Santa Cruz Parent

Sparky’s Holiday Lights at the Fairgrounds
2025-11-28 17:30 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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!

Friday Pet Food Pantry
2025-11-28 15:00 - 17:00 | SPCA, CA, United States
Friday Pet Food Pantry
Fridays 2-5pm
Just a friendly reminder that our Pet Food Pantry is still happening every Friday from 3-5pm!
Donate anytime!

Lego Brick Builder Fridays
2025-11-28 15:00 - 16:30 | Santa Cruz Childrens Museum of Discovery – MOD, 1855 41st Ave, suite C-10, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Lego Brick Builder Fridays
Fridays, 3-4pm
Calling All Master Builders!
Get ready to unleash your creativity and engineering skills at the Children’s Museum of Discovery’s LEGO Challenge Build Event! This exciting event is perfect for LEGO fans of all ages.
Here’s what you can expect:

A Fun Challenge: We’ll have a special build theme announced on the day of the event. It could be anything from building the tallest tower to creating the most fantastical creature!
A Sea of Bricks: We’ll provide a massive collection of LEGO bricks to fuel your imagination.
Building Buddies: Work together with other LEGO enthusiasts to create something truly amazing.
Show Off Your Skills: Once the time is up, all creations will be displayed for everyone to admire.

Mod is open: Monday and Wednesday – Saturday, 10am-5pm
Daily Tickets:

All non-member adults & children: $10​1/2-price grandparents/senior on Wednesdays: $5
Museums for All (with EBT card): $3
Children under 1: Free
All members: Free
We offer annual memberships, monthly memberships, and 10-pass punch cards.
Click here to become a member
Call 831-316-5200 to inquire about our new punchcard.

Ice Skating by the Bay
2025-11-28 11:00 - 22:00, 2025-11-27 11:00 - 22:00, 2025-11-26 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

Santa Cruz SPCA Home for the Holiday
2025-11-28 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-11-27 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-11-26 11:00 - 17:00 | Santa Cruz SPCA, 2601 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz (Live Oak), Santa Cruz, CA, 95065, United States
Santa Cruz SPCA Home for the Holiday
Through January 3: Tuesday-Sunday 11am-5pm
The Santa Cruz SPCA’s Home for the Holidays event starts TODAY — and our adoptable animals are ready!! Like, brushed-their-fur-and-everything ready.
From NOW through Jan 3, you can meet your future snuggle buddy AND enjoy waived adoption fees for the following animal categories:

Big dogs (40+lbs)
Adult cats (6mos+)
Adult dogs/cats who’ve waited 30+ days for a home!

Come meet your new bestie. They’re cute. They’re available. 10/10 would recommend.

Bring Your Own Book (BYOB)
2025-11-28 11:00 - 12:30 | Aptos Public Library, 7695 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA, 95003, United States
Bring Your Own Book (BYOB)
3rd Fridays, 11am – 12:30pm, March 15 – December 20
Join us at the Aptos Branch Library for an engaging and dynamic book group experience: Bring Your Own Book (BYOB).
This innovative program encourages participants to bring along a book of their choice and share their thoughts, insights, and perspectives with fellow readers. Whether you’re passionate about fiction, non-fiction, classics, or contemporary literature, BYOB Book Group welcomes all genres and interests.
https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/12055882
How It Works:

Choose Your Book: Select a book that you’ve recently read or have been wanting to discuss. It could be a novel, biography, memoir, poetry collection, or any other genre that interests you.
Bring Your Book: Arrive at the library with your chosen book in hand. Make sure it’s one you’re eager to share and discuss with others.
Engage in Discussion: Once everyone has gathered, participants will take turns sharing their thoughts on their chosen books. This could include favorite passages, character analysis, thematic elements, personal connections, and more.
Respectful Exchange: Engage in respectful and open-minded discussions with fellow participants. Share your perspectives while also listening attentively to others’ viewpoints. This is a space for lively literary dialogue and exchange of ideas.
Discover New Reads: Explore a diverse range of books and genres through the recommendations and discussions of fellow participants. You might just find your next favorite read!

Whether you’re a voracious reader or just starting to delve into the world of books, Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Book Group offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for lively literary discussions and discovery. Join us at the library and let’s celebrate the joy of reading together!

Little Discoverer Fridays
2025-11-28 10:30 - 11:00 | Santa Cruz Childrens Museum of Discovery – MOD, 1855 41st Ave, suite C-10, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Little Discoverer Infant/Toddler Fridays

Fridays 10:30-11am

Make Fridays memorable with the Museum of Discovery’s Infant Toddler Class—a fantastic blend of play, exploration, and social experiences. Located in the party room programming changes weekly offering magical experiences for you and your child.

Free with daily admission and no pre-registration required
Ages 0-3 years
Join us and experience:

Sensory Extravaganza: Dive into a world of textures, colors, and sounds as your little explorer engages in sensory-rich activities tailored to their developmental stage.
Musical Moments: Let the rhythm take over! Our interactive musical sessions will have your tots tapping their tiny toes and exploring the joy of sound.
Parent-Child Bonding: Forge connections with fellow caregivers while your little ones build social skills through play and shared exploration.

_____________________

Mod is open: Monday and Wednesday – Saturday, 10am-5pm
Daily Tickets:

All non-member adults & children: $10, half-price grandparents/senior on Wednesdays: $5
Museums for All (with EBT card): $3
Children under 1: Free
All members: Free
We offer annual memberships, monthly memberships, and 10-pass punch cards.
Click here to become a member
Call 831-316-5200 to inquire about our new punchcard.

HOLIDAY POP-UP
2025-11-28 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!

Elkhorn Slough Free Weekend Tours
2025-11-28 10:00 | Elkhorn Slough, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville, CA, 95003, United States
Elkhorn Slough Free Tour of the Preserve
Every Saturday AND Sunday, 10 am and 11 am

Guided hikes with naturalists are offered at 10am and 11am every Saturday and Sunday on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up for tours at the Visitor Center front desk. If you have questions, call (831) 728-2822.

Parent Nest A Guided Play and Connection Series
2025-11-28 10:00 | Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery MOD, 1855 41st Ave #10, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Parent Nest A Guided Play and Connection Series
Fridays 10am, August 1 – November 21
Session 1 August 8, 15, 22, 29th
Session 2 September 5, 12, 19, 26
Session 3 October 3, 10, 17, 24th
Session 4 October 31st, November 7, 14, 21st
Fall cohorts now enrolling… Parenting is better together!
If those early parenting days feel like a mix of wonder and worry, you’re not alone. Between those middle-of-the-night feeds and milestone questions, it’s natural to feel both overwhelmed and amazed—sometimes in the same moment. While you’re marveling at your little one’s daily discoveries, you might also be wondering if you’re doing enough, or wishing for a community that truly gets what this journey is like. That’s exactly why we created The Parent Nest: A guided play & connection series

Created specifically for infants and toddlers (from sitting age to 18 months), this four-week series takes place in the serene morning hours before the museum opens. In this distraction-free setting, your little explorer can safely investigate their world while you connect with other parents who understand exactly what this stage of life is like.
Each 45-minute session nurtures your child’s natural development through research-backed activities that:

Build Neural Pathways Through Movement: As babies roll, crawl, and reach, they’re not just exercising—they’re forming crucial brain connections that support physical coordination and spatial awareness.

Develop Pre-Language Skills: Our musical activities introduce rhythm, repetition, and simple signs, laying the groundwork for communication long before first words appear.

Enhance Sensory Processing: From our “Building Beginnings” exploration to “Splish Splash Discovery” play, each tactile experience helps your little one understand their world through touch, sight, sound, and movement.

Foster Social-Emotional Growth: Through guided interactions, babies learn early social cues while parents discover ways to support emotional development during daily routines.

Join us for a four-week play-based program designed to support your baby’s development while building connection with other caregivers.

Find your community of support: Early Development Classes in a Museum Setting

Free for members!
Free Children Under 12 Months
$35 – Non-members per session (We will email you a link to pay)
Thank you to Musical Me for sponsoring our program.

Future-Ready Innovators: Free 2-Hour Intro Workshop
2025-11-27 16:00 - 2025-11-29 18:00 | NextSpace Coworking Santa Cruz (Opp Abbott Square), 101 Cooper St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, Philippines
Future-Ready Innovators: Free 2-Hour Intro Workshop
Thursdays 4-6pm, starting September 4
Watch your child’s creative ideas come to life with 3D printing!
Join our 3D Entrepreneurs Club for a fun and engaging free 2-hour intro workshop designed for kids ages 8–12. In this 2-hour session, kids will explore creativity, confidence, and community while learning the basics of 3D design and printing.
👉 Limited free spots available
👉 Join in-person or online
👉 For kids ages 8–12
📅 Reserve your spot today at: www.3de.club/workshop

R.E.A.D. Reach Every Amazing Detail
2025-11-27 15:00 | Aptos Library, 7695 Soquel Dr,, Aptos, CA, 95003
R.E.A.D. Reach Every Amazing Detail
Thursdays 3-5pm
R.E.A.D. is one-on-one reading comprehension instruction for readers 2nd through 12th grade. Instructors are California credentialed teachers.
Thursdays from 3:00p to 5:00p at Downtown, Aptos, Felton & Live Oak Libraries. Sessions are 25 minutes long. By appointment only.
For more information or to register, contact SCPL Telephone Information: 831-427-7713 or elibrary@santacruzpl.org

Mah Jongg Club - Hong Kong Style
2025-11-27 14:00 - 16:00 | Aptos Library, 7695 Soquel Dr,, Aptos, CA, 95003
Mah Jongg Club – Hong Kong Style

Thursdays, 2 – 4pm, through December 18
Welcome players of all levels – the experienced and the newly curious!
Connect with fellow Mahjong enthusiasts and build a supportive community. Share experiences, exchange tips, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow learners.
I host a Beginner’s Learning Table EVERY week, instructing in Hong Kong Style. I will take you through the basics of the tiles and setup, followed by a game with tiles face up as we put what we’ve learned into practice. You can stay at the Beginner’s table for as long as you need. Alternatively, we have an additional instructor in Chinese Mah Jongg with British rules if you find you prefer that style instead.
We have tile sets to choose from or you may bring your own.
All are welcome to play, however please be mindful and respectful that there are at least 40 known variants of this game. If you would like to play American or Traditional Chinese, or other variants, you are welcome to do so, but you may need to be patient and instruct folks on how to play your way. Sometimes modifications will be needed, at the beginning of each game ask the table what rules to play by and be courteous and kind to one another.

Thanksgiving Community Dinner 2025
2025-11-27 11:00 - 15:00 | Veterans Memorial Building, 840 Front St., Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Thanksgiving Community Dinner 2025
Thursday, November 27, 11am – 3pm

Please join us for a day of Thanksgiving community as we eat, share stories and celebrate the holiday spirit.
Let’s enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal with turkey, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes & gravy, salad, vegetarian options & pie.
The holidays are a joyous time for our community, but as we celebrate the fellowship and good cheer of the season, we must not forget those who face the challenges of being homeless or reduced economic circumstances throughout the year. For more than 31 years, the Veterans in Santa Cruz have provided a hot, delicious Thanksgiving Dinner with all the trimmings to hundreds of our friends and neighbors in need. This year, Veterans for Peace, the Veterans Memorial Building Board of Trustees and Friends of Thanksgiving are hosting the Veterans Community Thanksgiving Dinner, prepared by local chefs, with decorations by the Girl Scouts and live entertainment by local musicians. We are asking our community to help make this a special event by donating some time or money to support the meal.
Your generous donations will help turn a time of want and need into a celebration of joy and generosity. It’s free to attend. Donations are appreciated. Please consider donating food, money & holiday decorations.
Happy Holidays and Thank You from the Vets and the Friends of Thanksgiving!
For more information call: (831) 466-6078, Email: vetshalldinner@gmail.com

Where your California State Library Parks Pass Will Take You
2025-11-27 | Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Where your California State Library Parks Pass Will Take You

Where will your California State Library Parks Pass take you?

With access to over 200 participating #CAStateParks, the hardest part is choosing where to go first!

Will it be a coastal escape? A serene redwood forest? A scenic desert landscape?

How to get your pass: Visit your local library and check out a free vehicle day-use pass.

You can find your library and eligible parks here: parks.ca.gov/LibraryPass.

Santa Cruz Shakespeare's A Christmas Carol 7pm Shows
2025-11-26 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

Reading in the Redwoods Book Club
2025-11-26 18:00 | Virtual, CA, United States
Reading in the Redwoods
4th Wednesday, 6 – 7:30pm
Felton – Virtual Book Discussion
The book for June is The Red Tent, by Anita Diamant. The Red Tent is a reimagining of the story of Dinah, the only daughter of Jacob, the man who, according to the Bible wrestled an angel and won the name ‘Israel’ and whose 12 sons became the 12 tribes of Israel.
Reading in the Redwoods book group meets monthly on the 4th Wednesday at 6:00 pm. Registration is required to get the Zoom invite.
Registration is required. There are 8 seats available. https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/8993008
6121 Gushee Street

R.E.A.D. Reach Every Amazing Detail Capitola
2025-11-26 15:00 - 17:00 | Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
R.E.A.D. Reach Every Amazing Detail
Wednesdays 3 – 5pm through June 6
R.E.A.D. is one-on-one reading comprehension instruction for readers 2nd through 12th grade. Instructors are California credentialed teachers.
Wednesdays from 3:00p to 5:00p at Capitola and La Selva Beach Libraries. Sessions are 25 minutes long. By appointment only.
For more information or to register, contact SCPL Telephone Information: 831-427-7713 or elibrary@santacruzpl.org

Tales 2 Tails Scotts Valley
2025-11-26 15:00 - 16:00 | Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley, CA, 95066, United States
Tales 2 Tails Scotts Valley
4th Wednesdays 3 – 4pm, March 26 -May 28
Tales to Tails is a literacy program designed to help children improve their reading skills by providing them the opportunity to read to certified therapy dogs. Programs like Tales to Tails have been implemented nationally in both libraries and schools and have proven to be extremely effective in increasing the self-confidence and reading abilities of the participants.
Ages 6 – 11
Call 831-427-7713 to make a 20-minute appointment at the Scotts Valley branch at either 3pm, 3:20pm or 3:40pm on the fourth Wednesday of every month. We and our furry friends look forward to seeing you there!
Other Library Branches Offering Tales 2 Tails – https://loom.ly/SkbcHxE

Downtown Farmers Market 2022
2025-11-26 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.

Storytime with Ivy
2025-11-26 11:00 - 11:15 | Bookshop Santa Cruz, 1520 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Storytime with Ivy

Last Wednesday of the Month 11-11:15am

Join Ivy, our children’s book buyer, at 11:00 am on the last Wednesday of the month for a storytime presentation of some of her favorite picture books! Meet in the kids’ section.

Kids Event

Community Crafters Felton
2025-11-26 10:30 - 14:30 | Felton Library, 6121 Gushee Street, Felton, CA, 95018, United States
Community Crafters Boulder Creek and/or Felton
Boulder Creek Library: Saturdays 10am – 12pm
Felton Library: 4th Wednesday 10:30am-2:30pm

Come join amazing teachers from the community to learn a new craft or art process, and have a space dedicated to work on projects with others every week. We plan to learn a new craft or art process once a month with the weeks in between being open “studio” time. Come be part of this new community at the Boulder Creek library! Materials will be provided for craft being taught, or bring what you want to work on!
The Community Crafters are a diverse group of makers who love to share knowledge.
Knit, quilt, weave, spin, make jewelry, embroider, mend and so much more.
All crafters are welcome! We hope you will join us in creating community and beautiful things!
Now at the Felton Branch Library as well as Boulder Creek!

La Selva Beach Book Discussion Group
2025-11-26 10:30 - 12:00 | La Selva Beach Library, 316 Estrella Avenue, La Selva Beach, CA, 95076, United States
La Selva Beach Book Discussion Group

2nd Thursdays, 10:30an – 12pm
The LSB Adult Book Discussion group meets on the second Thursday of the month from 10:30a to 12:00p. The group will meet virtually via Zoom during the remodel. All adults are welcome.
Registration required: https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/7587480

Community Crafters Boulder Creek
2025-11-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Boulder Creek Library, 13390 W Park Ave, Boulder Creek, CA, United States

5 Week 3D Entrepreneurs Club – Toy Design with 3D Printing Workshop (Ages 8–12) Tues Sept. 2-30
2025-11-25 16:00 - 18:00 | Londen Nelson Community Center, 301 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
5 Week 3D Entrepreneurs Club – Toy Design with 3D Printing Workshop (Ages 8–12)
Tuesdays, 4–6pm September 2 – 30
A 5-week hands-on program where kids ages 8–12 team up to design their own toy or product—and discover how the 3DE Club helps young innovators build early entrepreneurial and leadership skills through 3D modeling and 3D printing technology.
Thanks so much for helping us spread the word!

Family Seasonal Crafts Downtown Library
2025-11-25 15:30 - 17:00 | Downtown Library, 224 Church St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Family Seasonal Crafts Downtown Library
Tuesday, November 25, 3:30 – 5:00pm

Fun, seasonal and interesting projects!

Come and make a circuit turkey and colorful beaded corn and pumpkin decorations. All supplies will be provided. Drop in, no registration needed.
This program is for kids ages 5 and up and their caregivers.
Coin cell batteries are involved in the circuit turkey project and adult supervision is required for all children under 8.
