Santa Cruz Parent

Boardwalk Winter Wonderland
2022-11-25 12:00 - 17:00, 2022-11-26 12:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Beach Boardwalk Cocoanut Grove, 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Boardwalk Winter Wonderland
Thursday – Sunday, November 24 – 27, 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.)

The Land of Milk and Honey
2022-11-25 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.

Friday Pet Food Pantry
2022-11-25 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 Tree Walk
2022-11-25 17:00, 2022-11-26 17:00 | Roaring Camp, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, 95018, United States
Holiday Tree Walk

November 25-27, December 3-4, 10-11, 17-18

Get in the holiday spirit by bringing the family to ride the Redwood Forest Steam Train through the wintry redwoods to Bear Mountain. Sip hot cocoa while greeting Santa Claus. In town, enjoy winter themed activities. 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

Visit from Santa
Hot Cocoa
Winter Themed Activities

https://www.roaringcamp.com/events#586

Holiday Lights Train
2022-11-25 17:00, 2022-11-26 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

Yuletide Folklore Ritual Crafts and Food
2022-11-25 17:00 - 20:00, 2022-11-26 17:00 - 20:00 | Felton Mercantile, 6257 Highway 9, Felton, CA, 95018, United States
Yuletide Folklore Ritual Crafts and Food
November 25 – December 2, 5pm
Travel with us back in time to learn how the pagan customs of Yule were kept and survive through a talk by local author Kellie (K.M. ) Rice. Each attendee will receive informational packets and a traditional recipe. We will also participate in a group ritual and conclude with a festive crafting session while we snack on some home baked sweets!
What will we cover in the talks?
Our northern ancestors had many winter celebrations to brighten the long, dark nights. We will explore how Yuletide was kept in northern Europe in the days of old. From the chilling to the comedic, the beliefs of yesteryear feel both familiar and strange. We will explore customs, folklore, recipes, crafts, and simple ways you can incorporate these traditions into your celebrations to honor the breadth and depth of the season.
Christmastime of old began shortly after Halloween (Samhain) and ended around January 6th or at the latest, February 1st (Imbolc/St. Brigid’s Day). As such, this event has two separate gatherings.
On November 25th we will cover November customs, and on December 5th we will cover December customs. Each gathering requires a separate ticket.
What will you receive?
Beautiful handouts covering the topics from the presentation so that you won’t feel pressured to take notes. These also include a recipe and instructions for a craft (which you will also have the opportunity to make).

Holiday Lights 2022
2022-11-25 17:30 - 20:30, 2022-11-26 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.

Join the World Harmony Chorus
2022-11-25 18:00 - 19:30 | Londen Nelson Community Center, 301 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Join the World Harmony Chorus
Tuesdays, 6 – 7:30pm, starting September 20

The World Harmony Chorus fall session is starting up, and we’ll be singing songs from Scandinavia to Brazil, and many places in-between.
The Santa Cruz chorus rehearses on Tuesdays, 6:00 – 7:30 PM, starting September 20.
Everyone is welcome, there are no auditions and no singing experience is necessary (experienced singers are also welcome, and there are solo opportunities for those who would like them). All parts are taught by ear, and musical transcriptions are provided.
All ages 9 through 99 are welcome. The chorus will perform several times throughout the year, principally in December and in the spring.
If you’ve never experienced the magic of singing in a choir, or if you’ve always thought of yourself as someone who “just can’t sing”, this is a great way to start.

Boulder Creek Fire Department Christmas Trees
2022-11-25 18:00 - 21:00 | Boulder Creek Fire Department, 3230 Central Avenue, Boulder Creek, CA, 95018, United States
Boulder Creek Fire Department Christmas Trees
Friday, November 25, Monday – Friday 6 – 9pm & Saturday – Sunday 9am – 9pm

Christmas trees are coming to town! Come down this holiday season and get your tree from your local Boulder Creek Fire Volunteers.

Our lot will open the day after Thanksgiving. We can’t wait to see our loving and supportive community.

Click here for prices: CHRISTMAS TREE PRICES 2021 PDF.

Remember, all proceeds from tree sales go towards the purchase of medical and rescue equipment. We couldn’t do what we do without the support of our wonderful community.

Ice Skating by the Bay in Monterey
2022-11-26, 2022-11-27 | 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).

MCT Presents Now and Then
2022-11-26, 2022-11-27 | Mountain Community Theater, 9400 Mill St, Ben Lomand, CA, 95005, United States
MCT Presents Now and Then
November 18 – December 11
NOW AND THEN
by Sean Grennan
Directed by Kathie Kratochvil
ALL PERFORMANCES OF THIS PLAY WILL BE HELD AT THE SANTA CRUZ ACTORS’ THEATRE
1001 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA
Tickets are now available here!
Performances will be Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, with Sunday Matinees at 2 PM. One “pay what you can” performance will be offered on Sunday, Dec. 4th at 8 PM. There will be a talk back on Sunday, November 27th after the performance.
Sometimes what happens after last call just might change your life. One night in 1981, just as Jamie is closing the bar where he works, a desperate last-minute customer offers him and his girlfriend Abby two thousand dollars to sit and have a drink with him. Who wouldn’t take it? As the trio swaps stories and Jamie considers the decisions he faces about his musical career and his future with his girlfriend Abby. the young couple begins to realize that this older man is unusually invested in their choices… and the reason he gives them is completely unbelievable. But when a very displeased second stranger arrives, the unbelievable begins to look like it just might be true. Now and Then is a heartfelt romantic comedy about the costs of the choices we make, and the people who make them with us.
Featured performers include Santa Cruz area veteran actors W. Scott Whisler, Sarah Kauffman Michael, Tiffany Cesarin and Paul Hughes, with scenic design by Larry Cuprys. Mountain Community Theatre is currently celebrating its 40thyear of bringing quality entertainment to Santa Cruz County. Masks are required for audiences at all performances.
Performance Dates

Friday, Nov. 18 @8 PM
Saturday, Nov. 19 @8 PM
Sunday, Nov. 20 @ 2 PM

Friday, Nov. 25 @ 8 PM
Saturday, Nov. 26 @ 8 PM
Sunday, Nov. 27 @ 2 PM

Friday, Dec. 2 @ 8 PM
Saturday, Dec. 3 @ 8 PM
Sunday, Dec. 4 @ 2 PM -and-
Sunday, Dec. 4 @ 8 PM

Friday, Dec. 9 @ 8 PM
Saturday, Dec. 10 @ 8 PM
Sunday, Dec. 11 @ 2 PM

Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College
2022-11-26 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

Monterey Bay Festival of Birds
2022-11-26 08:00 - 20:00, 2022-11-27 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

Westside Farmers Market
2022-11-26 09:00 - 13:00 | Westside Farmers Market, Mission St. Ext. and Western Dr, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Westside Farmers Market
Saturdays 9am – 1pm, year round

The Westside Farmers’ Market takes place every week, year round at the corner of Hwy 1 and Western Drive, situated on the northern edge of Santa Cruz’s greenbelt. This market serves the communities of the west-end of Santa Cruz including Bonny Doon, the North Coast and the UCSC Campus. It is just a hop, skip and a jump from Downtown.
Foodies Unite
This market is proud to have been named best market by the Santa Cruz Metro’s, “Peoples Poll” multiple times. The market showcases a great selection of 100% certified organic produce, artisan foods, wine, body products, tinctures, sustainable seafood, pasture raised meats, flowers and eggs along with cook-to-order cuisine, live local music and full espresso bar operated by up-and-coming Santa Cruz-based roaster 11th Hour Coffee.
With easy access and an abundance of free parking, this market makes for a convenient and celebratory Saturday morning outing.

Visit the Sloughs
2022-11-26 10:00 | Elkhorn Slough, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville, CA, 95003, United States
Visit the Sloughs

Watsonville Wetlands Watch is dedicated to the protection, restoration, and fostering of appreciation of the wetlands of the Pajaro Valley, especially involving members of the Watsonville community and the students of the Pajaro Valley Unified School District.
Watsonville Wetlands Watch envisions a wetland ecosystem that thrives within Watsonville and the greater Pajaro Valley, and a community is at the center of its conservation. Our education and volunteer programs serve thousands of youth and students, making sure the next generation of leaders is equipped to take on the complex environmental challenges our community faces. Our habitat restoration programs strengthen the natural resources of our region, cleaning our waterways, improving trails and greenbelts, and laying the foundation of the return of wildlife species whose future survival depends of thoughtful actions taken today.
Learn more: https://www.watsonvillewetlandswatch.org/visiting-the-sloughs

Water’s Extreme Journey
2022-11-26 10:00 - 16:00 | Seymour Marine Discovery Center, 100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Water’s Extreme Journey
Wednesday–Sunday, 10am – 4pm, September 3 – December 31
Visitors to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center this fall will be able to experience the journey of a single drop of water when they take part in Water’s Extreme Journey, a hands-on, interactive maze designed by Minotaur Mazes. The Water’s Extreme Journey maze takes visitors on a wild role-playing adventure where they are transformed into a raindrop and challenged to stay clean. Visitors are sent on a journey through mountains, streams, and even their own backyards, where everyday decisions impact their chance of staying clean and reaching a healthy ocean.
This fully interactive maze experience engages visitors through play, scientific inquiry, art and action, illuminating human impacts great and small while teaching how to contribute to healthy, safe water in their community and beyond. The maze also will highlight water research happening at UC Santa Cruz and in the greater community, and encourage people to support clean water initiatives. Features within the maze have been tailored to represent Santa Cruz County water issues. Exploring the maze is included with admission to the Seymour Center.
The Water’s Extreme Journey maze takes visitors on an exciting and important quest for clean water. Visitors experience the watershed as a water drop, exploring firsthand the science behind the water cycle. But it’s not all wet and wild—through powerful interactive activities and local messaging, visitors realize that daily decisions can immediately improve the watershed in their own backyard. Come visit Water’s Extreme Journey!

Photos with Santa
2022-11-26 11:00 - 17:00 | Capitola Mall, Capitola, CA, United States
Photos with Santa
Friday, November 25, 1 – 9pm
Capitola Mall
Hours:
Nov. 25 -Dec. 12:
Monday – CLOSED
Tuesday – Saturday 11am – 7pm (Break 3-4)
Sunday 11am – 6pm (Break 2:30 – 3)
Dec. 13 – Dec. 23: Daily 11am – 7pm (Break 3-4)
Dec. 24: 11am – 4pm
Jolly Tuesdays:
Kids get a FREE Narwhal with Santa Photo Purchase! One per child in attendance while supplies last. Valid Tuesday only.
Book your reservation today at www.amusemattebooksanta.com/capitola-mall

Science Saturdays at MOD
2022-11-26 11:30 - 13:00 | Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery MOD, 1855 41st Ave #10, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Science Saturdays at MOD
Saturday 11:30am – 1pm & 2 – 3:30pm, November 26

Join the MOD again on Saturday, November 26 for our oh-so popular Science Saturdays where we’ll be exploring how bacterial and fungi samples grow in petri dishes. The event is free to MOD members and with paid admission to the museum. Happening in the new Tinkerspace from 11:30a – 1p and again 2 – 3:30p.

Join Our New Ping Pong Club
2022-11-26 12:00 - 14:00 | Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley, CA, 95066, United States
Join Our New Ping Pong Club
4th Saturdays 12 – 2pm through February 25, 2023

Love ping-pong? Scotts Valley Library has a new new ping pong club for teens and adults.
The group meets every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month from 12pm to 2pm at the patio.
The club is open to ages 12 and up, materials are provided and all levels of experience are welcome.
The number of players is limited to 12 so pre-registration is highly encouraged.

Fish and Chips at the Beach
2022-11-26 12:00 - 18:00 | Seacliff State Beach, 201 State Park Dr., Aptos, CA, 95003, United States
Fish and Chips at the Beach
Saturdays and Sundays 12 – 6pm, October 16 through November

Fish and chips spotted at Seacliff State Beach! Scrumptious Food Awaits at the Cement Ship at Seacliff State Beach.

Starting this Saturday, October 16, we will serve at the Cement Ship in Aptos, CA. Opening times are 12 pm to 6 pm each Saturday and Sunday until the end of November.

Fish and Chips are best enjoyed with a beautiful ocean view, precisely what you can expect. We have our own private and spacious picnic area just across from the Cement Ship, where guests can enjoy either lunch or dinner.

Authentic British scratch-made Scrumptious Fish & Chips will now be at Seacliff State Beach on weekends! Grab a delicious lunch before or after your beach day.

Please remember to pack your trash.

Parking at Seacliff State Beach is $10 and supports the park!

Parents Night Out
2022-11-26 17:30 - 20:30 | Junebug’s Gym, 3910 Portola Dr, Ste 2, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Parents Night Out
2nd and 4th Saturdays, 5:30 – 8:30pm

Our February Parents Night Out dates have plenty of availability for sign ups! This 3-hour long event includes gymnastics activities, coach supervision, arts & crafts, and pizza for dinner. Call us at 831-464-2847 or stop by the gym to make your reservation!

Time: 5:30 – 8:30 pm
Ages: 3-8 (must be potty-trained).

*Payment is due upon sign up to hold your child’s space*

Live Oak Farmers Market
2022-11-27 09:00 - 13:00 | Live Oak Farmers Market, 15th & Eastcliff Dr, Live Oak, CA, 95062, United States
Live Oak Farmers Market
Sundays 9am – 1pm year round
Started in 2000, Live Oak Farmers Market is a neighborhood market has grown to be a weekly event that is loved by the communities of Live Oak, Pleasure Point and Capitola. A decade has past since this market became year round and here you will find an excellent selection of organic produce from local farms, tree ripened fruits, dried fruit and nuts, fresh bread, pastries, seafood, pasture-raised organic meats and more. The market is also the epicenter of the clean food movement, showcasing amazing Sunday brunch offerings like traditional Michoacan Mexican dishes, dumplings, crepes and artisan hand pies. This is your Sunday destination.

Market Match
Market Match offers farmers’ market customers a dollar-for-dollar match up to $10 on their CalFresh (food stamp) cards at the Live Oak Market. If a customer swipes their CalFresh card for seven dollars, they get seven dollars in Market Match tokens for free. Swipe $10, you get $10. The goal of this project is to encourage CalFresh (EBT/SNAP) recipients to take advantage of fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables. By offering an incentive that lowers the price of fresh produce, we are helping shoppers stretch their food dollars while keeping their families healthy. SCCFM will be offering the Market Match program for the 2020 season. Locate the information booth and the market manager to redeem EBT coins and to participate in the Market Match Program.
