Santa Cruz Parent

Holiday Production: A Christmas Carol by Santa Cruz Shakespeare
2024-12-19 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-12-18 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-12-15 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Veterans Memorial Building, 840 Front St., Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Holiday Production: A Christmas Carol by Santa Cruz Shakespeare
November 23 through December 24 – Scroll down for dates|times.

Santa Cruz Shakespeare (SCS) debuts a new holiday tradition for the whole family with its production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, starring Mike Ryan as Ebeneezer Scrooge.
Audiences can expect a theatrical and music-filled adaptation of this classic play.
The production will run from November 23 through December 24, at the Veterans Memorial Hall at 846 Front St in Downtown Santa Cruz. There will be 28 performances, including shows at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
The show will be directed by SCS Artistic Director, Charles Pasternak and will star SCS favorite Mike Ryan as Scrooge. The performance will be filled with music, with Luke Shepherd serving as the production’s music director and sound designer. Carols will be sung throughout the show.
Ticket prices range from $20 to $60. The show is 90 minutes, no intermission. Tickets are available at www.santacruzshakespeare.org or through the seasonal Box Office, 831-460-6399, open Tuesday through Friday from 12p.m. to 4p.m.
Saturday – November 23, 2pm
Sunday – November 24, 2pm
Wednesday – November 27, 7pm
Saturday – November 30, 7pm
Sunday – December 1, 2pm
Sunday – December 1, 7pm
Thursday – December 5, 7pm
Friday – December 6, 7pm
Saturday – December 7, 2pm
Saturday – December 7, 7pm
Sunday – December 8, 2pm
Sunday – December 8, 7pm
Thursday – December 12, 7pm
Friday – December 13, 7pm
Saturday – December 14, 2pm
Saturday – December 14, 7pm
Sunday – December 15, 2pm
Sunday – December 15, 7pm
Wednesday – December 18, 7pm
Thursday – December 19, 7pm
Friday – December 20, 7pm
Saturday – December 21, 2pm
Saturday – December 21, 7pm

Pokemon at Live Oak Annex
2024-12-19 15:00 - 17:00 | Live Oak Annex, 979 17th St, Santa Cruz, 95062
Pokemon at Live Oak Annex
Thursdays 3-5pm, January 23 – May 8

Informal drop-in. Join us at Live Oak Annex to play pokemon.
Ages 6-11
Bring your decks and get ready to see who is the Poke Master!
No trades allowed unless parents are present.
For more information please call 831-427-7713

Super Tots Winter Sports Ages 3 to 5 Ben Lomond
2024-12-19 15:00 - 15:45 | Highlands Park Senior & Community Center, 8500 CA-9, Ben Lomond, CA, 95005, United States
Super Tots Winter Sports Ages 3 to 5 Ben Lomond

Wednesdays 4-4:45pm, Session Start Days: Dec 4, Jan 8, Feb 5, Mar 5, April 2
Thursdays 3-3:45pm, Session Start Days:

Join us for fun and active Super Winter Tots sports!

The Santa Cruz County Parks Department is excited to offer our indoor Super Tots winter sports programs for children ages 3-5! Each month, we focus on a different sport, helping your little ones develop skills, stay active and have fun. Please see program details by location below.

Winter Sports Schedule: Highlands County Park, Highlands House, 8500 CA-9, Ben Lomond
Thursdays, 3 – 3:45pm

• Dance: December 5 – December 19
• Flip Class: January 9 – January 30
• Yoga: February 6 – February 27
• Skills & Exercise: March 6 – March 27
• Basketball: April 3 – May 1

Winter Sports Schedule: Simpkins Family Swim Center, A and B Community Salon, 979 17th Ave., Santa Cruz
Wednesday, 4 – 4:45pm

• Dodgeball: December 4 – December 18
• Yoga: January 8 – January 29
• Basketball: February 5 – February 26
• Flip Class: March 5 – March 26
• Skills and drills: April 2 – April 30

Registration information: Spaces are limited so be sure to sign up early! For more details or to register, please visit our website at SCPARKS.COM
or call us at (831) 454-7901

Phone: (831) 454-7901 (General); (831) 454-7941 (Registrations), Monday – Friday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, except holidays

Email: parksinfo@parks.santacruzcountyca.gov (General); rec@parks.santacruzcountyca.gov (Registrations)

Toy Trains 2024
2024-12-19 12:00 - 18:00 | Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History, 705 Front St, SantaCruz, CA, 95060, United States
Toy Trains 2024
Thursday, December 19-22 and 26-29, 12 – 6pm

Get whisked away into the whimsical world of Toy Trains and enjoy the 17th year of 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.

Toy Train Dates & Times

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

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.
Suggested Admission Prices
$10 General Admission
$8 Students / Teachers / Veterans
FREE for members and children under 5.

Adopt a Bunny
2024-12-19 11:30 - 15:00 | Pet Pals, 3660 Soquel Drive, Soquel, CA, 95073
Adopt a Bunny
Sunday, December 22, 11:30am
Bunnies coming to town- Adopt- add another sweet family member to your heart & home-The Rabbit Haven is holding a big rabbit adoption event this Sunday, inside of Pet Pals. We will have 18 pens of beautiful rabbits all looking for adoptive homes. We have all sizes, ages and colors – To view our rabbits go to www.therabbithaven.org then click rabbit adoptions. Make a list- than call me for your application and to make your appt for Sunday! call 831 239-7119
Helpful Haven staff and available to assist you in learning all about rabbit care, housing, social and medical needs. Join us and the rabbits this Sunday.
Our adoptions come with a Free first Vet exam, Free nail trim, Full education packet, Free discount coupons and an awesome bunny to add to your family.
We open at 11:30 AM and our last apt starts at 3:00PM – Please call us to make your personal appointment to visit the rabbit of your dreams!
Call right away to reserve your apt. 831 239-7119. A If you prefer, emails : Director@therabnbithavne.org AND emilyp.rabbithaven@gmail.com
We look forward to meeting you!

Valley Churches United Holiday Gift Shop 2024
2024-12-19 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-12-18 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-12-17 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-12-16 10:00 - 16:00 | Valley Churches United, 9400 HWY 9, Ben Lomond, CA, 95005, United States
Valley Churches United Holiday Gift Shop 2024
Monday-Saturday, 11am – 4m, November & December

The Annual Holiday Gift Shop at Valley Churches United in Ben Lomond is open.
Amazingly talented volunteers have created an exquisite display, making this year’s gift shop an exceptional holiday shopping experience.
New toys, vintage items, Christmas decorations, puzzles, household items, and much more can be found at very reasonable prices and are put out daily.
All proceeds from the gift shop support Valley Churches United’s nonprofit year-round food pantry.
The Gift Shop is located in the heart of Ben Lomond at 9400 Highway 9. For more information, call 831-336-8258.
If you’re needing some beautiful things for Thanksgiving still – now’s the time before our Thanksgiving table gives way to all Christmas!

Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train & New Year’s Train
2024-12-19, 2024-12-18, 2024-12-17, 2024-12-16 | Beach Boardwalk, CA, United States
Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train & New Year’s Train
November 29-30 & December 7-8, 14-23, AND 26-31, 2024
Operated by Roaring Camp Railroads
Will-Call/Ticketing at the Boardwalk’s Party Room, located to the left of the Main Entrance
Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through Santa Cruz streets. Passengers lend their voices to holiday carols and sip spiced cider while Santa visits with the little ones and the young at heart!
Book Tickets

Super Tots Winter Sports Ages 3 to 5 Simpkins
2024-12-18 16:00 - 16:45 | Simpkins Family Swim Center, 979 17th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Super Tots Winter Sports Ages 3 to 5
Simpkins, Wednesdays 4-4:45pm, Session Start Days: Dec 4, Jan 8, Feb 5, Mar 5, April 2
Ben Lomond, Thursdays 3-3:45pm, Session Start Days:Dec 5, Jan 9, Feb 6, Mar 6, April 3
Join us for fun and active Super Winter Tots sports!

The Santa Cruz County Parks Department is excited to offer our indoor Super Tots winter sports programs for children ages 3-5! Each month, we focus on a different sport, helping your little ones develop skills, stay active and have fun. Please see program details by location below.
Winter Sports Schedule: Simpkins Family Swim Center, A and B Community Salon, 979 17th Ave., Santa Cruz
Wednesdays, 4 – 4:45pm
• Dodgeball: December 4 – December 18
• Yoga: January 8 – January 29
• Basketball: February 5 – February 26
• Flip Class: March 5 – March 26
• Skills and drills: April 2 – April 30

Winter Sports Schedule: Highlands County Park, Highlands House, 8500 CA-9, Ben Lomond
Thursdays, 3 – 3:45pm

• Dance: December 5 – December 19
• Flip Class: January 9 – January 30
• Yoga: February 6 – February 27
• Skills & Exercise: March 6 – March 27

• Basketball: April 3 – May 1
Registration information: Spaces are limited so be sure to sign up early! For more details or to register, please visit our website at SCPARKS.COM or call us at (831) 454-7901

Phone: (831) 454-7901 (General); (831) 454-7941 (Registrations), Monday – Friday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, except holidays

Email: parksinfo@parks.santacruzcountyca.gov (General); rec@parks.santacruzcountyca.gov (Registrations)

Downtown Farmers Market 2022
2024-12-18 13:00 - 17:00 | Downtown Farmers Market, Cedar St & Lincoln St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Downtown Farmers Market
Wednesdays, May – Oct 1 – 6pm; Nov – April 1 – 5pm
The Downtown Santa Cruz Market runs year-round on Wednesdays, 1-6pm May through October and 1-5pm November through April. Our largest and oldest market, it is situated in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz, one block off of Pacific Avenue. Established in 1990, many of the farms that sell here were and remain pillars of the organic and ecological farming movement. This is the place to eat with the seasons! The variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, pastured meats and other products is swoon worthy.
The Downtown Market also spotlights a large variety of up-and-coming, unique cultural food businesses. This weekly spot may serve up the most diverse selection of ethnic foods in the county including momo, naan and curry, Japanese fermented misos, Eritrean dishes, crepes, El Salvadorean pupusas, traditional Italian cookies, fish and chips and long-ferment fresh breads. Shopping at the Wednesday market is a wonderful way to support regional responsible farms and small local businesses. Fill your grocery bags! Then sit down for a delightful meal and rest your weary arms.

Story Time and Stay and Play
2024-12-18 11:00 - 12:00 | Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Story Time and Stay and Play
Wednesdays, 11am-12pm, September 10 – December

Join us for Story Time featuring songs, rhymes, and stories designed to help preschoolers develop early literacy skills.
This program is designed for children ages three to five and their caregivers, but all ages are welcome!
After Story Time, stay for Stay & Play to reinforce early literacy skills through play and create connections with other families.
Join us for Story Time at 11:00 and Stay & Play at 11:30.

Postpartum Support Group
2024-12-16 16:30 - 19:30 | Virtual, CA, United States
Postpartum Support International

NEW SUPPORT GROUP!

Postpartum Psychosis (PPP) is rare. It occurs in approximately 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 deliveries. After a PPP survivor’s symptoms have been stabilized, peer support can be an important tool for recovery. Because PPP occurs less often than other perinatal mood disorders, survivors can go their whole lives without meeting another PPP survivor. In response, PSI has created an online peer-to-peer support group for PPP survivors. This group is intended for those who are in recovery (no longer experiencing psychosis). Whether your PPP experience was relatively recent or years ago, you are welcome to attend our free, online peer-to-peer support group.

Register here: https://www.postpartum.net/…/psi-online-support-meetings/
Full Meeting Schedule

Grupo Triple P: Para familias con niños 2-12 años
2024-12-16 16:00 - 18:00 | Live Oak Community Resources, 1740 17th Ave, Santa Cruz (Live Oak), CA, 95062, United States
Grupo Triple P: Para familias con niños 2-12 años
Cada lunes, del 22 de enero al 18 de marzo, 2024 • 4 – 6 pm
(Excepto el 19 de febrero)
Inscríbase para reservar su lugar y obtener el cuidado de sus niños GRATIS: https://bit.ly/Grupo-Ene2024
Asista por 8 semanas a este grupo GRATIS de Triple P para conocer a otras familias y aprender estrategias sencillas que le ayudarán a:
• Fortalecer las relaciones en su familia
• Fomentar comportamientos positivos
• Enseñarle a su niño habilidades y comportamientos nuevos
• Manejar las conductas disruptivas o problemáticas con mayor confianza
• Cuidar de sí mismo como padre
Lugar: Live Oak Recursos Comunitarios, Sala de Reunión, 1740 17th Ave, Santa Cruz
Las inscripciones son limitadas y se cerrarán después de la segunda clase.
Los participantes que asistan a todas las clases recibirán un Certificado de Finalización.
Este grupo Triple P es gratis y está abierto a todas las familias con niños de 2 – 12 años del condado de Santa Cruz.
¿Tiene preguntas? Comuníquese con Juanita Rodriguez al (831) 476-7284 Ext. 102 o juanitar@cbridges.org

Tales to Tails Garfield Park
2024-12-16 15:30 - 16:30 | Garfield Park Library, 705 Woodrow Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Tales to Tails Garfield Park
Mondays 3:30-4:30pm, September 16 through December 30
Tales to Tails is a literacy program designed to help children improve their reading skills by reading to certified therapy dogs. Trained therapy dogs will be available Mondays at the Garfield Park Library to be attentive reading partners for children reading aloud.
Child must be 6-17 years old, and already reading to some degree. Our volunteer handlers are there to provide support but are not trained reading instructors.
Appointments are required; please contact 831-427-7704 to make yours now.
We and our furry friends look forward to seeing you there!

Quilting with Friends
2024-12-16 11:00 - 15:00 | Boulder Creek Library, 13390 W Park Ave, Boulder Creek, CA, United States
Quilting with Friends

Mondays 11am-3pm, September 16, 2024 – May 5, 2025
Join us at the Boulder Creek Library for Quilting with Friends every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month (subject to holiday closures). All levels of quilting expertise are welcome, from accomplished quilters to those new to the craft. Participants bring their own supplies to work on individual projects, share knowledge and create community. Registration is not required.

Sutter Maternity Postpartum Wellness Group
2024-12-16 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual, CA, United States
Sutter Maternity Postpartum Wellness Group
Sutter Maternity Postpartum Wellness Group Mondays 10:00-11:30am
Call 831-477-2229 for log-in
Santa Cruz County Moms only
Pregnancy and childbirth usher in new responsibilities and profound emotions that can be both exciting and challenging. Sutter care centers have local support groups to help you and other soon-to-be or new parents reduce stress and adjust to life with baby.

Pregnancy and Parenting Support Groups
Our support groups help parents navigate newborn care, post-partum wellness, sibling issues and partner relationship changes that can occur after baby arrives.
We also offer support groups for parents with babies in palliative care as well as those who have experienced miscarriage. These groups offer a compassionate environment for parents to receive and provide emotional support.
Our new parent groups are often tailored to parents of newborns ages three weeks to four months and four months and older. Check out our complete offering of support groups to find one near you.

Miracle on 34th Street, The Play
2024-12-15 19:30, 2024-12-15 14:00 | Mountain Community Theater, 9400 Mill St, Ben Lomand, CA, 95005, United States
Miracle on 34th Street, The Play
Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30pm, and Sundays at 2pm, November 22 – December 15
Adapted by Mountain Community Theater from the novel by Valentine Davies. Based upon the Twentieth Century Fox motion picture Miracle on 34th Street.
Mountain Community Theater welcomes in the holiday season with their very own, Miracle on 34th Street, the Play, adapted by Mountain Community Theater from the novel by Valentine Davies, based upon the Twentieth Century Fox motion picture Miracle on 34th Street. Directed by Daria E. Troxell, this heartwarming production will remind you of the magic of Christmas and the spirit of the season.
The production takes place at Ben Lomond’s historic Park Hall, 9400 Mill Street.
Set in modern-day New York City, Miracle on 34th Street, the Play is a heartwarming, holiday classic that follows the journey of Kris Kringle, an old man released from a retirement home, who gets a job working as Santa Claus for Macy’s holiday season. Kris unleashes waves of goodwill with Macy’s customers and the commercial world of New York City. When Kringle surprises customers and employees alike by claiming that he really is Santa Claus, it leads to a court case to determine the validity of his claim and, more importantly, his authenticity. At stake is one little girl’s belief in Santa and her mother’s willingness to take another shot at love.
Tickets: https://mctshows.org/buy-tickets/

See The Grinch with Santa
2024-12-15 16:30 | Cocoanut Grove, Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
See The Grinch with Santa
Sunday, December 15, 4:30pm
4:30: Doors Open, Cookie Decorating
5:00: Storytime with Santa
5:30: “The Grinch” Movie
Double love. Love entirely. Enjoy festive cookie decorating and a special screening of the holiday movie, The Grinch (2018).

Snacks available for purchase.

Adult beverages available for purchase. Must be 21+.

Banquet chair seating. Fun inflatable chairs available on a first-come first-served basis.

Each attendee will also receive a fun holiday headband!

Holiday Pajamas are encouraged!

$18 Entry Fee

Price includes tax and $2 service fee.
Lap children 18 months and under are free.
Sales available online through 12/15/24 OR until full!

Space is limited—get your tickets by visiting bit.ly/Movie-with-Santa-s

Winterdance Celtic Christmas Celebration
2024-12-15 15:00 | Calvary Episcopal Church, 532 Center St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
Winterdance Celtic Christmas Celebration
Sunday, December 15, 3 pm

The 18th Annual Winterdance Celtic Christmas Celebration warms the Yuletide season with Tyler Weed, John Weed, Paul Kotapish, Amelia Hogan, and Irish dancer Marisa Gilman.
For the first time this year, we are pleased to present the Joyous Winterdance at Calvary Episcopal, 532 Center Street, Santa Cruz. This is a Sunday matinee performance. Please see additional listings for shows at St. Mary’s By-The-Sea, Pacific Grove. Please make your ticket choice carefully and make sure you are purchasing for the venue you want. Tickets are a great gift for the whole family. Get in the spirit of the season and come join us for this holiday tradition!The 18th Annual Winterdance Celtic Christmas Celebration will once again crisscross the Golden State for the Yuletide season. Over the years, previous iterations of the show have highlighted Scottish bagpipes and Swedish polskas, but this year the show will spotlight the mandolin and banjo skills of young prodigy Tyler Weed. The band will include his father John Weed on fiddle, Paul Kotapish on guitar and vocals, Amelia Hogan on vocals and bodhran, and Marisa Gilman, who will soar like an angel with her Irish dance. This will be a fun and lively evening full of holiday music and youthful energy led by veterans of the west coast Celtic music scene.

Tickets: https://www.celticsociety.org

Enjoy The 18th Annual Winterdance Celtic Christmas Celebration warms the Yuletide season lively performance of holiday music and youthful energy led by veterans of the west coast Celtic music scene.

In Person Art Time for People with Disabilities
2024-12-15 14:00 - 16:00 | Claraty Arts, 1725 Seabright Avenue, Suite C, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
In Person Art Time for People with Disabilities
Sundays 2 – 4pm
Join our in person art class for people with disabilities at Claraty Arts Center in Santa Cruz. Adaptive art projects and space to work outside or inside and to share time with your family and work on a creative art project. It’s for the whole family – all are welcomed! This will be a great relaxing creative time adaptive to all needs, come out and express yourself! Caregiver must stay and help the participant – this is not a drop off!
Drop ins Welcomed!
$10 cash donation appreciated for art supplies

1725 Seabright Avenue, Suite C., Santa Cruz, CA

Click here to reserve your seat at art class

Bitterroot, A Classic Story of Love, Revenge and Forgiveness
2024-12-15 14:00 | Renegade Theater, 303 Potrero St. Ste 7A, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Bitterroot, A Classic Story of Love, Revenge and Forgiveness
Thursday December 12, 7pm; Friday December 13, 7pm; Saturday December 14, 2pm & 7pm; Sunday December 1, 2pm
Magic, mayhem, and madness unfold in this classic story of love, revenge, and forgiveness. Based on The Tempest by William Shakespeare, Bitterroot is a modern adaptation set in the American West. Prospero and his daughter Miranda have been stranded in the Montana wilderness for twelve years.
When fate brings Prospero’s evil brother to Montana, Prospero must decide whether to exact his revenge or forgive his enemies. But can Prospero accept that his daughter wants to marry the son of an enemy? And can he forgive himself for the way he treated his servants Caliban and Ariel?
Ultimately, it’s up to the audience to decide Prospero’s fate in this highly theatrical adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic.

READ program with Ziggy the mini
2024-12-15 13:00 - 15:00 | A ranch in Watsonville
READ program with Ziggy the mini
One hour Sessions, 1pm and 2pm, on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, beginning November 30 and December 1

READ program (Reading Equine Art Duo) with Ziggy the mini was designed to strengthen reading skills in a fun, creative way. Students experience nature, art, and animals in a relaxed, calming environment.
From this, Lisa (a Reading Specialist with 25+ years of experience) works with students to build and develop strong reading skills such as: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension.
Since reading is a gateway to accessing information, students will likely improve in all subject areas.
In addition, their self esteem will begin to soar as they gain confidence with each reading session.
Lastly, Ziggy’s adorable, gentleness is just too cute for words. Students will fall in love with him at first sight. So, come join the fun and learn is a holistic way with Ziggy and Lisa 🙂

Where: READ program is currently hosted at a ranch in Watsonville. Also we will be visiting libraries, schools, hospitals, and nursing homes soon! Ziggy Stardust is our dwarf miniature horse and he loves reading with all age levels.
Lisa is also available to visit your horse(s) and READ with them! This social/mental stimulation provides an overall sense of well-being. They love it; see video How tab for evidence. 😉

When: For availability, more information and directions, text Lisa at (831) 227-9847
