Santa Cruz Parent

Santa Downtown Santa Cruz
2022-12-22 12:00 - 16:00, 2022-12-23 12:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa in Downtown Santa Cruz, 1122 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Santa Downtown Santa Cruz
Saturdays & Sundays in December

Santa is coming back to Santa Cruz and he can’t wait to visit with you and hear all about the adventures you’ve had this year. And of course, he wants to hear your Christmas wish list.
Stop by to say hello on Saturdays & Sundays in December. 1122 Pacific Avenue
1122 Pacific Avenue
Saturday, December 10, 12-4
Sunday, December 11, 12-4
Saturday, December 17, 12-4
Sunday, December 18, 12-4
Thursday, December 22, 12-4
Friday, December 23, 12-4

Boardwalk Winter Wonderland
2022-12-22 12:00 - 17:00, 2022-12-23 12:00 - 17:00 | Beach Boardwalk Cocoanut Grove, 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Boardwalk Winter Wonderland
Monday – Sunday: December 19 – Jan 1, 12 – 5pm
Get in the holiday spirit at the Boardwalk Winter Wonderland. Celebrate the season at the beach!

Activities Include

Selection of Boardwalk Rides, Games, and Arcades
Festive Holiday Decorations and Lights (Including a 3-story tall Christmas tree!)
Delicious Boardwalk Treats
Boardwalk Racers: Pedal Karts in the Main Plaza!
Fire Pit Rentals & Holiday S’Mores
Holiday Shopping
Winter Wonderland Package (includes MyBoardwalk Card, collectible ornament, and photo with Santa. Sales coming soon!)
Classic Holiday Movies (Rotated at Colonnade Stage 5-7pm)
And don’t forget the breathtaking beach view!

Hours 12pm – 5pm

Thursday – Sunday: November 24 – 27
Saturdays & Sundays: December 3 – 18
Monday – Sunday: December 19 – Jan 1

Special Dates

12/3 and 12/4 – Mini Nutcracker performances at Colonnade Stage
12/10 and 12/11 – School choir/band performances (3 schools each day at 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm.)

Toy Trains 2022
2022-12-22 12:00 - 18:00, 2022-12-23 12:00 - 18:00 | Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History, 705 Front St, SantaCruz, CA, 95060, United States
Toy Trains 2022

Dec 15 – 18 and 22 – 23: 12 – 6pm and Dec 24, 12 – 3pm

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 15: 12-6pm
• Friday, December 16: 12-6pm
• Saturday, December 17: 12-6pm
• Sunday, December 18: 12-6pm
• Thursday, December 22: 12-6pm
• Friday, December 23: 12-6pm
• Saturday, December 24: 12-3pm (closing early)
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.

Make and Explore at Felton Library
2022-12-22 15:00 - 17:00 | Felton Branch Library- New, 6121 Gushee St., Felton, CA, 95018, United States
Make and Explore at Felton Library
Thursdays 3 – 5pm through January 5, 2023
Make and explore STEAM possibilities at Felton Branch Library!
Every week we will have a new project idea for you to build or explore. Projects will include Science, Arts & Crafts, including model building, and exploration of the environment around us.
Best for children 6+. Children under 6 yrs old will need an adult present to help them. Expect to get messy! The program will take place in the Felton Library Community Room and / or patio.

Holiday Lights Train
2022-12-22 17:00 | Roaring Camp, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, 95018, United States
Holiday Lights Train

November 25-26, December 3-4, 12-13, 17-23

A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz at 5:00pm, 6:30, and 8:00 pm for a 60-minute round-trip excursion. Departure times added without notice. Click HERE to check for day/time availability.

Activities

Holiday Sing-Along
Live Music
Hot-Spiced Cider
Santa Visit

https://www.roaringcamp.com/events#585

Scotts Valley Holiday Lights Tour
2022-12-22 17:30, 2022-12-23 17:30 | Scotts Valley, Scotts Valley, CA, 95066, United States
Scotts Valley Holiday Lights Tour

December 2022

We invite you to drive or walk by these beautifully holiday decorated homes in Scotts Valley.

Hello everyone, late but worth the wait! The weather these past couple of weeks gave us a delay in putting this out including participation, but here it is! The following are homes that have either been sent to us by the property owners, by their neighbors or homes and neighborhoods that were just TOO GOOD to not have on here!

The link below takes you to a page where you can view the map easily and it also is interactive where you can track where you are, what is closest to you, and a list of homes in addition to the map.

There are some fun ones, hope you enjoy. And remember to always:

• Please do not walk on people’s property and always make sure you walk on sidewalks and never on people’s lawns and landscaping.
• Please do not ever touch any of the ornaments or decorations.
• Please do not ever interfere with anyone’s privacy.
• Please ALWAYS thank the residents if they happen to be present for putting together such a nice display for everyone to enjoy.
• Please DO have fun!

Get the map and info at: https://myscottsvalley.com/welcome-to-the-2022-holiday…/

Santa Cruz Nutcracker at Cabrillo Crocker Theater
2022-12-22 20:30 | Cabrillo Crocker Theatre, 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA, 95003, United States
Santa Cruz Nutcracker at Cabrillo Crocker Theater
Wednesday, December 21, 2:30pm and Thursday, December 22, 8:30pm
The full length Nutcracker Suite Ballet at the beautiful Crocker theater at Cabrillo College featuring professional dancers from Agape Dance Academy, splendid choreography and glorious costumes and set design. Perfectly close to Christmas for you to enjoy with your friends and family as you plan your holidays together!

Ice Skating by the Bay in Monterey
2022-12-23, 2022-12-24 | Custom House Plaza, 20 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Ice Skating by the Bay in Monterey

11/24/2023 – 12/31/2023
Located in the Custom House Plaza
behind the Portola Hotel & Spa

Celebrate the holidays amidst the scenic coastline at Ice Skating by the Bay’s seasonal ice skating rink located in Custom House Plaza behind Portola Hotel & Spa. Skaters can spend the day in a winter wonderland right by the Bay.
OPEN with the Following Schedule!
Monday – Saturday (with the exception of the below dates)
11:00am to 10:00pm
Sunday
12:00pm to 8:00pm, Including Holidays
Holidays include: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, New Years Day
ADJUSTED HOURS
December 4-7th & 11-14th (Monday – Thursday): 3:00pm to 10:00pm **Tuesday, December 5th Hours: 7-10pm
ADMISSION
Adults: $15 • Children 12 & under: $13 • Skate Rental Fee: $5
Season Pass: $225 for the entire season. (Skate rental not included)
Skate Sizes Include:
Toddler Size 9 through Mens 13 – Our Skates do run big, but all you have to do is give us your shoe size! If you are outside of these sizes, please let us know prior to purchasing tickets so you can try the skates on. Thank you!
We are excited to announce Special Events, Holiday and Birthday Parties will now have exclusive scheduling opportunities on a select eight days! We can’t wait to host your event!
10:00am to 12:00pm -OR- 12:30pm to 2:30pm **Select from one of the following or combine to make it a 4-hour party (10:00am-2:00pm)!**
Monday, December 4th & 11th
Tuesday, December 5th & 12th
Wednesday, December 6th & 13th<
Thursday, December 7th & 14th
Ice Skating by the Bay is located in the Custom House Plaza near Historic Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Parking is available at the Waterfront Parking Lot (Two Hours Free Parking for Locals Monday – Thursday – 939 ZIP Code only). Enter at the intersection of Del Monte Avenue and Washington Street, Monterey. Additional parking is available at the East and West Parking Garages located at Del Monte Avenue and Tyler Street, Monterey.
Exit on Del Monte Avenue. Stay in the left lane. Continue straight on Del Monte (do not exit through tunnel). Proceed until Tyler Street, turn left and enter either garage (one on left, the other on right).

Marini's Gingerbread House Classes
2022-12-23, 2022-12-24 | Marini’s Candies, 332 Ingalls St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Marini’s Gingerbread House Classes
Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday in December! Friday Class 5 – 7pm; Saturday & Sunday Class 5:30 – 7:30pm

There is still time to join us for our Gingerbread Classes!
$60 per person for a class
8 people in each class!

All classes MUST be booked and confirmed by Nick or Lisa (831-425-7341)

Marini’s Candies is now open daily on the Wharf. Please call 831-425-7341 for hours. We are also open on the Westside daily please call 831-423-0188 for hours.

Free Holiday Movies
2022-12-23, 2022-12-24 | Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Free Holiday Movies
December

It’s that time of year again! Get cozy, grab some hot chocolate, and settle in for a special holiday movie night!

Kanopy has expanded their collection of holiday movies, and they have something for everyone. All you need is your library card to stream dozens of holiday films for free!

To find Kanopy, go to our website santacruzpl.org, click on the Download/Stream tab, then click Movies/TV.

Happy holiday viewing!

Monterey Bay Festival of Birds
2022-12-23 08:00 - 20:00, 2022-12-24 08:00 - 20:00 | Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Monterey Bay Festival of Birds
Thursday – Saturday, October 13 – 15

The Monterey Bay Bird Festival is put on by the Bird School Project This is our second year hosting the festival and we are so excited to bring this birding event and celebration back to life for our local and worldwide community! We are forever grateful to the loyal attendees, field trip leaders, workshop presenters, keynote speakers, local businesses, government municipalities, local non-profit organizations, and an army of volunteers who have helped to put on the festival throughout the years.
Monterey Bay has a unique natural landscape and a diversity of birds. We want to continue to highlight the magnificence of our region and create a hub where people of all backgrounds feel included and eager to explore the magical world of birds. You can look forward to interactive workshops and field trip options throughout the many communities of Monterey Bay. This festival will be full of fun community connections, food, music, and a keynote speaker.

Check out this amazing schedule: https://www.birdschoolproject.org/3day-festival-schedule

King Tides Walk Natural Bridges
2022-12-23 08:30 - 17:00 | Beaches, Santa Cruz County, CA, United States
King Tides Walk Natural Bridges
December 23 & 24

Something special is happening on December 23 and 24 this year: the King Tides arrive! These highest of high and lowest of low tides only happen twice a year. View the edge of the ocean on your own at 8:30 am to see the high tide and then join us on either day at 2 pm at the Natural Bridges State Beach Visitor Center to explore our tide pools during low tide. By the end of our walk, you will observe an almost 9 foot difference in the height of the ocean since morning!

Be sure to wear layers of warm, wind-resistant clothes and closed-toed, non-slip shoes for this light scramble up the rocky hillsides and onto the rocky shore where we will view the many tide pool creatures that live in this Marine Protected Area.

Winter Indoor Futsal!
2022-12-23 09:00 - 12:00 | Felton Bible Church, 5999 Graham Hill Rd, Felton, CA, 95018, United States
Winter Indoor Futsal!
Monday – Friday, 9am – 12pm, December 19 – 23 and 26 – 30
Winter Indoor Futsal! Led by coach Natalie, join us for a fun week of indoor futsal soccer. Camp is open to players of all levels. Daily sessions will include skills training and small-sided games. See you on the court!

Cost: $165 per session
Session: M-F 9am-12pm
Players Born in 2010-2013
Felton Bible Church, 5999 Graham Hill Rd, Felton, CA 95018

To Register:

Rec Winter Indoor Futsal Dec 19 – Dec 23
Rec Winter Indoor Futsal Dec 26 – Dec 30

The Land of Milk and Honey
2022-12-23 12:00 - 18:00 | Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History, 705 Front St, SantaCruz, CA, 95060, United States
The Land of Milk and Honey
Thursdays – Sundays, 12 – 6pm, September 1–December 31

An exhibition exploring the ideological concept of agriculture

The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) in partnership with the MexiCali Biennial is pleased to announce The Land of Milk and Honey, a traveling multidisciplinary arts and culture program focused on the ideological concept of agriculture in the regions of California and Mexico. The exhibition will be on view at the MAH from September 1–December 31.
Drawing inspiration from John Steinbeck’s portrayal of the region as a corrupted Eden, the biennial presents works that question ethical, cultural, and regional practices related to foodways, and the venture from seed to table. The biblical reference of a “land of milk and honey” first became associated with California as a tool for promoting the state as a land of opportunity; a destination for those in search of a better way of life – a terra firma that would provide sustenance and abundance. This boosterism also served as an ethos that fueled “Manifest Destiny” and resulted in land grabs, labor exploitation, ecological destruction, and social injustices.
This inaugural exhibition explores artists’ views around multi-layered topics associated with agriculture including environmental impacts, cultural culinary traditions, identity and migration, regional histographies, and familial and mythical connections to food.

Convivial Conveyances at Grace Episcopal Galleries
2022-12-23 13:00 - 16:00 | San Lorenzo Valley Museum Grace Episcopal Gallery, 12547 Highway 9, Boulder Creek, CA, 95066, United States
Convivial Conveyances at Grace Episcopal Galleries
Dec 10, 2022 – Jan 8, 2023
Visit us for a festive exhibition of transportation models including a South Pacific Coast Railroad (SPCRR) Model on display in our community holiday exhibition at the San Lorenzo Valley Museum, Grace Gallery.
Grace Episcopal Gallery 12547 Hwy 9, Boulder Creek CA 95006
Open Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 1-4pm
Faye G. Belardi Memorial Gallery 6299 Gushee St., Felton, CA 95018
Open Thursday, Saturday, Sunday 1-4pm

King Tide Walk
2022-12-23 15:00 | Seacliff State Beach, 201 State Park Dr., Aptos, CA, 95003, United States
King Tide Walk
Friday, December 23, 3pm
Have you seen what treasures hide beneath the waves that crash against the cliffs between New Brighton State Beach and Capitola? If you haven’t, consider joining our free guided walk during #kingtides next Friday, December 23rd at 3 PM. King tides are important because the extreme high tides give us a glimpse into what sea level rise might look like in certain areas. The extreme low tides uncover tidepools and even millions of years old marine fossils!
We will be meeting on the beach below the day use parking lot at New Brighton State Beach. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes for walking over slippery rocks, wear layers in case it is cold, bring water and a snack.
To register, use this link: https://SantaCruzStateParks.as.me/kingtides.
Image Description: Photo of people walking on the beach at New Brighton State Beach during a low tide with the text, King Tide Walk Friday, December 23rd at 3pm.

Friday Pet Food Pantry
2022-12-23 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!

Holiday Lights 2022
2022-12-23 17:30 - 20:30 | Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
Holiday Lights 2022
Fridays- Sundays, 5:3, 6:30 or 7:30pm, November 25 – December 25
The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation and the Agricultural History Project will again present HOLIDAY LIGHTS 2021 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds.
Enjoy a magical evening in the warmth of your vehicle enjoying spectacular lighted Holiday displays all around you.

Ticket Time Slots:
5:30pm – 6:30pm
6:30pm – 7:30pm
7:30pm – 9:00pm
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. Tune your radio to the Holiday Lights station and enjoy the experience.
After your magical journey through the Lights stop at the Holiday Food Stands and pick up your favorites Fair Food Treats.
Friday December 2 and Saturday December 3 WALK-THRU event ONLY. Combined with Heritage Holiday Craft and Gift Fair. Tickets available at the gate ONLY for WALK–THRU. More information www.fairgrounds-foundation.org
Guidelines: One ticket per vehicle for specified date & time ONLY.. Occupants may not exceed the number of seatbelts. Sitting outside or on top of the vehicle is not permitted. Holiday Lights runs rain or shine.

NORAD Tracks Santa
2022-12-24 | NORAD Tracks Santa, CA, United States
NORAD Tracks Santa
December 24
Every day of the year, NORAD defends North America using an all-domain and globally integrated approach to track everything that flies in and around Canada and the United States. On Dec. 24, NORAD adds a special mission: tracking Santa.
Like many origin stories, NORAD’s mission to track Santa began by accident. In 1955 a young child, trying to reach Santa, dialed the misprinted phone number from a department store ad in the local newspaper. Instead of calling Santa, the child called the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) Operations Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Air Force Col. Harry Shoup, the commander on duty that night who answered the child’s phone call, was quick to realize a mistake had been made and assured the child he was Santa. After more incoming calls, Shoup assigned a duty officer to continue answering calls and a tradition was born, that continued when NORAD was formed in 1958.
Each year since, NORAD has dutifully reported Santa’s location on Dec. 24 to millions of children and families across the world. Because of the support, services and resources generously provided by volunteers and our government and corporate contributors, NORAD Tracks Santa has persevered for more than 65 years.
In fact, what started because of a typo has flourished and is recognized as one of the Department of Defense’s largest community outreach programs.
Each year, the NORAD Tracks Santa Web Site receives several million unique visitors from more than 200 countries and territories around the world. Volunteers typically answer more than 130,000 calls to the NORAD Tracks Santa hotline from children across the globe.
In addition to the phone line and website, children and the young-at-heart can track Santa through our mobile apps and our social media platforms:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noradsanta

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoradSanta

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/NORADTracksSanta

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noradtrackssanta_official

NORAD Tracks Santa Website: https://www.noradsanta.org

NORAD Tracks Santa Newsroom: https://noradsantanews.com/newsroom

Several contributors such as OnStar and Amazon Alexa also provide convenient ways to keep tabs of Santa’s location.

Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College
2022-12-24 08:00 | Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive, Room 450, Aptos, 95003, United States
Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College
Saturdays 8am-12pm, year round, rain or shine
Voted America’s Favorite Farmers Market in California
In 2011, 2012, and 2013 our farmers markets were voted “America’s Favorite Farmers Market in California.” Additionally, Coastal Living Magazine named the Aptos Farmers Market one of “The Coast’s Best Farmers Markets.”
Market customers appreciate the bountiful selection of top quality produce and specialty foods as well as the opportunity to connect with the farmers and vendors who produce it. Ninety vendors, of which most are certified organic or use sustainable farming methods, offer pastured grass fed meats and poultry, sustainable fish, oysters, handcrafted cheeses, locally produced olive oil, fresh pasta and gourmet sauces, organic juices, handmade sauerkraut, Corralitos smoked sausages and bacon, artisan breads and baked goods, organic honey, mushrooms, sprouts and microgreens, farm fresh eggs, flowers, potted plants, seedlings, herbs, and an unsurpassed selection of certified California grown fruits, vegetables and nuts.
Additional Market Attractions
Professional sharpening services are available for knives and gardening tools year round.
Our other Markets: Carmel, Del Monte, Monterey
