‘Tis the season to shop unique, handmade, and most of all, local.
Santa Cruz businesses and organizations are making it easy with a full slate of holiday shopping fairs, makers markets, and boutiques.
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.
Be sure to check back often, as new pop-up shopping events are added throughout the holiday season.
November 2 – 3
11th Annual Santa Cruz Sea Glass & Ocean Art Festival
When: 11/2 & 11/3 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Cocoanut Grove Sunroom on the Beach Boardwalk
Calling all sea glass lovers and ocean enthusiasts! Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts featuring authentic sea glass and coastal art from over 40 artists. Your entry fee includes a chance to win a gift basket filled with sea-inspired goodies, and a portion is donated to ocean conservation through the Monterey Bay Sanctuary.
Zinnia’s Annual Holiday Open House
When: 11/2 from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Where: Zinnia’s Gift Boutique in Scotts Valley
Zinnia’s Home & Garden kicks off the holiday season with their annual Open House and unveiling of their holiday trees. Start your holiday shopping early and enjoy beautiful decor, appetizers, special guest artists, and fun for all.
Bumblebees by the Sea Holiday Open House
When: 11/2 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Where: Bumblebees by the Sea in Scotts Valley
You’ll find unique gifts, home decor, and jewelry at Bumblebees by the Sea’s 7th Annual Holiday Open House. Enjoy refreshments while you shop and get inspired by the many beautifully decorated trees and decorations.
Scotts Valley Holiday Craft Fair
When: 11/2 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Scotts Valley Senior Center & Community Center
Over 25 years of hand-crafted and home-baked goods—now that’s a holiday shopping tradition! And all for a good cause because proceeds benefit programs and resources at the Senior & Community centers. The activity lineup includes family zumba, a visit with miniature ponies, a holiday singalong, and the famous chicken dinners.
Watsonville Taiko’s Annual Holiday Boutique & Raffle
When: 11/3 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: Kizuka Hall in Watsonville
Get a jump start on holiday shopping and support the performing arts and community spirit of Watsonville Taiko. This family-friendly boutique features a variety of themed baskets, succulents, and unique gifts for everyone. Raffle prizes include a stunning, handmade Japanese motif quilt. Enjoy baked goods and snacks for purchase while you shop.
Downtown Makers Market
When: 11/3 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Downtown Santa Cruz
Join us in wishing the Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market a happy 1-year anniversary! Enjoy a free concert featuring local instrumental quartet Asari while you shop the unique wares of over 40 Santa Cruz makers and crafters.
November 9 – 10
Goat Hill Fair
When: 11/9 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm & 11/10 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Fairgrounds
After attending Goat Hill for ourselves, all we can say is wow! This unique antiques and artisan fair features over 100 vendors showcasing vintage treasures, up-cycled junk, antiques, collectibles, and artisan food. It’s fun, nostalgic, and full of DIY inspiration. Plus, you’re sure to cross a few folks off your shopping list.
Bonny Doon Craft Faire
When: 11/9 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Bonny Doon Union Elementary School
Go for the fabulous local vendors including Fish Princess Farm, Sarah’s Succulents, and Jessica Vaughan. Stay for the annual chili cook off and bake sale!
5th Annual Holiday Art & Craft Fair
When: 11/9 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: Aptos Grange
Local holiday shopping made easy with over 20 local art and craft vendors, plus delicious homemade food to keep you fueled as you shop. Proceeds go back into the community, as well as a raffle to support the Quilt of Valor Project.
Old Oak Artisans’ Market
When: 11/10 from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: 322 McCormick Ave., Capitola
A wonderful lineup of local makers and their amazing arts and crafts awaits, including Mckella Jo, Native Nirvana, and Bee Happy Today. Sweet tunes provided by Lindsey Wall + Soledad Naomi, plus fall libations for all!
November 16 – 17
Westlake Winter Artisan Fair
When: 11/16 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Westlake Elementary
Indulge in a little stress-free shopping and do some good for local artists and craftspeople, as you raise money for Westlake Elementary. This annual artisan fair is a great place to score unique gifts while you sip your coffee and snack on baked goods while browsing the amazingly talented vendors.
La Selva Beach Holiday Fair
When: 11/16 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: La Selva Beach Clubhouse
If your homemade holiday is going to be made by someone else this year, that’s ok! La Selva Beach Holiday Fair has over 50 arts and crafts vendors with everything imaginable, bargain books from the library, a bake sale and local food trucks.
Santa Cruz Mineral & Gem Holiday Sale
When: 11/16 & 11/17 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Live Oak Grange
Prepare to be dazzled at The Santa Cruz Mineral and Gem Society holiday sale, where members will be displaying and selling their treasures, including rocks, minerals, fossils, gems, jewelry, lapidary arts, and more.
November 23 – 24
UCSC Arboretum Gift & Wreath Sale
When: 11/23 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: UCSC Arboretum
A visit to the arboretum is always a treat, so why not get some holiday shopping out of the way while there? You’ll find carefully crafted dried flower works of art, as well as traditional and one-of-a-kind wreaths. If you’d rather go the DIY route, get inspired with a selection of plants, dried flowers, frames, wreath kits and wreath demonstrations.
DIG Gardens 10th Annual Holiday Open House
When: 11/23 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Dig Gardens, Santa Cruz
Visiting DIG during the holidays is a must. You’re guaranteed to feel festive and inspired to decorate, DIY some gifts, and kick your indoor and outdoor gardens up a notch. Their annual holiday open house is the perfect occasion to shop and enjoy small bites and drinks, plus 10% off the entire store.
Holiday Market!
When: 11/23 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: Cafe Iveta
Visit this gem of a cafe on the westside for an afternoon of supporting local, connecting with others, and finding the perfect gifts for loved ones. Enjoy sangria and snacks while you shop art, teas, jewelry, clean beauty, wellness balms, textiles, and more. Meet the women behind the scenes of some of your favorite local businesses including Lunar Tea Co., Flourish Designs, Nuestra Cosa, Deerhaven Lavender Farm, and Santa Cruz Bee Company.
Santa’s Shelves Fundraiser
When: 11/23 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm & 11/24 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Felton Fire Station
Come on out and show your support at this annual fundraiser for the Felton Volunteer Fire Department. A variety of craft vendors will help you cross some names off your list. Visit with Santa and save room for breakfast or lunch and the bake sale.
November 29 – December 1
Sip & Shop Small at Humble Sea
When: 11/29 from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Where: Humble Sea Brewing Co.
Drink beer. Get your holiday shopping done. Be happy. It’s that simple! So grab a humbly delicious brew and check out the variety of high quality wares from local makers, including Valley Botanicals, Mountainside Jewelry, Fiber Punk Studio, Tiny House Chocolate, and more.
Santa Cruz Mountains Holiday Makers Market
When: 11/30 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Felton Community Hall
Shop the art, music, and tastes of the Santa Cruz Mountains community. This free public event is held indoors and features live local music while you discover treasures and gifts from over 40 local artists and crafters. Best of all, your shopping dollars help benefit a local non-profit, Mountain Community Resources.
Santa Cruz (Witch) Craft Fair
When: 11/30 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Where: Concrete Rose Salon
Get a tarot reading while shopping the magical gifts from local artisans and witches, including candles, oils, jewelry, art, locally designed tarot and oracle decks, skincare and more!
Holiday Makers Market at Abbott Square Market
When: 12/1 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Abbott Square
Street fair meets craft fair at Abbott Square! Enjoy live music while checking out the goods from over local 20 artists and artisans. From body care products to hand-stitched leather to culinary rubs, you’re sure to find some great gifts.
Glass Ornament Show
When: 12/1 from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Live Oak Grange
Shop fabulous hand-blown glass ornaments, all locally handmade by Chris Johnson Glass. Other vendors joining this event include Bloomglass – fused glass jewelry, and Matthew Stout – pottery.
December 6 – 8
Heritage Holiday Craft & Gift Fair
When: 12/6 – 12/8
Where: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds
Don’t let the Gizdich pie, model trains, and Mister and Ms. Claus sightings distract you from all the one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. With three big buildings filled with handmade crafts, antiques, collectibles, and toys, you’re bound to cross everyone off your list and earn that slice of pie.
Alladin Nursery 15th Annual Christmas Open House
When: 12/6 – 12/8 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Alladin Nursery & Gift Shop
Alladin Nursery & Gift Shop will transform into a Christmas wonderland, full of gifts for everyone on your list. Enjoy live music, hot apple cider, wine, and homemade pastries while you shop. Bring in a bag full of non-perishable or canned groceries to donate to the Second Harvest Food Bank and receive 10% off your purchase.
Winter Open House – Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
When: 12/6 – 12/8
Where: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
For all the nature lovers on your shopping list, take advantage of the museum’s store-wide sale throughout the weekend. Admission is free! Enjoy complimentary hot cider and cookies, crafts and activities, plus the chance to explore the museum’s latest exhibits.
Winter Art Market 2019
When: 12/7 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Tannery Arts Center
Craving a total arts and craft experience? Motivate your hand-craftiness at the Tannery Arts Center. An impressive array of artist demonstrations, envy-inducing craft activities, irresistible food, beer and wine, and open studios where you can meet the makers.
Watsonville Holiday Factory Sale
When: 12/7 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Participating Merchants
It’s time for the annual Holiday Factory Sale featuring products grown, manufactured, or produced right in Watsonville. Participating merchants include S. Martinelli & Company, Roche Leather Company, and American Hatmakers / Head’n Home Hats. Not only will you finish your holiday shopping early, you’ll save money while supporting local businesses.
Boys & Girls Club Kids Craft Fair
When: 12/7 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Where: Boys & Girls Club Downtown Clubhouse
Support young entrepreneurs and find adorable, unique gifts at the Annual Kids Craft Fair, which takes place immediately following the Annual Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade. Admission is free and open to the public.
Holiday Gift Show 2019
When: 12/7 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: 250 California St., Santa Cruz
Head on over to the Westside for handmade artisan goods and plenty of holiday spirit. Plus, a percentage of sales will be donated to the Walnut Avenue Family and Women’s Center. Shop ceramics, prints, fabric designs, jewelry, painted tiles and more.
Holiday Art & Craft Faire
When: 12/7 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Simpkins Family Swim Center
Whether you’re looking for a unique gift for that special someone or festive stocking stuffers, you’ll find a wide variety of high-quality, locally-made art and crafts at the annual Holiday Art and Craft Faire, including: jewelry, hats and bags, textiles (knitted items, clothing), ornaments, leather goods, soaps, art, candles, nightlights, pottery, original artwork, cards, pillows, art glass, and much more! Come on by to find that perfect last-minute gift or something for yourself! FREE admission and parking!
Annual Holiday Sale at Santa Cruz Mountains Arts Center
When: 12/7 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center makes it easy to give the gift of handcrafted, unique art. Don’t miss their annual holiday sale to find beautiful jewelry, ceramics, scarves, sculpture, paintings, photography, and more. If you can’t make the sale, check out their “Home is where the Art is” exhibit during gallery hours for smaller, affordable pieces of artwork and new items added every week.
12th Annual Artisans Gift Sale 2019
When: 12/7 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz County Veterans Memorial Building
This is a special collection of hand-crafted gifts, all under $25. Artists and craftspeople curate their wares to offer beautiful, handcrafted items within the budget! Something for everyone, even the dog in your life!
28th Annual Art in the Cellars at BARGETTO Winery
When: 12/7 & 12/8 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Bargetto Winery in Soquel
Wine and local art is a great pairing, and one you’ll find at Bargetto Winery, along with artwork, jewelry, and handmade goods. Admission is free, and you can taste Bargetto’s selection with the purchase of a $15 commemorative glass. Sip, shop, and stroll the historic cellars!
Swanton Artisans Annual Holiday Sale
When: 12/ 7 & 12/8 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Swanton Berry Farm
Swanton Berry Farm is always a fun destination with their to-die-for chocolate dipped strawberries, truffles, shortcakes and jam. Did you know they have soup, hot coffee and cider too? This weekend you can support labor and sustainable agriculture as well as local artisans who will be selling their art, jewelry, soap, and so so much more.
Norrie’s Gift & Garden Shop Holiday Open House
When: 12/7 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: UCSC Arboretum
Shop green, support a good cause and find treasures at Norrie’s annual open house. Entirely run by volunteers, this quaint and elegant gift shop abounds with locally-made items, as well as books, jewelry, toys, etc. All proceeds benefit the Arboretum’s conservation, education, research and horticulture programs. Light refreshments will be served, and artists and makers will be creating their wares to make your holiday shopping easy and ecological.
ParkStore Holiday Sale
When: 12/7 & 12/8 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (Preview sale Friday at Seacliff!)
Where: Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, Natural Bridges State Beach, Wilder Ranch State Park, Seacliff State Beach
With iconic posters and apparel on sale, along with books and plenty of other gifts, this annual sale is a great way to support our beautiful parks and please the nature-lovers on your shopping list.
Holiday Tree Lighting and Craft Fair
When: 12/7 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: Aptos New Leaf Community Market
Santa is coming to Aptos, so you better be good! Get your picture taken with the jolly man himself at the big Christmas tree lighting. Enjoy coffee or cocoa and cookies while you shop locally-made crafts and the carolers croon your favorite songs and performers jazz up your holiday spirit.
BOULDER CREEK WINTER ART & CRAFT FAIR
When: 12/7 from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm
Where: Boulder Creek
Santa will make a stop in Boulder Creek to help light the Christmas tree and take some pictures. With food trucks and restaurants, arts and crafts activities as well as local vendors, there’s plenty for everyone, and the hip shops will stay open late for holiday shopping.
Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market
When: 12/8 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Pacific Ave. between Water & Locust Streets
With over 40 vendors to choose from, you will find many tempting treasures to take home for yourself or a gift for someone special. Located right downtown, this market has the advantage of being near lots of restaurants and cafes so you can refuel. Live music performed by Whiskey West adds to the fun.
December 13 – 15
Holiday Artisan Food & Gift Market
When: 12/14 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Food Lounge
If you hunger for artisan food gifts, thirst for holiday drinks and cocktails, and seek the most unique gifts around, then the Food Lounge’s annual Holiday Artisan Food & Gift Market is for you. Don’t miss over 25 vendors as well as fresh food items and 11th Hour Coffee while you shop.
Hops + Holiday Pop-Up Shops!
When: 12/14 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Beer Thirty Bottle Shop & Pour House
Hang out at Beer Thirty and get our holiday shopping done? Sounds good to us. Local artists and makers are bringing an eclectic variety of gifty goods. Vendors include Santa Cruz Engraving, Desert Moon Designs, Little Shop of Horticulture, and Nuestra Cosa, Studio S.E.A., and Ventana Surfboards & Supplies.
Jingle Shells Arts & Crafts Festival
When: 12/15 from 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Where: Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab
The Seymour Center is another local treasure, catering to families and ocean-lovers of all ages. Always worth a visit for the excellent exhibits, Jingle Shells Festival gives you another reason to stop by. You can do some last-minute shopping for ocean-themed hand made arts and crafts, and proceeds directly support marine science education. With over 30 artists on hand, shopping will be fun and easy. Enjoy 10% off in the gift shop, free gift wrapping, live music and hot apple cider, along with activities for kids.
Christmas Market on the Felton Covered Bridge
When: 12/15 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Felton Covered Bridge Park
Covered Bridge in Felton, built in 1892, is a charming and iconic landmark, and makes a gorgeous setting for this artisan Christmas market. This beautiful piece of history will be decorated with lights, food and beverages will be available, along with fun, friends and festivities.
LoOk Collective Winter Art Extravaganza
When: 12/15 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: 5221 Coast Road Hwy, Santa Cruz
Drive up the coast to an old farmhouse and meet some of our fabulous local artists. Working in a variety of media, LoOk Collective artists will show off and discuss their printmaking, ceramic, textile, paper, and other handmade gifts. In addition, you can support the bake sale fundraiser to help our immigrant neighbors to the south.
December 19 – 21
Davenport Roadhouse Holiday Pop-up Market
When: 12/21 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Davenport Roadhouse
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.
Bruno’s Holiday Pop-Up Shop
When: 12/21 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Where: Bruno’s Bar and Grill, Scotts Valley
Pop upstairs at Bruno’s for a last-minute opportunity to shop local and unique. ND Candleworks, Desert Moon Design and Madi Meek will be featured. If you are a local crafter or maker, there’s a chance you can display your items free of charge. Contact booking@brunosbarandgrill to be added.
Natural Motion Warehouse Christmas Sale
When: 12/21 & 12/22 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Natural Motion Warehouse, 1037 17th Ave., Santa Cruz
Food, drinks, and holiday gifts with awesome Santa Cruz brands: Jimbo Phillips, Made Fresh Crew, Lemon Tree, and Third Eye Pinecones.
More December Events Coming Soon!
Submit your craft fair event here and be sure to check back often, as new pop-up shopping events are added throughout the holiday season.
