Santa Cruz Parent

Krampus Night at Holiday Lights
2024-12-05 17:30 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa Cruz County Fair Grounds, 2601 E Lake Ave, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
Krampus Night at Holiday Lights
Thursday, December 5, 5:30-9pm

Krampus Night at Holiday Lights takes place on Thursday, December 5 from 5:30 to 9:00pm.
Gather your family and friends, step into your favorite Krampus attire and join others at Krampus Night at Holiday Lights.
Krampus will be on site for photos and antics. In addition, you can WALK through the Holiday Lights for an up-close experience

There’ll be a dark holiday market featuring chocolates, decorations, artwork, jewelry, and more. Food and hot beverages will also be available for purchase from Epoch Eats, Tacos el Jerry, and Fool Hardy Coffee.
TICKETS Tickets are $10/adult $5 for youth 6-11 Children under 6 FreeOkay, so who – or what – is Krampus?
In Germanic folklore, Krampus is the sketchy, darker counterpart to St Nicholas. They’re actually business partners, in a way. While St Nicholas rewards the good kids with candy and treats, Krampus keeps an eye on the bad kids and deals with them appropriately. He gives the “you better be good for goodness’ sake” to a whole new level.
Worldwide, particularly here in the U.S., Krampus has become a bit of a popular culture icon. He’s appeared in movies and TV shows and in city-wide celebrations featuring “Krampus Parades” and “Krampus (pub) Crawls”.
Think of learning about Krampus as expanding your appreciation of holiday traditions from other cultures. Fun facts:

His name comes from the German word “Krampen” meaning “claw.”
He’s celebrated on December 5th, which is also known as “Krampus Naucht.”
Technically, he’s half goat and half demon.
He’s a bit of a lush. In some European Krampus events, it’s customary to offer him Schnapps.

While his story leans on the dark side, Krampus affairs are family-friendly events where you can have some light, scary fun. It’s a way to nudge a bit of almost Halloween-type fun into the traditional Christmas season. So gather your family and friends, step into your favorite Krampus attire and join others at Krampus Night at Holiday Lights.

Christmas Concert at St. Abraham's Classical Christian Academy
2024-12-05 18:00 | St. Abraham’s Classcal Christian Academy, 1940 Bonita Dr., Aptos, CA, 95003
Christmas Concert at St. Abraham’s Classical Christian Academy
Thursday, December 6, 6pm

Our annual Christmas concert is this Thursday! Invite friends and family to this special evening of songs and sweetness from our TK-12th graders!

We are so excited for our students to share what they’ve been diligently working on!

There will be treats, cider and caroling in the courtyard after the concert! O come let us adore Him!!

— at St. Abraham’s Classical Christian Academy.

Holiday Production: A Christmas Carol by Santa Cruz Shakespeare
2024-12-05 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-12-06 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-12-07 07:00 - 21:00 | 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

Holiday Tree Walk
2024-12-06 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-06 17:00 | Roaring Camp, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, 95018, United States
Holiday Tree Walk

November 29 – December 1, December 7-8, 14-15, 21-22

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.

Activities

Visit from Santa
Hot Cocoa
Winter Themed Activities

Valley Churches United Holiday Gift Shop 2024
2024-12-06 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-12-07 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!

Shop local at The Art Factory and even better... Locally Made!
2024-12-06 10:00 - 17:00 | The Art Factory, 7960 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA, 95003, United States
Shop local at The Art Factory and even better… Locally Made!

Sat. Dec. 7, 10am-5pm
Hi local friends,
Save the date: Sat. Dec. 7, 10am-5pm
Shop local, and even better… Locally Made!
Enjoy a day with the artists and have a seat at the table to make your own ceramic or felted wool ornaments!
See you at Art Factory Studios!

12 Days of Thriftmas with Grey Bears
2024-12-06 10:30 - 16:00 | Grey Bears, 2710 Chanticleer Ave, SantaCruz, CA, 95062, United States
12 Days of Thriftmas with Grey Bears
December 1-12
Get ready for 12 Days of Thriftmas at Grey Bears! From December 1st to 12th, Grey Bears will be offering special deals in different areas of our thrift store. Visit us Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and discover unique savings each day. Stay tuned for more holiday surprises!
https://greybears.org/thrift-store/

Baby Time and Stay and Play Capitola
2024-12-06 11:00 - 12:00 | Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Baby Time and Stay and Play Capitola
Fridays, through July 25, 11am-12pm
Baby Story Time features songs, rhymes, stories, and lap play designed to help babies develop early literacy skills.
This program is designed for children ages birth to two and their caregivers, but all ages are welcome! After Baby Time, stay for Stay & Play to reinforce early literacy skills through play and create connections with other families.

New Support Group Stillbirth & Infant Loss Support
2024-12-06 11:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, CA, United States
New Support Group Stillbirth & Infant Loss Support
Join us on the 1st and 3rd Friday, 11am – 12:30pm, beginning June 17
This support group is for parents who have experienced stillbirth or early infant loss. Our group is here to provide support and connection to parents as we know losing a baby can be an isolating and devastating experience. This group is led by trained peer facilitators who have also experienced infant loss.<
Our groups are 90 minutes (1.5 hours) in length. The first ~30 minutes is providing information, education, and establishing group guidelines. The next ~60 minutes is “talk time,” in which group members share and talk with each other. Group members must be present for the group guidelines before joining in the discussion or “talk time.”
Register at http://bit.ly/FindSupportGroup

Bring Your Own Book (BYOB)
2024-12-06 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!

Scrabble at La Selva Beach
2024-12-06 13:00 - 14:00 | La Selva Beach Library, 316 Estrella Avenue, La Selva Beach, CA, 95076, United States
Scrabble La Selva Beach
August 2 – November 15, Fridays, 1 – 2pm

Did you know that PACZKI is a round filled doughnut (23 points)? Come test your vocabulary in a game of Scrabble at La Selva Beach Library.
La Selva Beach Library, 316 Estrella Ave., LSB
Are you a bridge player too? The LSB Bridge Club is 10:30-12:00 on Fridays (except the 1st Friday of the month).
Questions? Call the La Selva Beach Library at 831-427-7710.

B40 Game Zone for Tweens and Teens
2024-12-06 15:00 - 16:30 | Branciforte Branch Library, 230 Gault Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
B40 Game Zone for Tweens and Teens
Fridays 3-4:30pm, September 20 – November 22
Join Branciforte Library’s program of video gaming and traditional board games for young tweens and teens. A great opportunity to meet and make new friends!

Friday Pet Food Pantry
2024-12-06 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!

A Family Fun First Friday: Dino December
2024-12-06 17:00 - 20:00 | Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
A Family Fun First Friday: Dino December!

Friday, December 6, 5-8pm

Bring your whole family for a T-REXcellent night at the Museum! From dinosaur-themed arts and crafts to fossil displays and interactives, audiences of all ages are in for a DINOmite evening!
In addition to the hands-on festivities, local children’s book author and professional storyteller, Nancy Lenz, will be unveiling her new dinosaur book, The Rapping Rocking Dinosaur Band. There will be a storytime featuring the new book for the kiddos, as well as a book signing. This will be a RAWRsome night for dinosaur fans of all ages!
Location: Outside the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Accessibility

Drop-by anytime 11-3 p.m. to join the festivities!
Admission to the Museum is free all day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Follow the latest guidelines for health and safety.
Restrooms and water fountains are available inside Museum.
Booths and activities will be outdoors, on a lawn.

A Year with Frog and Toad
2024-12-06 19:00 | Scotts Valley Cultural and Performing Arts Center, 251B Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley, 95066, United States
A Year with Frog and Toad
Friday & Saturday12/6 & 12/7 and 12/13 & 12/14;
7pm: Thursday 12/12
2pm: Sunday 12/8 & Saturday 12/14

Coming December 2024, Scotts Valley Performing Arts (SVPA), our community theatre company, invites you to spend A Year with Frog and Toad.
You read the books to your children or to yourself as a child. Now come join us for a wonderful family musical theatre experience.
SVPA will present the Broadway musical production of A Year with Frog and Toad opening on Friday, December 6th and running for 2 weeks. The cast includes 15 adults and 10 young people. Rehearsals are well underway, having started in Mid-September, and sets are under construction.
Shows will run Friday 12/6 at 7pm, Saturday 12/7 – 7pm, Sunday 12/8-2pm, Thursday 12/12-7pm, Friday 12/13-7pm and 2 shows on Saturday 12/14 at 2pm & 7pm.

Pricing
Adults: $30.00
Seniors (65+)/Students: $25.00
Children (12 and Under): $20.00
To order tickets, click on “BUY TICKETS” .

Miracle on 34th Street, The Play
2024-12-06 19:30 | 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/

Music for the Feast of Christmas
2024-12-06 20:00 | Holy Cross Church, 210 High St, Santa Cruz, CO, 95060, United States
Music for the Feast of Christmas

Friday & Saturday, 8pm, Dec 6 & 7; Sunday 4pm, Dec 8

Start your Holiday Season with a Gala Concert! This is Cheryl Anderson’s last Feast before retiring, so come and celebrate her and “The Feast” in Santa Cruz! The Great Cabrillo Symphonic Chorus, Orchestra, and the lovely experience of singing Carols in community with others.

Holy Cross Church in Santa Cruz

Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College
2024-12-07 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

Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train & New Year’s Train
2024-12-07 | 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

Home Depot Kids Workshops
2024-12-07 09:00 - 12:00 | Home Depot Watsonville, 355 S Green Valley Rd, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
Home Depot Kids Workshops
1st Saturdays of the month, 9am – 12pm

Join us the first Saturday of each month between 9 am – 12 pm for free in-person Kids Workshops.

Soquel , 2600 41st Avenue, Soquel, 95073, (831)462-5650 Register

355 S Green Valley Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076,(831)786-9877, Register

Westside Farmers Market
2024-12-07 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.

Day of Skill Development, Games and Fun
2024-12-07 09:00 - 13:00 | Scotts Valley Little League Field at Vine Hill School, 151 Vine Hill School Rd, Scotts Valley, CA, 95066
Day of Skill Development, Games and Fun

Saturday, December 7, 9am-1pm

Join SVHS Coaches and Players for a day of skill development, games and fun.

Clinic time:
• Registration begins at 9:00am
• Warm-up starts at 9:30am
• Player pickup at 1pm

• Lunch will be provided

Cost $99 per player
Ages: Camp is open to all SVLL players (A-Ball – Majors)

Location: Scotts Valley Little League Majors Field

2024 Santa Cruz Holiday Parade
2024-12-07 10:00 | Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
2024 Santa Cruz Holiday Parade
Saturday, Dec 7, 10am
The traditional holiday parade is the official kickoff for the winter holidays celebration and the annual tradition of highlighting Santa Cruz County schools, youth based organizations and local nonprofits.
The Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade draws 1,200 participants and over 3,000 spectators. Rain or Shine!

Familypower: Boundary Skills for kids 7-12 together with their adults
2024-12-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom, CA, United States
Familypower: Boundary Skills for kids 7-12 together with their adults
Saturday, December 7, 10-11am
Boundary skills help people of all ages have more fun and fewer problems with people – including friends and family members! You and your child age 7-12 will leave this class with more strategies to:

-Act aware, calm, and confident so people will listen to you more and bother you less
Be safe with words to protect your feelings & use your words more safely, too!
Spot trouble early – and move away from it to get distance and protect feelings and bodies
Set clear respectful boundaries so people know what you want what you do NOT want
Practice & use the Kidpower Boundary & Consent Rules so everyone knows the rules about touch and attention for play, fun, and affection – & about when they don’t have a choice
Get help from adults when you have a safety problem including understanding when to interrupt – and how to persist
Make family agreements about being online so everyone knows what is and is not OK – and how to check first if you aren’t sure!

Daughters & Sons of the Beach Ukele Jam
2024-12-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Beach behind Crow’s Nest, CA, United States
Daughters and Sons of the Beach Ukele Jam
Saturdays, 10am – 12pm

Strum Along every Saturday 10am -12pm, on the beach behind the Crow’s Nest
Upcoming Uke Song List
Strum Along every Wed 3:30 pm, on the beach behind the Crow’s Nest
Oldies but Goodies Movie Clips Search SOB old handouts

Sons of the Beach – Paul Ruiz – paulatthebeach@hotmail.com m

2024 Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade
2024-12-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Downtown Santa Cruz, Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 95060
Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade
Saturday, December 7, 10am – 12pm
A Santa Cruz Holiday Tradition
Join the fun at the annual Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade.
A Santa Cruz Holiday Tradition
Mark your calendars for the Holiday Parade on December 7, 2024!
The traditional holiday parade is the official kickoff for the winter holidays celebration and the annual tradition of highlighting Santa Cruz County schools, youth based organizations and local nonprofits. Each year, the Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade draws 1,200 participants and over 3,000 spectators. Rain or Shine!
Registration for the 2024 Holiday Parade is now open. CLICK HERE to register your group.
Thanks to our Platinum Sponsor Pedro Gonzalez of Farmer’s Insurance.
