This Weekend in Santa Cruz: December 13th – 15th, 2019

By Christine Candelaria

Holiday magic is alive in Santa Cruz this weekend with no shortage of festive fun. Take in a Nutcracker ballet, ride a horse-drawn carriage Downtown, catch a free showing of the movie Elf, and shop local artisan craft fairs.

Want a break from the holiday madness? Look no further than a Star Wars-themed Warriors game, science-themed standup comedy, and professional wrestling at the Civic.

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

Quick Links

Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Upcoming

Friday

Ren’s Acoustic Winter Wonderland Show

When: 12/13 at 8:00 pm
Where: lille aeske arthouse

This intimate little gem in the mountains is the perfect spot to pour yourself a cup of cozy and settle in for some acoustic holiday music. Ren Geisick’s soulful renditions of festive tunes and new classics are sure to bring out your holiday spirit and get the weekend off to a cheerful start.

Get more info here.

SANTA CRUZ WARRIORS VS. AGUA CALIENTE CLIPPERS

When: 12/13 at 7:00 pm
Where: Kaiser Permanente Arena

It’s an exciting time to be a Star Wars fan, with The Rise of Skywalker just around the corner. Add to the excitement and anticipation by cheering on the Santa Cruz Warriors at the first ever Star Wars Night! Meet your favorite Star Wars characters, receive a Kevon Looney Stormtrooper Edition bobblehead (if you’re among the first 1,500 fans in attendance), and come dressed up like you live in a galaxy far, far away.

Get more info here.

Also on Friday

MUSIC/DANCE

THEATER/ARTS

OUTDOORS

MORE

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Saturday

Wowie-Zowie with Jeff Raz!

When: 12/14 at 11:00 am
Where: Santa Cruz Veterans Memorial Building

No better time of year than the holidays to bring a sense of joy, wonder, and inspiration to all. And if anyone can do it, it’s Jeff Raz, the One and Only! There is no shortage of entertainment at an ArtSmart Family Concert, especially one that includes zany circus and physical comedy, from musical juggling to amazing feats of balance. Bring the whole family!

Get more info here.

Nutcracker: Experience the Magic!

When: 12/14 – 12/15 at 1:00 pm & 4:30 pm
Where: Cabrillo Crocker Theater

Santa Cruz City Ballet presents their premier holiday performance of the Nutcracker: Experience the Magic 2019. Take in the magic of this timeless holiday classic featuring gorgeous costumes, dazzling sets, and exquisite dancing. Two delightful, full-length performances each day!

Get more info here.

AGRICULTURAL HISTORY PROJECT: 2ND SATURDAY – CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM

When: 12/14 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Agricultural History Project Center and Museum

The last 2nd Saturday on the Farm of they year is here and it’s packed with holiday cheer. Visit with Santa, bring your teddy bear for the “Teddy Bear Tea Party”, and enjoy traditional craft projects like paper chains, reindeer puppets, and cranberry and popcorn stringing. The usual favorite activities will also be available, including wooden cow milking, a kid-driven tractor, and water pumps.

Get more info here.

WATSONVILLE LIBRARY: A PERSONAL STORY WITH FRANK JIMENEZ

When: 12/14 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: Watsonville Library

Watsonville Public Library presents a literary afternoon for the whole family with Dr. Francisco Jiménez, author of The Circuit, Breaking Through, Reaching Out, & Taking Hold. Dr. Jiménez will discuss his personal experience growing up in a family of immigrant farm workers and share how those experiences have shaped his writing. Each family will receive a free copy of his book, while supplies last.

Get more info here.

DOWNTOWN SANTA CRUZ: FESTIVE WAGON RIDES

When: December 8, 14, 15, 20, 21 & 22 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: Downtown Santa Cruz Info Kiosk

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.

FREE FAMILY MOVIE

When: 12/14 at 10:00 am
Where: Del Mar Theater

Take the family out for a jolly good time and holiday tradition with a free family movie at the Del Mar. This holiday movie benefit screening of Elf supports Second Harvest Food Bank. Bring a non-perishable food donation for free admission.

Get more info here.

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.

Get more info here.

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.

Get more info here.

Downtown Santa Cruise

When: 12/14 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Throughout Downtown Santa Cruz

After a day of listening to children tell him what they want for Christmas, Santa is ready to cruise the streets of Downtown Santa Cruz! This evening involves team work, a text based scavenger hunt, drink specials and prizes. Custom “Suessean” Santa hats included! 21+

Get more info here.

Also on Saturday

MUSIC/DANCE

THEATER/ARTS

MAKE/CRAFT

Watercolor Workshop w/Heidi Michelle @ Annieglass

OUTDOORS

MORE

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

Sunday

Jingle Shells Arts & Crafts Festival

When: 12/15 from 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Where: Seymour Marine Discovery Center

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.

Get more info here.

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.

Get more info here.

Stand Up Science

When: 12/15 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: DNAs Comedy Lab

If you want to be smarter, but also want to laugh, then science comedy stand-up is for you. Ease holiday stress by LOL’ing at the LAB…DNA’s Comedy Lab, that is.

Get more info here.

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.

Get more info here.

WWE NXT Live!

When: 12/15 at 7:30 pm; Doors open at 6:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium

’Tis the season for nostalgia, and if professional wrestling takes you straight back to your childhood, maybe you should head to the Civic. WWE NXT comes to Santa Cruz for the first time ever, giving you a chance to see a whole slew of NXT champions in the flesh.

Get more info here.

DOWNTOWN SANTA CRUZ: FESTIVE WAGON RIDES

See Description Under Saturday Section

Nutcracker: Experience the Magic!

See Description Under Saturday Section

Also on Sunday

MUSIC/DANCE

THEATER/ARTS

“The Cherry Orchard” @ Mountain Community Theater/Park Hall

MAKE/CRAFT

Glass Ornament Making Workshop @ Annieglass

OUTDOORS

MORE

Upcoming Events You Don’t Want to Miss

Davenport Roadhouse Holiday Pop-up Market

What: Holiday Pop-up Market
Where: Davenport Roadhouse
When: Saturday, December 21, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

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 46th Annual Santa Cruz Fungus Fair

What: Santa Cruz Fungus Fair
Where: Louden Nelson Community Center
When: January 10 – 12

Fascinating fungi take center stage for three days in January at the Fungus Fair. Get your fungal fix listening to speakers, watching demonstrations, strolling through a habitat display, and tasting unique mushroom creations. A Kids’ Room on Saturday and Sunday puts the fun in fungus for the whole family!

Get more info here.

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Christine Candelaria

Christine Candelaria is a local mom of four who enjoys sharing her Santa Cruz adventures. You can follow her #santacruzlife on Instagram at @theaumsmama.

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