Santa Cruz Shakespeare's A Christmas Carol 2pm Shows
2025-12-06 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-12-07 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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

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, 2025-12-12 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!

Santa Cruz Shakespeare's A Christmas Carol 7pm Shows
2025-12-06 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-07 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-10 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-11 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Veterans Memorial Building, 840 Front St., Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States

Holiday Glow Guide & Contest
2025-12-07, 2025-12-08, 2025-12-09, 2025-12-10, 2025-12-11, 2025-12-12 | 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,

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!

HOLIDAY POP-UP Dec 5-7
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!

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.

Ice Skating by the Bay
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, 2025-12-11 11:00 - 22:00, 2025-12-12 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

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.

Learn the Art of Sourdough Start to Finish
2025-12-11 17:30 - 20:00 | Redwood and Ranunculas, 6257 Highway 9, Felton, CA
Learn the Art of Sourdough Start to Finish
Thursday, December 11, 5:30-8:30pm
Join us for a fun, cozy, hands-on night. We’ll be learning the art of sourdough from start to finish, and yes… you know I’ll have festive homemade cocktails and mocktails waiting to greet you.Expect a spread of my favorite homemade small bites, plenty of dips to pair with your sourdough creations, and enough food that no one will leave hungry (promise!). It’s an evening of connection, creativity, and really, really good bread, a chance to meet local women in your community and learn a skill you can carry into the holidays and beyond.Spots always go fast, so grab your bowl and join us for this special night!Reserve your spot here → (https://www.createwithkendra.com/redwood-social/)For this event, we will be hosting this workshop at Redwood Ranunculus in Felton! Thursday December 11, 2025 (530 – 830pm)
6257 Hwy 9 Felton Redwood and Ranunculus

HOLIDAY POP-UP Dec 12-14
2025-12-12 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, 12-14 & 19-21

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!
