities, his entourage consists of more than 30 rescue animals including cats, dogs, geese, ponies, goats and parrots.
Come see the show that audiences are calling better than Cirque du Soleil, Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey combined!

Show time: 7:00 PM, doors 6:00 PM
Tickets: $30
Advance tickets: www.eventbrite.com
Artists website: www.comedypet.com

Santa Cruz Shakespeare's A Christmas Carol 7pm Shows
2025-12-05 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-06 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-07 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-10 19:00 - 21:00 | Veterans Memorial Building, 840 Front St., Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s A Christmas Carol
November 26 through December 24, 2pm & 7pm options
Join us for Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s annual adaptation of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. Running November 26 through Christmas Eve at the Veterans Memorial Hall at 846 Front St. in Downtown Santa Cruz.
Audiences can again expect a theatrical and music-filled adaptation of this classic play in the heart of Santa Cruz.
Directed by Charles Pasternak and Alicia Gibson, A Christmas Carol stars Mike Ryan as Ebeneezer Scrooge, with returning favorites Julie James, Charlotte Munson and Andrea Sweeney Blanco.
A Christmas Carol is a festive holiday tradition for the whole family.
Tickets are available at www.santacruzshakespeare.org or through the seasonal Box Office, 831-460-6399, open Tuesday through Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The show is 90 minutes with no intermission.
Prices vary depending on age, date, time and seat location:
Best Prices: $5 – $50 on 11/26

Holiday Glow Guide & Contest
2025-12-06, 2025-12-07, 2025-12-08, 2025-12-09, 2025-12-10 | City of Santa Cruz, CA, United States
Holiday Glow Guide & Contest
December
Light Up Santa Cruz! Holiday Glow Guide & Contest Registration is Open
Spread Holiday Cheer: Join the 2025 Santa Cruz Holiday Glow Guide & Contest.
Ready to deck your halls and your home? Join the City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Department for the 2025 Holiday Glow Guide & Contest and make your neighborhood sparkle this season! Brighten your block.
Snap & Submit: Take a photo of your holiday decorations and register your home via WebTrac Activity # H120125.

Get Featured: Accepted homes will appear on the interactive Glow Guide map, so friends, family, and visitors can tour the city’s sparkling displays
Score a Reward: Every participant gets a $5 promo code for Parks & Recreation classes.
Win Big: One lucky home will receive a $50 Parks & Recreation Gift Card for the most creative holiday display.

From twinkling white lights to colorful, over-the-top displays or whimsical inflatables, every home adds a little extra holiday magic. Whether you’re in it for bragging rights or just to share the joy, this is your chance to celebrate creativity, spread cheer, and make Santa Cruz sparkle.
Every entry will receive a $5 promo code to use when registering for a class activity offered by the Park and Recreation Classes Department. All entries will be entered in a contest for the best decoration. The winner will receive a $50 P&R Gift Card!
Register Here!
Visit: https://www.santacruzca.gov/Government/City-Departments/Parks-Recreation/2025-Holiday-Glow-Guide-Contest
or email: recreationevents@santacruzca.gov (subject line: “ATTN: Holiday Glow Guide Map Listing”)
Media Contact: Annalise Bryant, Recreation Supervisor,

Watsonville Holiday Shopping Sale
2025-12-06 09:00 - 16:00 | Watsonville Holiday Shopping Sales, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
Watsonville Holiday Shopping Sale
Saturday, December 6, 9am – 4pm
Watsonville Holiday Shopping Sale features products made, grown and produced right here in Watsonville, so get your Christmas shopping, decorating and entertaining list ready and support local businesses.
Start your day at the El Pajaro CDC Kitchen Incubator in their Winter Market and then explore your way through the Pajaro Valley at all participating locations!
Participating Stores
1. Driscoll’s Berry Store – Fresh berries and Driscoll’s branded attire and products, 1750 San Juan Rd
2. Annie Glass – Handmade glass dinnerware, serverware, décor and jewelry Soroptimist of Watsonville will have Christmas craft popup. 310 Harvest Dr.
3. Martinelli Company Store – Martinelli juice and cider, branded attire and products. 345 Harvest Dr.
4. El Pajaro CDC Kitchen Incubator – Fresh, local, delicious specialty food and products for the holidays. 412 East Riverside Dr.
5. Roche Leather – Exceptional quality handmade leather purses. 161 Harkins Slough Rd.
6. Fruition Brewing – Craft beer for holiday parties or to enjoy at home. 819 East Lake Ave.
7. Freedom Meat Lockers –Premium multi award-winning fresh cut meat and sausage. 160 Hi Grade Lane
8. Anatum Winery – Outstanding wine for your Christmas table or holiday gift. Falcon View Terrace
9. Alfara Family Vineyard –Award winning wine to enjoy this Christmas and throughout the year. 420 Hames Rd.
10. Pajarosa Floral – Luxury cut roses and fresh flowers for every occasion. Seasonal bouquets and fresh wreaths. 3233 Freedom Blvd.
11. Alladin Nursery, Jett & Rose, El Vaquero, Lito’s Market – These four businesses are the hub of local popup crafts and unique high-quality gifts, wine and décor. Corner of Freedom Blvd and Corralitos Rd.
12. Integrity Wines – The perfect Christmas gift for yourself and the wine lover on your list. 135 Aviation Way
13. Creator Heaven – Artisan jewelry and fused glass for beautiful gifts. 2536 Freedom Blvd.
14. Buena Vista Brewing & Santa Cruz Cider – Exceptional craft beer and delicious hard cider varieties. 65 Hangar Way

Holiday Parade Downtown Santa Cruz 2025
2025-12-06 10:00 | Downtown Santa Cruz, Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 95060
Holiday Parade Downtown Santa Cruz 2025
Saturday, December 6, 10am
Join us for our traditional holiday parade, the official kickoff for the winter holidays celebration and the annual tradition of highlighting Santa Cruz County schools, youth based organizations and local nonprofits.
The Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade draws 1,200 participants and over 3,000 spectators. Rain or Shine!
The parade will happen this year on Saturday, December 6, 2025 beginning at 10:00am at Pacific Ave. and Laurel St.
REGISTER NOW for the 2025 Holiday Parade, December 6, 2025.
Click here to visit the parade event page for up to date information.

HOLIDAY POP-UP Dec 5-7
2025-12-06 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-07 10:00 - 17:00 | 1407 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
HOLIDAY POP-UP and coming!!

Fridays-Sundays 10am-5pm, November 28-30, December 5-7, 12-13 & 19-20

Join us for a special pop-up for four weekends (Fri-Sun) starting THIS weekend, NOV 28-30!

1407 Pacific Ave. Sponsored by @firstfridaysantacruz

Check our website scmmakersmarket.com for all the details!

Holiday Sale and Art Market
2025-12-06 11:00 - 16:00 | Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Holiday Sale and Art Market

Saturday, December 6, 11am – 4pm
Looking for locally made, nature-inspired gifts this holiday season?
Join us for the Museum’s Holiday Sale and Art Market, featuring a curated selection of art, jewelry, home décor, prints, and more from over 20 local artists and makers whose work celebrates nature and natural history.
It’s the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts inspired by the natural world.
Enjoy free admission all day while you explore our exhibits, sip complimentary hot cider, and browse even more treasures in the Museum Store as part of our annual Holiday Sale.
You’ll find storewide discounts, gift cards for nature lovers, and extra savings for Museum Members. Membership gift certificates will also be available—give the gift of connection to nature!
Support local artists, discover something beautiful, and celebrate the season with us—rain or shine!

Ice Skating by the Bay
2025-12-06 11:00 - 22:00, 2025-12-07 11:00 - 22:00, 2025-12-08 11:00 - 22:00, 2025-12-09 11:00 - 22:00, 2025-12-10 11:00 - 22:00 | Custom House Plaza, 20 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Ice Skating by the Bay
November 21 – January 4
Join us for ice skating by the bay.
Located in the Custom House Plaza, behind the Portola Hotel and Spa
Every year from mid November through the New Year, Custom House Plaza, behind Portola Hotel and Spa, transforms into a magical winter wonderland with Ice Skating by the Bay.
Our beautiful outdoor rink overlooking Monterey Bay brings the magic of the holidays to life.
This season we ‘re open from November 21, 2025 until January 4, 2026.
BOOK NOW

REGULAR HOURS: Monday thru Saturday | 11am to 10pm (with the exception of the below dates)
Sundays and Holidays | 12pm to 8pm (Including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, New Year’s Day)
ADJUSTED HOURS: December 1-4 & 8-11 (Monday – Thursday): 1:00pm to 10:00pm

Admission:

Adults: $15
Children 12 and under: $13 (must be accompanied by adult)
Season Pass: $225 for the entire season.
Skate Rental: $5

Aptos Tree Lighting and Market
2025-12-06 13:00 - 16:00 | 151 Aptos Village Way (behind New Leaf Market), 151 Aptos Village Way, Aptos, 95003
Aptos Tree Lighting and Market
Saturday, December 6, 1-4pm
Come out and shop local vendors, enjoy live performances, sit with Santa, and get in the holiday spirit and sing along to holiday carols!
Kick off the holiday season with us at the Aptos Village Green!
Enjoy a cheerful afternoon filled with local shopping, holiday treats, and plenty of festive fun. Bring your letters to Santa and drop them off — you can snap a cute holiday photo at the same time!
Support local, make memories, and celebrate the magic of the season right here in Aptos. See you there!
To Register to be a vendor, perform or sponsor the event please head to AptosChamber.com or call 831-688-1467

Santa Cruz Shakespeare's A Christmas Carol 2pm Shows
2025-12-06 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-12-07 14:00 - 16:00 | Veterans Memorial Building, 840 Front St., Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States

Santa Cruz Lighted Boat Parade 2025
2025-12-06 17:30 - 19:00 | Santa Cruz Harbor, 135 5th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Santa Cruz Lighted Boat Parade 2025
Saturday, December 2, 5:30 – 7pm

The Lighted Boat Parade features 50 beautifully-decorated power and sailboats parading through the Santa Cruz Harbor. This is a family event with hot drinks and snacks available at various locations through the south harbor.
The parade takes place in the South Harbor between Murray Street bridge and the gas dock. Boats do not exit the harbor and generally do not travel as far as the light house.

The Parade in an annual event at the Santa Cruz Harbor where decorated boats circle the harbor shortly after sunset (5:30pm).
Plan ahead and leave yourself extra time to find parking and good viewing location.
Viewing is available from the East Harbor launch ramp, and from a variety of harbor paths on either side of the harbor and the Murray Street bridge, from the East Harbor launch ramp. Due to construction, limited viewing is not available from the Murray Street Bridge in 2025. Walking paths follow Arana Gulch South to both the East and West side of the harbor may have limited access during Murray Street bridge construction.
Parking – Limited pay parking is available on both the East and West sides of the harbor. Please plan to arrive early to park at the harbor. Note that Murray Street bridge construction may require alternate routes to your desired viewing location. Limited accessible parking is available on both the East and West sides of the harbor. Please plan on arriving early if you anticipate requiring parking with accessibility.
Details about the Murray Street bridge construction and the status of pedestrian access walkways under the bridge on the east and west sides of the harbor can be found on the City of Santa Cruz Murray Street Bridge Seismic Retrofit page.

Sparky’s Holiday Lights at the Fairgrounds
2025-12-06 17:30 - 21:00, 2025-12-07 17:30 - 21:00 | Santa Cruz County Fair Grounds, 2601 E Lake Ave, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
Sparky’s Holiday Lights
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, November 28 – December 24
Bonus nights December 22 – 24
Gather your loved ones and kick off the season— Sparky’s Holiday Lights at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds.

Sparky is here to light up the nights (and your smiles) at this year’s magical drive-thru and walk-thru holiday event. Keep an eye out as Sparky leads the way through thousands of twinkling displays and spreading cheer.
Join us for the Holiday Lights at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, and say hello to Sparky—helping you make bright new memories this holiday season!

Drive through – Experience the magic of the season from the comfort of your car at Sparky’s Holiday Lights drive-thru! Cruise over half a mile through the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, surrounded by stunning light displays. Keep warm and cozy, enjoy holiday tunes, and make memories your whole family will cherish.

Walk-thru and Shop the Holiday Faire, Dec. 5th and 6th – Step into the magic of Sparky’s Holiday lights walk-thru experience for 2 nights only! Wander through a dazzling winter wonderland at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, illuminated by hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights and festive displays. Perfect for families, date nights, and friend outings—grab a warm cup of cocoa, savor your favorite festive treats, and shop the Holiday Faire for great gifts for your family and friends.

It’s a 3/4-mile drive-thru extravaganza of holiday light displays and decorations!

Join us for a Very Aptos Christmas Market
2025-12-07 10:00 - 14:00 | The Art Factory, 7960 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA, 95003, United States
Join us for a Very Aptos Christmas Market

Sunday, December 7, 10am–2pm

Our annual Holiday Market is Sunday, Dec. 7 from 10am–2pm, and we’d love to celebrate with you!

Enjoy a joyful mix of makers and artists offering locally made treasures crafted with love.

It’s the perfect spot to find heartfelt holiday gifts and support our creative community.

Come soak up the magic and shop small with us!

Winter Holidays Open House Castro Adobe Dec 7
2025-12-07 10:30 - 15:00 | Castro Adobe Rancho, 184 Old Adobe Road, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
Winter Holidays Open House Castro Adobe State Historic Park
Sunday, December 7, 10:30am – 3pm
Feel the warmth of the holiday season at the Castro Adobe State Historic Park’s festive December open house.
Step back in time at this beautifully restored two-story adobe hacienda, built in 1849, and experience the sights, sounds, and stories of early California’s Rancho period.
Enjoy live musical performances throughout the day, kid’s crafts including tree ornaments, leather bookmarks, and adobe bricks, and a special holiday shopping opportunity with 20% off select items at the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks pop-up store!
Become a Friends member before or at the event and receive a 30% discount! Parking is limited; reservations recommended.

Treasure Barn Holiday Gift Sale & Party
2025-12-07 12:00 - 16:00 | The Treasure Barn, 34 Aldridge Ln, Corralitos, CA, 95076
Treasure Barn Holiday Gift Sale & Party
Sunday, December 7, 12pm–4pm
Join us for a festive afternoon at the Treasure Barn’s annual Holiday Gift Sale & Party!

Enjoy refreshments, music, and good company while browsing a curated selection of art, gifts, and handmade goods.

Featuring work from local artists and craftspeople, this is the perfect chance to wrap up your holiday shopping while supporting the creative talent in our community.

Come for the gifts, stay for the vibes—and celebrate the season with us!

County Craft Fair
2025-12-09 10:00 - 14:00 | 1400 Emeline Rooms 206/207
County Craft Fair

Tuesday, December 9, 10am – 2pm

It’s that time of year again! #SantaCruzCounty Behavioral Health is proud to partner with Front St. Inc. to support our annual client craft fair.

All crafts are created by clients from our Front St. facilities as well as participants in Santa Cruz Behavioral Health’s Occupational Therapy groups.

Every dollar raised goes directly to the crafters—the clients themselves.

Cash only please.
