Santa Cruz Parent

Holiday Glow Guide & Contest
2025-12-01, 2025-12-02, 2025-12-03, 2025-12-04 | City of Santa Cruz, CA, United States
Holiday Glow Guide & Contest
December
Light Up Santa Cruz! Holiday Glow Guide & Contest Registration is Open
Spread Holiday Cheer: Join the 2025 Santa Cruz Holiday Glow Guide & Contest.
Ready to deck your halls and your home? Join the City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Department for the 2025 Holiday Glow Guide & Contest and make your neighborhood sparkle this season! Brighten your block.
Snap & Submit: Take a photo of your holiday decorations and register your home via WebTrac Activity # H120125.

Get Featured: Accepted homes will appear on the interactive Glow Guide map, so friends, family, and visitors can tour the city’s sparkling displays
Score a Reward: Every participant gets a $5 promo code for Parks & Recreation classes.
Win Big: One lucky home will receive a $50 Parks & Recreation Gift Card for the most creative holiday display.

From twinkling white lights to colorful, over-the-top displays or whimsical inflatables, every home adds a little extra holiday magic. Whether you’re in it for bragging rights or just to share the joy, this is your chance to celebrate creativity, spread cheer, and make Santa Cruz sparkle.
Every entry will receive a $5 promo code to use when registering for a class activity offered by the Park and Recreation Classes Department. All entries will be entered in a contest for the best decoration. The winner will receive a $50 P&R Gift Card!
Register Here!
Visit: https://www.santacruzca.gov/Government/City-Departments/Parks-Recreation/2025-Holiday-Glow-Guide-Contest
or email: recreationevents@santacruzca.gov (subject line: “ATTN: Holiday Glow Guide Map Listing”)
Media Contact: Annalise Bryant, Recreation Supervisor,

Sutter Maternity Postpartum Wellness Group
2025-12-01 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.

Stuffie Hide & Seek
2025-12-01 10:00 - 18:00 | Aptos Library, 7695 Soquel Dr,, Aptos, CA, 95003
Stuffie Hide & Seek
Friday, August 1, 10am – 6pm
Every day through December 1
A cuddly, book-loving stuffed animal is hiding in the Children’s Room—can you track it down? Explore the shelves, uncover fun books and surprises, and when you find the critter, let a librarian know to earn a sticker prize! This passive program runs all day, every day—just drop in and join the fun!
Aptos Library Children’s Room

Ice Skating by the Bay
2025-12-01 11:00 - 22:00, 2025-12-02 11:00 - 22:00, 2025-12-03 11:00 - 22:00, 2025-12-04 11:00 - 22:00 | Custom House Plaza, 20 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Ice Skating by the Bay
November 21 – January 4
Join us for ice skating by the bay.
Located in the Custom House Plaza, behind the Portola Hotel and Spa
Every year from mid November through the New Year, Custom House Plaza, behind Portola Hotel and Spa, transforms into a magical winter wonderland with Ice Skating by the Bay.
Our beautiful outdoor rink overlooking Monterey Bay brings the magic of the holidays to life.
This season we ‘re open from November 21, 2025 until January 4, 2026.
BOOK NOW

REGULAR HOURS: Monday thru Saturday | 11am to 10pm (with the exception of the below dates)
Sundays and Holidays | 12pm to 8pm (Including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, New Year’s Day)
ADJUSTED HOURS: December 1-4 & 8-11 (Monday – Thursday): 1:00pm to 10:00pm

Admission:

Adults: $15
Children 12 and under: $13 (must be accompanied by adult)
Season Pass: $225 for the entire season.
Skate Rental: $5

Mystery Box Monday at MOD
2025-12-01 15:00 - 16:00 | Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery MOD, 1855 41st Ave #10, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Mystery Box Monday at MOD

Mondays, 3pm

Calling all curious minds! Get ready for Mystery Box Monday, the fun-filled, brain-bending program that unleashes your child’s inner inventor, artist, and problem-solver!

Reserve your spot at sccmod.org/fun

Calling all curious minds! Get ready for Mystery Box Monday, the fun-filled, brain-bending program that unleashes your child’s inner inventor, artist, and problem-solver!
Every Monday is a surprise adventure! Your child will receive a mysterious box packed with intriguing materials, a low-temperature glue gun for safe crafting, and a challenge card.
Here’s what makes Mystery Box Monday so awesome:

Endless Possibilities: Each box is a portal to a world of unimaginable creations. With every new challenge, your child’s mind will stretch and twist, blossoming with fresh ideas.
Boosts Confidence: As kids conquer challenges and bring their creations to life, their confidence and self-esteem soar. They’ll discover that they can achieve anything they set their minds to!
Sparks Curiosity: Mystery Box Monday ignites a love for learning and exploration. Kids will delve into different themes, from outer space to the animal kingdom, all while having a blast.
Strengthens Bonds: This is an activity the whole family can enjoy! Work together, brainstorm ideas, and share in the laughter as you bring your mystery box masterpieces to life.

What kind of mystery materials, you ask? That’s the beauty of it – it’s a surprise! But you can expect to find a vibrant mix of things like:

Colorful craft paper and cardboard
Pipe cleaners, googly eyes, and pom-poms
Buttons, beads, and sequins
Recycled treasures like bottle caps and egg cartons
Nature’s bounty – leaves, twigs, and pinecones

Ages 3-100 ~ Open: Monday, Wednesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm

SPCA Santa Cruz PAWS for Juniors Tier 1 Mondays December 1-15
2025-12-01 16:00 - 2025-12-15 18:00 | Santa Cruz SPCA 2601 Chanticleer Ave Santa Cruz, 2601 chanticleer ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95065, United States
SPCA Santa Cruz PAWS After-School
Mondays 4-6pm, September 8-22; October 6-20; November 3-17; December 1-15
PAWS (Promoting Animal Welfare with Students) is the perfect program for students who love animals.
Junior PAWS Tier One, for children 7 to 9 years, introduces the children to our SPCASC shelter and animals through compassion, play and basic training.
It explains how to recognize animal behavior and body language so the kids can conduct “consent tests” safely and respectfully.
Participants channel their creativity by making toys for the animals and designing advertising posters to promote them to potential adopters.
Register now for some puppy and kitten love!

Postpartum Support Group
2025-12-01 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

Chanukah Story Hour
2025-12-01 17:00 - 18:00 | Bookshop Santa Cruz, 1520 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Chanukah Story Hour
Monday, December 1, 5-6pm
Free

Please join Temple Beth El for a Chanukah Story Hour! We’ll light the menorah, sing the blessings, read stories, and sing songs. Perfect for families with children of all ages!
Your RSVP helps us plan for your arrival and keep in touch with any changes. Thank you for registering!
RSVP

Community Day Free Admission!
2025-12-02 09:00 - 17:00 | UCSC Arboretum, 120 Arboretum Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, United States
Community Day Free Admission!
First Tuesdays, 9am – 5pm

The first Tuesday of each month, Community Day, the Arboretum is open and free for visitors.
See dates and times UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden is open.
NOTE: Due to limited parking at the Arboretum and the popularity of Community Day, we greatly encourage visitors to carpool, bike, walk or use public transportation as much as possible.
https://arboretum.ucsc.edu/eventscalendar/events/recurring-events/community-day.html

You Can Paint! Tuesdays 10am-1pm
2025-12-02 10:00 - 13:00 | Palace Arts, 1501-K 41st Avenue, Capitola, 95010, United States
You Can Paint!

Tuesdays, 10 am to 1 pm, and 2 pm to 5 pm through August
Learn to paint in a fun, friendly setting — our beautiful classroom space at Palace Art.
You can paint any subject that interests you. I’ve got lots of images for you to choose from, if you’re looking for inspiration, or you can bring in pictures or ideas of your own.
These classes are for everyone.
Beginners are welcome, and more advanced painters will increase their skills.
Cost: $40 per session or $175 for 5 sessions, Drop-ins welcome – first come first served
To Register: Contact Toaa Dallo directly, (831) 332-9532, email toaadallo@gmail.com

Santa Cruz SPCA Home for the Holiday
2025-12-02 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-03 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-04 11:00 - 17:00 | Santa Cruz SPCA, 2601 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz (Live Oak), Santa Cruz, CA, 95065, United States
Santa Cruz SPCA Home for the Holiday
Through January 3: Tuesday-Sunday 11am-5pm
The Santa Cruz SPCA’s Home for the Holidays event starts TODAY — and our adoptable animals are ready!! Like, brushed-their-fur-and-everything ready.
From NOW through Jan 3, you can meet your future snuggle buddy AND enjoy waived adoption fees for the following animal categories:

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

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

SPCA Santa Cruz PAWS for Preteens Tier 1 Tuesdays December 2-16
2025-12-02 16:00 - 18:00 | Santa Cruz SPCA 2601 Chanticleer Ave Santa Cruz, 2601 chanticleer ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95065, United States
SPCA Santa Cruz PAWS for Preteens Tier 1
Tuesdays 4-6pm, September 9-23; October 7-21; November 4-18, December 2-16
PAWS (Promoting Animal Welfare with Students) is the perfect program for students who love animals.
Preteen PAWS Tier One, for preteens 10 to 12 years, introduces children to our SPCASC shelter and animals through hands-on compassion, play and basic training.
It explains how to recognize animal behavior and body language so the kids can conduct “consent tests” safely and respectfully.
Participants channel their creativity by making toys for the animals and designing advertising posters to promote them to potential adopters.
Register now for some puppy and kitten love!

5 Week 3D Entrepreneurs Club – Toy Design with 3D Printing Workshop (Ages 8–12) Tues Sept. 2-30
2025-12-02 16:00 - 18:00 | Londen Nelson Community Center, 301 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
5 Week 3D Entrepreneurs Club – Toy Design with 3D Printing Workshop (Ages 8–12)
Tuesdays, 4–6pm September 2 – 30
A 5-week hands-on program where kids ages 8–12 team up to design their own toy or product—and discover how the 3DE Club helps young innovators build early entrepreneurial and leadership skills through 3D modeling and 3D printing technology.
Thanks so much for helping us spread the word!

UCSC Spirit Squad Youth Clinic
2025-12-02 17:00 - 19:30 | UCSC
UCSC Spirit Squad Youth Clinic
Sunday, November 30, 5-8pm
Parents of K-8th graders!
We are hosting a youth clinic on November 30th where kids will learn a halftime routine to perform with the UCSC Spirit Squad at the Women’s basketball game on December 2nd! The first 50 sign-ups will get a free UCSC Spirit Squad t-shirt to perform in!
Sign up by visiting our Instagram @ucsc_spirit or visiting linktr.ee/ucscspirit
Contact: spirit@ucsc.edu

Community Crafters Boulder Creek
2025-12-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Boulder Creek Library, 13390 W Park Ave, Boulder Creek, CA, United States
Community Crafters Boulder Creek and/or Felton
Boulder Creek Library: Saturdays 10am – 12pm
Felton Library: 4th Wednesday 10:30am-2:30pm

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

Downtown Farmers Market 2022
2025-12-03 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.

R.E.A.D. Reach Every Amazing Detail Capitola
2025-12-03 15:00 - 17:00 | Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
R.E.A.D. Reach Every Amazing Detail
Wednesdays 3 – 5pm through June 6
R.E.A.D. is one-on-one reading comprehension instruction for readers 2nd through 12th grade. Instructors are California credentialed teachers.
Wednesdays from 3:00p to 5:00p at Capitola and La Selva Beach Libraries. Sessions are 25 minutes long. By appointment only.
For more information or to register, contact SCPL Telephone Information: 831-427-7713 or elibrary@santacruzpl.org

SPCA Santa Cruz PAWS for JUNIORS Program Tier 2 December 3-17
2025-12-03 16:00 - 18:00 | Santa Cruz SPCA 2601 Chanticleer Ave Santa Cruz, 2601 chanticleer ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95065, United States
SPCA Santa Cruz PAWS for JUNIORS Program Tier 2 December 3-17
Wednesdays 4-6pm, September 9-24, October 8-22, November 6-20, December 3-17
Junior PAWS Tier 2, for returning students 7-9 years old, builds upon the children’s knowledge and skills about animals in PAWS Tier 1.
It runs for three weeks and refines the children’s animal handling skills.
The program establishes the children’s awareness of the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare and engages students in stories of animal rescues.
Participants play games about animal welfare, train dogs, walk dogs and make enrichments for the dogs and cats.
They also create adoption posters to be displayed on the animals’ kennel doors. Register now for animal snuggles!

English Country Dancing in Santa Cruz
2025-12-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Santa Cruz Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz, 95062, United States
English Country Dancing in Santa Cruz
1st Wednesdays, 7-9pm, starting September 3
Join us on First Wednesdays for lively English country dancing in Santa Cruz at the Santa Cruz Live Oak Grange

No partner or dancing experience needed — dances are taught and prompted.
Everyone is welcome! Gender-neutral roles/calling (Odds/Evens)
Wear comfortable non-marking sticky shoes / sneakers (aka, not dance slicks)
Open community Band — Bring your instrument, dance and/or play! (Please let us know if you’d like the sheet music – the tunes are relatively easy) Open Band (come join us!) – we often have Fiddle, Banjo, Recorder(s), Drum, Bass, …
COVID policies — following county policy; please don’t come if feeling under the weather. Mask / vaccine not required, but definitely welcomeContribute what you can — we are looking to cover the costs of the hall / insurance ($10 – $20), but come even if you can’t help financially

Videos of many of the dances that we do are at https://www.youtube.com/playlist… — no costume required! We hope to see you there!

FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/100333273841072

Where your California State Library Parks Pass Will Take You
2025-12-04 | Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Where your California State Library Parks Pass Will Take You

Where will your California State Library Parks Pass take you?

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

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

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

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

Winter Solstice, Stories & Crafts
2025-12-04 11:00 - 12:00 | Felton Library, 6121 Gushee Street, Felton, CA, 95018, United States
Winter Solstice, Stories & Crafts
Thursdays 11am-12pm

Learn how people celebrate this season of light and learn about the Winter Solstice through stories, songs, and lots of fun! Followed by a craft!

This program takes the place of our regular Preschool Storytime & Craft.

Preschool Storytime & Craft takes place in the Felton Community Room every Thursday from 11-12.

Join us for early literacy fun with books, songs, and activities for preschoolers and their caregivers!
https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/15179144

Mah Jongg Club - Hong Kong Style
2025-12-04 14:00 - 16:00 | Aptos Library, 7695 Soquel Dr,, Aptos, CA, 95003
Mah Jongg Club – Hong Kong Style

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