Santa Cruz’s holiday festivities continue this weekend, including concerts, plays, and train rides.
Read on to see the rest of our picks for the best events in Santa Cruz this weekend.
My Three Angels
When: Friday, 12/12 through Sunday, 12/14 at 8:00 pm and 2:00 pm
Where: Mountain Community Theater
How Much: $10-$20
This weekend is your last chance to take in this fun, lighthearted play put on by the fantastic Mountain Community Theater. My Three Angels proves that even convicts can get into the holiday spirit!
Victorian Carriage Rides
When: Saturday, 12/13 through Sunday, 12/14 at 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Where: Downtown Santa Cruz
How Much: $50 in advance. Limited number of $10 tickets available the day of at the info kiosk.
You don’t have to travel to Central park in New York City to enjoy a victorian style carriage ride. Travel the streets of downtown Santa Cruz in style and for free this weekend. This is the perfect romantic night out or fun night for the whole family.
Holidays on the Ranch
When: Saturday, 12/13 at 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Wilder Ranch State Park
How Much: Free
Wilder Ranch continues its tradition of putting celebrations in a historical perspective with Holidays on the Ranch. Learn how our Santa Cruz area ancestors celebrated the holidays with old fashioned crafts, games, and music.
Cabrillo Women’s Chorus presents Songs of Winter
When: Sunday, 12/14 at 3:00 pm
Where: Cabrillo Crocker Theater
How Much: $4-$10
Let beautiful female voices carry you through the cold weather as the Cabrillo Women’s Chorus presents Songs of Winter, a collection of holiday carols as well as other songs that share a connection to winter.
Santa and the Banana Slug String Band
When: Saturday, 12/13 at 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: Mountain Feed & Farm Supply
How Much: Free
Take in rustic holiday music, get a chance to sit on Santa’s lap, and have a photo opp for the whole family this Saturday. Kids to get their hands dirty planting succulents, and maybe even make a gift for their families.
Train to Christmas Town
When: Friday, 12/12 through Sunday, 12/14 at 4:00 pm
Where: New Depot at 765 Ohlone Parkway
How Much: $17- $38
If you have kids in Watsonville this weekend, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the Train to Christmas Town. Both the ride and the destination are a festive, magical experience for kids as well as their parents.
Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train
When: Saturday, 12/13 through Sunday, 12/14 at 5:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
How Much: $22-$28
It’s a tradition in many families to drive around looking at holiday lights, but this year you can do something different and ride around inside of the lights. The Holiday Lights Train will light up the streets of Santa Cruz this weekend, and you can make a night of it by playing mini golf or arcade games at the Boardwalk afterwards.
Santa Cruz Warriors
When: Friday, 12/12 and Saturday, 12/13 at 7:00 pm
Where: Kaiser Permanente Arena
How Much: $34
Watch Santa Cruz’s NBA development team take on the Austin Toros on Friday and the Erie Bayhawks on Saturday night at the Kaiser Permanente Arena this weekend. You never know, you might be watching the next big NBA star.
Holiday Tree Walk
When: Saturday, 12/13 through Sunday, 12/14 at 11:00 am and 12:30 pm
Where: Roaring Camp Railroads
How Much: $19-$26
Take Roaring Camp’s steam train to Bear Mountain and walk amongst the beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Be sure to bring an unwrapped toy with you to help benefit Toys for Tots, which will provide holiday presents to thousands of kids in the Santa Cruz area.
Downtown Antique Fair
When: Sunday, 12/14 at 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Downtown Santa Cruz
How Much: Free
If your idea of sophisticated is slightly scuffed, if you prefer dusty over designer, and if you know vintage is about more than just wine, then the monthly Antique Faire in downtown Santa Cruz is for you. This is the perfect opportunity to find one of a kind holiday gifts.
Dan Hicks & The Hot Licks – Holidaze In Hicksville
When: Friday, 12/12 at 7:00 pm
Where: Kuumbwa Jazz
How Much: $25-$30
If you love classic hits like “I Scare Myself,” “Where’s the Money,” and “Canned Music,” Friday night is your chance to hear the master songwriter behind them all. Hicks will be performing under the radar holiday tunes like “I’ve Got Christmas by the Tail” and “Cool Yule.”
Additional events this weekend
Friday:
- Boardwalk Holiday Bash -sold out
- Lil B
- Mark Yamanaka
- Midnight Movie: Snowpiercer
- Fall 2014 ART Open Studios
- Riders In The Sky
- Cabrillo Jazz Series presents A Night of Vocal Jazz
- The Lady, Ground Score Willie, Courtney Wachtel
Friday through Sunday
Saturday:
- Breakfast with Santa
- Holiday Cheer
- A Tribute to Jerry Garcia
- Home and Hearth Holiday Fair
- Sin Sisters Burlesque
- An evening with Kaki King
- Santa Cruz Waldorf School Warming Winter Faire
- Researchers Anonymous “A Tasteful History: Telling the Story of Local Food”
- Pawn Shop Soul
Saturday & Sunday
Sunday:
- Weekly Cowell Beach Cleanup
- A Child’s Victorian Tea Party
- Flamenco for the Season Concert
- TESS DUNN & Band + The Unending Thread
- The Inside Story of Two Counter-Culture Legends: “Dying to Know: Ram Dass & Timothy Leary”
Recurring Events You Can Find Every Weekend
- Free Wildlife Eco-Tours of the Santa Cruz Wharf (weekly event – every Saturday & Sunday)
- Tours of the Reserve at Elkhorn Slough (weekly event – every Saturday & Sunday)
- Sunday Seaside Crafts at the Seymour Center (weekly event – every Sunday)
- Santa Cruz Farmers Markets (weekly events)
- Live Comedy at the Crow’s Nest (weekly event – every Sunday night)
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