Santa Cruz Parent

Holiday Production: A Christmas Carol by Santa Cruz Shakespeare
2024-12-22 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-12-23 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-12-24 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-12-24 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Veterans Memorial Building, 840 Front St., Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Holiday Production: A Christmas Carol by Santa Cruz Shakespeare
November 23 through December 24 – Scroll down for dates|times.

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

Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train & New Year’s Train
2024-12-23, 2024-12-26, 2024-12-27 | 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

Sutter Maternity Postpartum Wellness Group
2024-12-23 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual, CA, United States
Sutter Maternity Postpartum Wellness Group
Sutter Maternity Postpartum Wellness Group Mondays 10:00-11:30am
Call 831-477-2229 for log-in
Santa Cruz County Moms only
Pregnancy and childbirth usher in new responsibilities and profound emotions that can be both exciting and challenging. Sutter care centers have local support groups to help you and other soon-to-be or new parents reduce stress and adjust to life with baby.

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

Toy Trains 2024
2024-12-23 12:00 - 18:00, 2024-12-24 12:00 - 18:00, 2024-12-25 12:00 - 18:00, 2024-12-26 12:00 - 18:00, 2024-12-27 12:00 - 18:00 | Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History, 705 Front St, SantaCruz, CA, 95060, United States
Toy Trains 2024
Thursday, December 19-22 and 26-29, 12 – 6pm

Get whisked away into the whimsical world of Toy Trains and enjoy the 17th year of this beloved annual pop-up exhibit at the MAH.
Members of the Golden State Toy Train Operators will be on hand to once again share their amazing collection of toy trains at the MAH.

Toy Train Dates & Times

Thursday, December 19: 12-6pm
Friday, December 20: 12-6pm
Saturday, December 21: 12-6pm
Sunday, December 22: 12-6pm
Thursday, December 26: 12-6pm
Friday, December 27: 12-6pm
Saturday, December 28: 12-6pm
Sunday, December 29: 12-6pm

The public is invited to view Toy Trains in the MAH’s Atrium for free. To access other exhibitions and gallery spaces in the museum, there is a small entrance fee.
Suggested Admission Prices
$10 General Admission
$8 Students / Teachers / Veterans
FREE for members and children under 5.

Tales to Tails Garfield Park
2024-12-23 15:30 - 16:30 | Garfield Park Library, 705 Woodrow Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Tales to Tails Garfield Park
Mondays 3:30-4:30pm, September 16 through December 30
Tales to Tails is a literacy program designed to help children improve their reading skills by reading to certified therapy dogs. Trained therapy dogs will be available Mondays at the Garfield Park Library to be attentive reading partners for children reading aloud.
Child must be 6-17 years old, and already reading to some degree. Our volunteer handlers are there to provide support but are not trained reading instructors.
Appointments are required; please contact 831-427-7704 to make yours now.
We and our furry friends look forward to seeing you there!

Grupo Triple P: Para familias con niños 2-12 años
2024-12-23 16:00 - 18:00 | Live Oak Community Resources, 1740 17th Ave, Santa Cruz (Live Oak), CA, 95062, United States
Grupo Triple P: Para familias con niños 2-12 años
Cada lunes, del 22 de enero al 18 de marzo, 2024 • 4 – 6 pm
(Excepto el 19 de febrero)
Inscríbase para reservar su lugar y obtener el cuidado de sus niños GRATIS: https://bit.ly/Grupo-Ene2024
Asista por 8 semanas a este grupo GRATIS de Triple P para conocer a otras familias y aprender estrategias sencillas que le ayudarán a:
• Fortalecer las relaciones en su familia
• Fomentar comportamientos positivos
• Enseñarle a su niño habilidades y comportamientos nuevos
• Manejar las conductas disruptivas o problemáticas con mayor confianza
• Cuidar de sí mismo como padre
Lugar: Live Oak Recursos Comunitarios, Sala de Reunión, 1740 17th Ave, Santa Cruz
Las inscripciones son limitadas y se cerrarán después de la segunda clase.
Los participantes que asistan a todas las clases recibirán un Certificado de Finalización.
Este grupo Triple P es gratis y está abierto a todas las familias con niños de 2 – 12 años del condado de Santa Cruz.
¿Tiene preguntas? Comuníquese con Juanita Rodriguez al (831) 476-7284 Ext. 102 o juanitar@cbridges.org

Postpartum Support Group
2024-12-23 16:30 - 19:30 | Virtual, CA, United States
Postpartum Support International

NEW SUPPORT GROUP!

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

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

Track Santa December 24
2024-12-24 | The World
Track Santa December 24
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
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.
Track Santa (and see the world)! https://www.noradsanta.org/

Support for Parents of High Needs Babies
2024-12-24 09:30 - 10:30 | Zoom, CA, United States
Support for Parents of High Needs Babies
4th Tuesdays of the month, 9:30am pst

Thank you, Postpartum Support International

NEW SUPPORT GROUP: Support for Parents of High Needs Babies will take place on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 9:30 am PST!

Led by trained peer facilitators, this group is for parents of “high need” newborns to 12-month-old babies. All babies have needs and depend on their caregivers, yet some babies have more needs than others. “High needs baby” is not a medical term or diagnosis, but it is a term used to describe babies with some of these characteristics: constant crying (for several hours in a row), difficult to soothe, and easily overstimulated. A highly sensitive or high needs baby might not sleep without being held, might cry for three hours every evening, or might get restless and frustrated when transitioning from one environment to another. We know that parents of “colicky” or high-needs babies can feel isolated, exhausted, and overwhelmed. You are not alone, and we are here to help. Crying babies are welcome too!

If you are looking for a group for parenting a medically fragile baby or child, please check out our group specifically for those parents.

To view all our online support groups, visit http://bit.ly/FindSupportGroup

La Selva Beach Book Discussion Group
2024-12-25 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

Storytime with Ivy
2024-12-25 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

Downtown Farmers Market 2022
2024-12-25 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.

Super Tots Winter Sports Ages 3 to 5 Simpkins
2024-12-25 16:00 - 16:45 | Simpkins Family Swim Center, 979 17th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Super Tots Winter Sports Ages 3 to 5
Simpkins, Wednesdays 4-4:45pm, Session Start Days: Dec 4, Jan 8, Feb 5, Mar 5, April 2
Ben Lomond, Thursdays 3-3:45pm, Session Start Days:Dec 5, Jan 9, Feb 6, Mar 6, April 3
Join us for fun and active Super Winter Tots sports!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reading in the Redwoods Book Club
2024-12-25 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

NAMI Family Support Group ​for Parents/Caregivers of Youth
2024-12-25 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom, CA, United States
NAMI Family Support Group ​for Parents/Caregivers of Youth (11-17)
2nd and 4th Wednesdays 6:30 – 8pm
Please join us for our upcoming free, drop-in support group for parents/caregivers of youth (11-17) with mental health challenges. Next group will be this Wednesday, June 22nd from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
We are in need of more facilitators to help continue this free, easily accessible, and educational support group.
Nami also offers a support group for Spanish speakers every Tuesday night from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., for all loved ones of those with mental health challenges.
All parents or caregivers are encouraged to join – there does not need to be a formal diagnosis. Common themes of those who attend our support groups include caring for teens who experience depression and anxiety, substance abuse, outbursts of anger, and other challenges like mania, hallucinations, or paranoia.:30 -8pm
Please email me or call the Nami office at 831-824-0406 with any questions about our groups and/or using Zoom or if you are interested in being a facilitator.
https://www.namiscc.org/parentscaregivers-of-youth-11-17…
To attend our groups, please complete the registration form below. You will immediately receive an email with the Zoom link. You will only need to do this once, and will be able to use the same link for all Parents/Caregivers of Youth support groups moving forward.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Super Tots Winter Sports Ages 3 to 5 Ben Lomond
2024-12-26 15:00 - 15:45 | Highlands Park Senior & Community Center, 8500 CA-9, Ben Lomond, CA, 95005, United States
Super Tots Winter Sports Ages 3 to 5 Ben Lomond

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

Join us for fun and active Super Winter Tots sports!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pokemon at Live Oak Annex
2024-12-26 15:00 - 17:00 | Live Oak Annex, 979 17th St, Santa Cruz, 95062
Pokemon at Live Oak Annex
Thursdays 3-5pm, January 23 – May 8

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

Bird Walks at Wilder Ranch
2024-12-27 09:00 - 13:00 | Wilder Ranch, 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
Bird Walks at Wilder Ranch
2nd & last Friday of the month, 9am-1pm, through December 27

On this 2.5 mile hike, be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces, with many stops to view the many birds, plants, and scenery along the way.
You will help each other spot and identify birds! Bring your binoculars if you have them, clothes for variable weather, and good walking shoes. Meet next to park map in Wilder Ranch main parking lot.
*Rain cancels. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 426-0505. Follow links below for the required free registration.

Bird walks at Wilder Ranch State Parks happen every second and last Friday of every month.
Preregistration required: https://santacruzstateparks.as.me/schedule.php
For more information, call (831) 426-0505.

Parking is $10 inside the park.

Rain cancels.

Baby Time and Stay and Play Capitola
2024-12-27 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.

Bring Your Own Book (BYOB)
2024-12-27 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
2024-12-27 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.
