This Weekend in Santa Cruz: Nov. 27th – 29th, 2015

By Blair Stenvick

If you can drag yourself out of bed after a Thanksgiving feast, this weekend in Santa Cruz will reward you with dozens of fun events for the whole family, from a holiday train ride to several different guided nature hikes.

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

Friday

Warriors vs Austin

When: 11/27 at 7:00 pm
Where: Kaiser Permanente Arena
Cost: $17-$40

Both Santa Cruz and Austin are great at keeping it weird, but we won’t know until Friday night who has more basketball prowess: the Austin Spurs, or Surf City’s own Warriors?

Get more info here.

Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train

When: 11/27 & 11/28 at 5:00 pm
Where: Departs from Beach Boardwalk
Cost: $29 adult; $23 for children ages 2-12 years

Thanksgiving will be over this weekend, which means that we can officially start looking forward to the December holidays. Kick off the season right and admire local decorations with this vintage train tour through town.

Get more info here.

Santa’s Reindeer Round-up

When: 11/27 thru 12/20 from 11:am to 5:00pm
Where: Downtown Santa Cruz
Cost: Free

Collect Dasher, Blitzen, Rudolph and all of Santa’s reindeer in Downtown Santa Cruz, where they have been scattered throughout local businesses up and down Pacific Avenue. Once you have rounded them all up, you can be entered in a raffle to win $100 in Downtown Dollars.

Get more info here.

santa cruz holiday event guide

Catch every holiday event in Santa Cruz County this month with our Santa Cruz Holiday Event Guide.

James Durbin

When: 11/27 at 9:00 pm
Where: Moe’s Alley
Cost: $12 advance, $15 day of show

James Durbin has come a long way since his days on American Idol, but one thing has never changed: his passion for good old rock ‘n’ roll music. This performance comes on the heels of his sophomore album release, Celebrate.

Get more info here.

Boulder Creek Tree Lighting and Santa Stroll

When: 11/27, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Downtown Boulder Creek
Cost: Free

You’ll find plenty of good old-fashioned holiday cheer at Boulder Creek’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, along with live music, Black Friday shopping deals, and photos with Santa.

Get more info here.

Meteor Trail Hike

When: 11/27 at 10:30 am
Where: Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Cost: Free

This hike has a bit of a sharp incline, but the payoff is the remarkable ocean views you will catch, provided the weather cooperates. Plus, you’ll get to learn more about the plant life indigenous to Santa Cruz.

Get more info here.

Also on Friday

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Saturday

Surfin’ Santa

When: 11/28 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Where: Capitola Beach
Cost: Free

This year, don’t just take your kids to see the mall Santa — instead, give them an experience they’ll never forget in Surfin’ Santa, when St. Nick and his reindeer will paddle onto shore, take a seat on his throne, and invite kids to tell him their Christmas wishes.

Get more info here.

Slow(er) Ride at Pogonip

When: 11/28 at 10:00 am
Where: Pogonip Park
Cost: Free

If you love mountain biking but prefer to take things a bit slower than the average biker, this monthly meet-up is perfect for you. Take the opportunity to enjoy Pogonip and meet some fellow leisurely bikers. Beginners welcome!

Get more info here.

Small Business Saturday

When: 11/28
Where: Small businesses across Santa Cruz County

America Express’ annual answer to the large chain consumerism of Black Friday is back, and as always, a large number Santa Cruz’s independent businesses will be participating. Show your love for small businesses by saving your holiday deal shopping for Saturday.

Get more info here.

It’s a Wild Life

When: 11/28 from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Where: Rio Theatre
Cost: $12.60 advanced

Most Santa Cruzans see the Pacific Ocean almost every day, but how much do we actually know about it? Learn more about the wildlife that calls Big Sur home by watching this fascinating documentary.

Get more info here.

The Road Less Traveled—A Dog-Friendly Walk

When: 11/28 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Where: Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Cost: Free (Day use parking $10)

You won’t have to worry about encountering any “No Dogs Allowed” signs when you participate in this three-mile walk through the redwoods. Dogs are not required to join, but they are certainly encouraged.

Get more info here.

Extra Large

When: 11/28 at 9:30 pm
Where: The Crow’s Nest
Cost: $7

Fans of reggae, hip hop, salsa and all forms of dance music will find plenty to love about local group Extra Large. In addition to their music, this band is known for the fun, free-spirited nature of their concerts.

Get more info here.

Santa Cruz Mountains Makers’ Market

When: 11/28 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Felton Community Hall

Come on out and shop local for the holidays with over 40 artists and crafters of Santa Cruz County! This FREE public event is held indoors and features LIVE LOCAL MUSIC all day from Sugar by the Pound, Young & Lowe, and Asher Stern, plus Lynn Holly on the harp.

Get more info here.

Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train

See description under Friday Section

Santa’s Reindeer Round-up

See description under Friday Section

Also on Saturday

Keep up with us all weekend long, and see which events we’re attending, by following Santa Cruz Life on Instagram.

Sunday

Little Craft Pop-Up

When: 11/29 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: Tannery Arts Center
Cost: Free

This family-friendly event showcases the work of local artisans who create products for babies and children. Kids can create a work of art at the Kaiwa Art & Play Space table while you browse clothing, decor, accessories and vintage items. Photo mini sessions with Lisa Jo Photography, face painting and food vendors will also be on hand for festive fun!

Get more info here.

Birding for Beginners

When: 11/29 from 8:00 am to 10:00 am
Where: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Cost: Free (Day use parking $10)

Have you ever looked up at a beautiful bird and wished you know more about it? If so, you might want to give birding a try. There are few places better for it than Santa Cruz County, and this leisurely walk will be led by an expert docent.

Get more info here.

Santa’s Reindeer Round-up

See description under Friday Section

Also on Sunday

Featured Upcoming Event

Enjoy free admission to the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum on the first Tuesday of each month. A leisurely walk through botanical gardens is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Plus, you may find the perfect gift at Norrie’s Gift & Garden Shop.

Get more info here.

What: Community Day, Free Admission
Where: UC Santa Cruz Arboretum
When: Tuesday, December 1 from 9am to 5pm

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Blair Stenvick

Blair Stenvick is a freelance writer who has lived in Santa Cruz for four years.

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