‘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.
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History Holiday Sale
Holiday shopping can get to be a drag, so what’s a better idea than offering cookies and hot cider, along with free admission to the museum, to all shoppers?
The Museum of Natural History’s sale will have you feeling jolly even before you take in all the books, toys, jewelry, and more you can purchase for your loved ones.
Click here for more information.
- When: December 6 & 7, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Where: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Seacliff ParkStore Holiday Sale
Are your loved ones proud to be Santa Cruzans? Help them rep their pride with some sweet local state parks merchandise. There will also be great maps, local history books, and educational toys available. Non-members get 15 percent off their purchase, or you can go all the way by becoming a member to receive 30 percent off your purchase.
Click here for more information.
- When: December 6-8, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Where: Seacliff ParkStore at the visitors center at Seacliff State Beach, 201 State Park Drive, Aptos
Heritage Holiday Craft & Gift Fair
Referred to as, “The Traditional Start of the Holiday Season in the Pajaro Valley,” the Heritage Holiday Craft & Gift Fair is a craft fair that has been running for more than three decades.
This is a big event, with over 100 crafters and exhibitors filling 3 buildings at the Santa Cruz County fairgrounds.
Click here for more information
- When: December 6-8, Friday: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Where: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds
Winter Wonderland Artisan Fair at Westlake Elementary
Westlake Elementary’s annual holiday fair is a community favorite on the Westside, and for good reason.
Each year the Westlake Artisan Fair provides an outstanding array of local artisan goods, from jewelry and leather to paintings and pottery.
Help support a local school, enter the gift raffle, and enjoy some delicious eats from Low N Slow food while you’re at it.
Click here for more information.
- When: December 7, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Where: Westlake Elementary School
Watsonville Holiday Factory Sale
Each year businesses in Watsonville offer deep discounts during the one day Factory Sale.
You’ll find everything from bamboo kitchen utensils to cars and trucks on sale — along with plenty of wine!
Click here for more information.
- When: December 7, from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Where: Various Watsonville Businesses
Aptos Holiday Craft Fair & Tree Lighting
More than just a shopping fair, this is a full fledged holiday event. Visit with Santa Claus and watch the tree lighting ceremony while browsing for gifts from local merchants.
Click here for more information, including a list of vendors.
- When: December 7, from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- Where: Aptos Village Tree (corner of Soquel Drive and Aptos Creek Road)
13th Annual Swanton Artisans Holiday Sale
Swanton Berry Farm is known for its sweet berries, but one day out of the year it’s also known for its sweet deals. The annual holiday artisans sale offers locally crafted treats of all varieties, from the edible to the decorative.
Click here for more information.
- When: December 7, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Where: Swanton Berry Farm
Bargetto Winery’s Art in the Cellar
Feast your eyes on local artists’ work while you immerse your tastebuds in award-winning Bargetto wine. If you have an oenophiliac in your family, you can even get them a bottle of their favorite wine with a custom label on it designed by you!
Click here for more information.
- When: December 7, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Where: Bargetto Winery
Tannery Art Center Winter Art Market
Few places better represent the diversity of Santa Cruz artists than the Tannery, which means you should be able to find something for everyone on your list at their Holiday Faire. There will be live music, carolers, ornament making, and vendors from all over the county.
Click here for more information.
- When: December 6, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm & December 7-8, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- Where: Tannery Arts Center
Jingle Shells Arts and Crafts Festival
Head to the Seymour Center to buy locally made gifts for the oceanographer-in-training in your life.
There will also be live music and craft stations for kids, not to mention a “whale lighting” ceremony after the event.
Click here for more information.
- When: December 8, 12:00 pm – 5:30 pm
- Where: Seymour Center
Homeless Garden Project Holiday Store
The Homeless Garden Project’s Holiday Store is open daily through Christmas Eve. They are hosting a store celebration and open house during First Friday, December 6, from 5:30 – 8:00 pm.
Click here for more information.
- When: now through December 24, 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Where: 110 Cooper St/Pacific, Suite 100 G in the breezeway
I have my eye on the Swanton Berry Farm sale. Here’s one more: Annual Children’s Holiday Craft & Food Fair at the Boys & Girls Club, Dec. 7 11-2pm
“Come on down and support young entrepreneurs as they sell their arts & crafts, baked goods, and wares.
We hold the craft fair in our gym immediately following the annual downtown Santa Cruz parade a couple blocks away where lots of people will be gathered. There will be live music from local performers. Customer admission is free!”
Great info, thanks for sharing!