This Weekend in Santa Cruz: December 6th – 8th, 2019

By Meridith Cook

December is upon us with its dark cold rain. But there is no shortage of revelry and merriment this weekend.

You can celebrate the culture and history of Santa Cruz at Fiestas Mexicanas, Wilder Ranch or Castro Adobe.

You can celebrate art at First Friday or one of the many tempting craft fairs happening all over the county.

You can celebrate by singing, dancing, running, or listening to poetry. We’ve got it all and winter is on!

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

Quick Links

Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Upcoming

Friday

Senderos December in Mexico Showcase: Fiestas Mexicanas

When: 12/6 & 12/7 at 7:00 pm
Where: Harbor High Theater, 300 La Fonda Avenue, Santa Cruz

Chase away the winter chill with the music, dances and authentic food of Mexico. Senderos brings it to you in a big way with their annual December showcase. With gorgeous colorful costumes, talented musicians and dancers, and tons of home-cooked food, you can forget the rain and cold temperatures and bask in the warmth of Mexican culture.

Get more info here.

December First Friday

When: 12/6 from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Where: The MAH

Every First Friday is a unique blend of fun and there’s always something happening at the MAH. With a new exhibit to see (Santa Cruz Tattoo’d), the annual Teen Art Market, live music and snowflake wishing wall, you can get your evening started with some creative fun.

Get more info here.

Winter Open House at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

When: 12/6 – 12/8
Where: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Admission is free this weekend, but bring your wallet because all items in the gift shop will be on sale. Friday night’s open house includes some craft projects you won’t want to miss, as well as snacks and drinks. Craft projects will be happening all weekend, and as always, there’s a rich interactive collection of natural history exhibits.

Get more info here.

Frosty Fun Fest

When: 12/6 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Where: Louden Nelson Community Center

A holiday party for the whole community, Frosty Fun Fest provides crafts and games and hot cocoa while you bring the fun. Make a snowflake for the art wall and some potato print cards or wrapping paper. Help decorate the grinch themed parade float, and partake in the graham cracker gingerbread house competition (advance team registration required).

Get more info here.

Free Family Movie Night – Dumbo 2019

When: 12/6 from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Capitola Recreation

Bring your blanket and low-back chairs, and a box of tissues to this fun and free family screening of the updated live-action Dumbo movie. Popcorn and churros will be provided, but you are welcome to bring snacks and encouraged to bring your own reusable dishes to reduce waste.

Get more info here.

Farley’s Winter Wonderland – 13th Annual Holiday Lights Walk Through

When: Now – New Year’s Day; Check website for daily hours and cancellations
Where: Farley’s Winter Wonderland, 108 Seaview Avenue, Santa Cruz

The Christmas Spirit is alive and flourishing at this Seabright neighborhood home. Park your car and walk in; fantastical winter scenes await you, including miniature villages, fairy houses and giant nutcrackers. With a forest of 30 evergreen trees and lights throughout, this display has won the hearts of thousands over the years. Although it’s been known to snow at this address, rain will cancel the show.

Get more info here.

Also on Friday

MUSIC/DANCE

THEATER/ARTS

OUTDOORS

Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park

MORE

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Saturday

Open House at the Castro Adobe: Festivos en el Rancho!

When: 12/7 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Castro Adobe State Historic Park

Step back in time and see how the Californios celebrated the holidays. Sip hot cocoa in the cocina of this restored historic adobe hacienda. Play games and make crafts like they used to in the 1850’s and learn about our rich cultural heritage.

Get more info here.

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!

Get more info here.

Winter Art Market

When: 12/7 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Tannery Arts Center

Find and make art all day long at the Tannery’s Winter Art Market. Peruse the crafts of the pros while trying your own hand at the many participatory stations. Bistro One Twelve will be serving up delectables, so you’ll be fueled all day for the open studios, art demos, and of course the shopping.

Get more info here.

12th Annual Artisans Gift Sale

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!

Get more info here.

Swanton Artisans 19th 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.

Get more info here.

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.

Get more info here.

12th Annual Holiday Gift Show

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.

Get more info here.

Norrie’s Gift & Garden Shop Holiday Open House

When: 12/7 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: UCSC Arboretum: Norrie’s Gift & Garden Shop

Another standout tradition is this lovely sale. Make a day of it and take a walk around the arboretum before you do your shopping. The volunteer staff somehow manage to stock the perfect gifts for gardeners, nature enthusiasts and others you might be shopping for. All proceeds support the arboretum and its educational programs.

Get more info here.

Anthony Arya’s Home for the Holidays

When: 12/7 at 7:30 pm
Where: Kuumbwa Jazz Center

For some charming winter cheer, head to the Kuumbwa for an evening of holiday music performed by local phenom Anthony Arya and his band. Young and down-to-earth, Arya is an award-winning rising star in the music world who hasn’t forgotten his Santa Cruz roots.

Get more info here.

TEDxSantaCruz | The Art of Hope

When: 12/7 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Rio Theatre

Raise your hand if you’ve ever been inspired by a TED talk! Here is your chance to experience a local version bringing together bright idea-generators and leaders on the theme The Art of Hope. Indulge yourself in a day of illuminating speakers and performers who will inspire, inform and uplift.

Get more info here.

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.

Get more info here.

Breakfast with Santa

When: 12/7 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Where: Chaminade Resort & Spa

Serving up a delicious breakfast buffet with champagne and sparkling cider, the Chaminade also offers a beautiful view. Kids can get their picture taken with Santa and take home a cute stuffed animal. Plus, there’s a letter writing station so kids who didn’t bring their lists can mail them off to the North Pole.

Get more info here.

DOWNTOWN SANTA CRUZ HOLIDAY PARADE

When: 12/7 at 10:00 am
Where: Downtown Santa Cruz

Our town really knows how to put on a show, with singers, dancers and performers, classic cars and floats of all kinds, the Downtown Holiday Parade always delivers a fun-filled morning to bring the community together.

Get more info here.

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.

Get more info here.

WATSONVILLE FACTORY HOLIDAY EVENT

When: 12/7 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Watsonville Various Factory Locations

You may be surprised to learn how many goods are made, grown and produced in Watsonville. Come see the shops, factories and tasting rooms where it all happens, and get some great bargains as well. Shop for leather handbags, wine and cider, telescopes and binoculars, soap and body care, hats that celebrities have been spotted wearing and lots more.

Get more info here.

ART IN THE CELLARS AT BARGETTO WINERY

When: 12/7 & 12/8 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Bargetto Winery, Soquel

One way to get the Christmas shopping done is to start with a glass of wine. From there you can dial back the pace and enjoy the artwork and craftsmanship of many local artists as you stroll the historic cellars of Bargetto.

Get more info here.

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.

Get more info here.

LIGHTED BOAT PARADE

When: 12/7 at 5:30 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Harbor

Grab some hot cocoa and bring the family to the harbor for a perennial favorite, the Lighted Boat Parade. Keeping Santa Cruz salty and fun, mariners of all stripes decorate their vessels and cruise around lighting up the night.

Get more info here.

Life on the Ranch: Holiday Traditions

When: 12/7 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Wilder Ranch State Park

Bringing history to life, Wilder Ranch is throwing an old-timey party. Ride in on a wagon driven by draft horses, play games, sing songs and make an ornament for your Christmas tree like they used to when the Wilder family lived here in the early 20th century.

Get more info here.

Holiday Cookie Walk

When: 12/7 from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm and 12/8 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: Capitola Village

Munch on some holiday goodies as you stroll through the unique shops of Capitola Village. Your $20 cookie pass gets you a holiday bag to hold the sweets you choose at each location (if you don’t eat them all as you shop). All proceeds benefit Angel Tree, so your purchase will spread some Christmas joy to children in need.

Get more info here.

Scotts Valley Tree Lighting Festival

When: 12/7 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Where: Scotts Valley Community Center

Gather at the Scotts Valley Community Center for the annual Light Up the Night Tree Lighting Celebration. There will be refreshments, live performances, and of course, the main event: Santa’s arrival via fire truck to light the tree. Everyone is encouraged to bring canned goods and/or unwrapped toys in support of Valley Churches United to help local families in need.

Get more info here.

Senderos December in Mexico Showcase: Fiesta Mexicanas

See Description Under Friday Section

Winter Open House at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

See Description Under Friday Section

Farley’s Winter Wonderland – 13th Annual Holiday Lights Walk Through

See Description Under Friday Section

Also on Saturday

MUSIC/DANCE

THEATER/ARTS

OUTDOORS

MORE

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

Sunday

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.

Get more info here.

Winter Pop-Up in Abbott Square

When: 12/8 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Where: Abbott Square

Come for the crafts and live music, stay for the dance lesson! Dance teacher Peggy Pollard will be giving lessons in the art of the Waltz at 2:00 pm. In addition to all the fun outside, there is a new exhibit to experience inside our dynamic museum; Santa Cruz Tattoo’d (admission charged to enter the museum).

Get more info here.

Holiday Craft Workshop

When: 12/8 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Where: San Lorenzo Valley Museum

Another fun opportunity to kick it back old school making Christmas ornaments, decorating cookies and have a good old fashioned time, this craft workshop takes place in the SLV Museum, a fascinating spot to be!

Get more info here.

JINGLE BELL ROCK 1K- 5K – 10K

When: 12/8
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – Jingle Rock Start

Put the sweat in that ugly sweater! This race encourages participants to show their spirit with holiday themed costumes and apparel. Prizes will be awarded for the fastest, and the best dressed individuals and teams. Please bring a toy for the Toys for Tots collection for local kids.

Get more info here.

Patricia Smith

When: 12/8 at 7:00 pm
Where: The MAH

Renowned for her powerful spoken word performances, award-winning poet, author and teacher Patricia Smith brings her mind-opening art to an intimate setting at the MAH. RSVP to save your spot as space is limited.

Get more info here.

Santa Cruz Warriors vs. Windy City Bulls

When: 12/8 at 5:00 pm
Where: Kaiser Permanente Arena

Our home team, the Santa Cruz Warriors, are playing the Windy City Bulls this weekend at home and the first 1000 fans will receive a really cool fan-designed t-shirt. The NBA G-League players are amazing athletes, many of whom are on their way to the big league and it’s fun to be able to say you saw them first!

Get more info here.

Winter Open House at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

See Description Under Friday Section

Farley’s Winter Wonderland – 13th Annual Holiday Lights Walk Through

See Description Under Friday Section

Holiday Cookie Walk

See Description Under Saturday Section

ART IN THE CELLARS AT BARGETTO WINERY

See Description Under Saturday Section

19th Annual Swanton Artisan Sale

See Description Under Saturday Section

Swanton Artisans 19th Annual Holiday sale

See Description Under Saturday Section

Also on Sunday

MUSIC/DANCE

THEATER/ARTS

OUTDOORS

MORE

Upcoming Events You Don’t Want to Miss

Christmas Market on the Felton Covered Bridge

What: Christmas Market
Where: Felton Covered Bridge Park
When: Sunday, December 15, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

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.

Jingle Shells Arts & Crafts Festival

What: Jingle Shells Arts & Crafts Festival
Where: Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab
When: Sunday, December 15, from 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm

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.

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Meridith Cook

Meridith Cook came to Santa Cruz 18 years ago from Minnesota. She is a freelance writer and mother of 3 who enjoys exploring the beauty and culture of this unique community. Visit her website at www.melbacomms.com.

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