Santa Cruz Holiday Craft Fairs & Shopping Events 2014

‘Tis the season to shop local!  And Santa Cruz businesses and organizations are making it easy with a depth of holiday shopping fairs and events.

Here’s a roundup of some of the best opportunities to buy some awesome gifts and help support the local economy and arts culture at the same time.

Park Store Holiday Sale

Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks will host this sale, where nature and Santa Cruz themed clothing, artwork, mugs, jewelry and more will all be available for up to 30% less than usual.  These nicknacks can make great gifts for family visiting from out of town who may want to remember their time in Santa Cruz fondly.  And you can join Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks while you’re there for an even better discount.

Click here for more information.

• When: December 5 – 7, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Where: Santa Cruz Mission Adobe ParkStore

Homeless Garden Project Holiday Store

The Homeless Garden Project Holiday Store sells great locally made pantry items, jewelry, ornaments, wreaths and more that benefit a great cause that teaches homeless people practical and enriching skills.  The store is open all month, but their first ever First Friday Celebration is definitely worth checking out.

Click here for more information.

• When: December 5, 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
• Where: Homeless Garden Project, at Shaffer Road and Delaware Ave.

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History Holiday Sale

Free museum admission as well as complementary hot cider and cookies sweeten the deal at the Museum of Natural History, where you’ll find local historical books, posters, toys, and more merchandise at awesome discounts.  Museum Members will receive additional discounts.

Click here for more information.

• When: December 5 & 6, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Where: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

 

The Tannery Winter Art Market

If you want to give the gift of art to your loved ones this holiday season, there’s no better place in town than the Tannery to find what you’re looking for.  See local artists’ work up close in their studios, take advantage of hands on lessons, and make cards and ornaments while you’re there.

Click here for more information.

• When: December 5 – 6, Friday: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Saturday: 12:00 pm –5:00 pm
• Where: 

FCC Christmas Pop Up

Support Faith Community Church while you shop for gifts for the whole family.  There will be a wide range of crafts and other gifts made by local artists.

Click here for more information.

• When: December 6, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Where: Faith Community Church, 115 S. Morrissey

Holiday Art Show & Sale at 17th Ave Studios

Sculptures, paintings, watercolors, jewelry, crafts, handmade books, textiles, mosaics and more await you at 17th Avenue Studios, where local artist will offer up their best work for you to purchase as gifts for yourself or others.

Click here for more information.

• When: December 6 – 7, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Where: 17th Ave Studios

Santa Cruz Elks Holiday Bazaar

With wine and beer as well as baked goods and toys for sale, the Elks Holiday Bazaar really is the holiday fair for everyone. There will also be local art and craft, antiques and collectibles, a gift wrapping station, free pictures with Santa, and more.  Local artists can call 831-419-5652 for more info.

Click here for more information.

• When: December 6, 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
• Where: Santa Cruz Elks Lodge

Watsonville Holiday Factory Sale

Every holiday season, various stores and factories in Watsonville come together to hold a massive holiday sale.  Many of the products are grown or manufactured locally, making this a great way to both support the local economy and save money on every gift on your list.

Click here for more information.

• When: December 6, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Where: Various shops and factories, Watsonville

Annual Children’s Holiday Craft & Food Fair

Support the Boys and Girls Club in Santa Cruz and find adorable, unique gifts at the Annual Children’s Holiday Craft & Food Fair, which takes place downtown directly following the annual Downtown Santa Cruz holiday parade.  You and your kids can make a day out of it.

Click here for more information.

• When: December 6, 11am – 2pm
• Where: Boys & Girls Club of Santa Cruz

Monarch Community School Holiday Craft Fair

Find gifts from local artisans like body care products, custom jewelry, ceramics, prints, and housewares while you support a great local school.  If you’re going to the holiday parade downtown beforehand, be sure to snag one of the coupons they’ll be passing out there.

Click here for more information.

• When: December 6, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Where: Louden Nelson Community Center

Bargetto Winery Annual Art in the Cellars

Wine and art is a great pairing, and on you’ll find at Bargetto Winery, along with artisan food products and more. Admission is free, and you can taste Bargetto’s selection with the purchase of a $10 commemorative glass.  There will also be special holiday spiced mead for tasting.

Click here for more information.

• When: December 6 & 7, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Where: Bargetto Winery

Home and Hearth Holiday Fair

Fans of the Aptos Farmers’ Market will have reason to cheer this December, when three Saturdays in a row will be transformed into and holiday craft and specialty food shopping experience.  You can pick up your holiday menu as well as your holiday gift list here.

Click here for more information.

• When: December 6, 13, & 20,8:00 am – 12:00 pm 
• Where: Cabrillo College

Swanton Artisans 14th Annual Holiday Sale

A trip to Swanton Berry Farm is a treat all year round.  This holiday season, the organic farmers will team up with local crafters to create a unique and cozy holiday shopping fair.  Sample the famous jams and desserts, as you take in paintings, ornaments, and more.

Click here for more information.

• When: December 6, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Where: Swanton Berry Farm

Winter Wonderland Artisan Fair

If you or your loved ones love knitted items, internationally inspired gifts, fine art, and more, then Westlake’s holiday shopping experience is for you.  Low N Slow Food Truck will be on site serving up hearty treats.

Click here for more information.

• When: December 6, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
• Where: Westlake Elementary School

Heritage Holiday Craft & Gift Fair

The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds will play host to a whole weekend of folk art, antiques, collectibles and more.  Support the local fair and local artists while you enjoy holiday poinsettias and a juried show of different craft items.

Click here for more information.

• When: December 5–7
• Where: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds

Aptos Holiday Craft Fair & Tree Lighting

Local vendors will show their best work as carols, hot chocolate, Santa, and a tree lighting all come together to make one great holiday fair.  This is a great event for the whole family.

Click here for more information.

• When: December 6, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
• Where: Aptos Tree Village

Jingle Shells Art and Craft Festival

The holiday spirit and marine life will collide at the Seymour Center this Saturday, when ocean–inspired holiday gifts and decorations will be for sale.  There will also be several children’s activities and live music.

Click here for more information.

• When: December 7, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
• Where: Seymour Marine Discovery Center

Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center Holiday Sale

The Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center in Ben Lomand will hold their second and final holiday sale of the season on December 13th.  Find that unique gift of art for someone special, choosing from jewelry, ceramics, glass, scarves, sculpture, woodworking, paintings, photography, and cards.

There will also be live music and refreshments.

Click here for more information

• When: December 13, 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
• Where: Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center