Santa Cruz Events: December 20th

School’s out for winter break this weekend and there are plenty of holiday happenings for the whole family.

From toy trains to Santa visits, Nutcracker performances to pop-up holiday markets, traditional holiday events take center stage.

See our picks for the top events each day this weekend:

Quick Links

Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Upcoming

Friday

Toy Trains

When: 12/20 – 12/29 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (The MAH)

All aboard! Bring the whole crew down to MAHvel at these mighty mini machines, speak with experts, master the controls, and even bring your own toy train to put on the track! Toy Trains is free and open to the public Friday, December 20th through Sunday, December 29th, with some exceptions and early closures.

Get more info here.

The Nutcracker 2019

When: 12/20 – 12/22
Where: Cabrillo Crocker Theater

Agape Dance Academy returns for another season of The Nutcracker Suite Ballet, with both a full-length Grande Nutcracker Show as well as a “petite” production for the youngest dancers and audience members.

Get more info here.

DOWNTOWN SANTA CRUZ: FESTIVE WAGON RIDES

When: 12/20 – 12/22 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: Downtown Santa Cruz

Hop aboard a 12-seater horse-drawn carriage for a ride through Downtown Santa Cruz. It’s the perfect way to round out a date night or family visit downtown. You can grab your tickets at the Downtown Information Kiosk on a first-come first-served basis. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for kids 3-11, and kids 2 and under are free if they’re on a lap!

Get more info here.

VISITS WITH SANTA AT BUTTERCUP CAKES

When: 12/20 – 12/22 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: Buttercup Cakes & Farm House Frosting

Santa has a new home this year and it’s pretty sweet! Buttercup Cakes is welcoming families to visit with Santa three weekends in December. Bring your cameras to capture the “Santa” Cruz magic!

Get more info here.

Boardwalk Holiday Ice

When: Now through January 5, 2020
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Enjoy the best of both worlds this holiday season: ice skating and the beach! You can rent skates for an hour, or make a day of it with the Boardwalk combo. To add to the festive air, there is a magical snowfall every hour, festive food, arts and crafts, old favorite holiday movies and more. Reservations are recommended for skating.

Get more info here.

Also on Friday

HOLIDAYS

MUSIC/DANCE

THEATER/ARTS

Hello Dollies Exhibition @ San Lorenzo Valley Museum

OUTDOORS

Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park

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Saturday

Davenport Roadhouse Holiday Pop-up Market

When: 12/21 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Davenport Roadhouse & Inn

With a bonus little trip up the coast, last minute shopping is made easy at the Roadhouse. This pop-up features 15 local artists, a local wine sip n’ shop, buffet by the Roadhouse Restaurant, and live music by Lindsey Wall.

Get more info here.

The Nutcracker at The Civic

When: 12/21 & 12/22
Where: Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium

For many, the holiday season just isn’t complete without seeing The Nutcracker at the Civic. This classic holiday ballet features a full professional orchestra and over 70 local performers. Sweet Treattickets are available for the matinee shows and include a free cookie from Pacific Cookie Company, a commemorative ornament, and photo opportunities with the Nutcracker characters prior to the performance.

Get more info here.

DREAM INN: BREAKFAST WITH SANTA – SOLD OUT

When: 12/21 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Where: Dream Inn

This event is sold out. Santa is in town for breakfast! Enjoy a buffet breakfast, cookie decorating and a visit with Santa. Author Lois Ackerman Lawson will host a story time for kids.

Get more info here.

SEASCAPE – SANDERLINGS: HOLIDAY TEA WITH SANTA

When: 12/21 from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm
Where: Seascape Beach Resort

Take the family out for a fun afternoon with Santa. Hot Chocolate, assorted sandwiches and refreshments will be served. There’s even a Mimosa bar for the adults! Make some ornaments, decorate cookies, enjoy balloon twisting and face painting, too!

Get more info here.

Toy Trains at the MAH

See Description Under Friday Section