This Weekend in Santa Cruz: November 16th – 18th, 2018

By Meridith Cook

Ready or not, the holidays are coming! We found some fun events to get you into the holiday spirit.

Enjoy a classic Christmas play or go ice skating by the beach. Get a head start on your gift list by shopping local artisan craft and wreath sales, or make something yourself.

If you are not quite ready to deck the halls, take heart. You can go wine-tasting, hear some local stories and hear the Youth Symphony debut a Korean-inspired composition.

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

Quick Links

Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Upcoming

Thursday

Stories Under the Influence: 150 Years of Watsonville

When: 11/15 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
Cost: Free

The latest installment of a year-long speaker series, this evening features the real-life stories of notable community members on topics such as community organizing for LGBTQ representation, the immigrant experience, and how historical land use impacts us today. Delicious traditional Mexican food provided by My Mom’s Mole included with your ticket.

Get more info here.

Friday

Miracle on 34th Street, the play

When: 11/16 & 11/17 at 8:00 pm; 11/18 at 2:00 pm
Where: Park Hall, Ben Lomond
Cost: $20 General $17 Seniors and Students $10 Twelve and Under

Mountain Community Theater presents its very own version of the holiday classic, “Miracle on 34th Street, the Play,” directed by Peter Gelblum. Join MCT for its 10th production, and the first since 2012, of this holiday favorite that will put you in the spirit of the season.

Get more info here.

Beauty and the Beast, JR at Theatre in the Mountains

When: 11/16 – 11/18 7:00 pm & 1:00 pm
Where: Loma Prieta Community Center
Cost: $11

The beloved, Tony-award winning Broadway classic is back, brought to you by Theater in the Mountains, a program of the Loma Prieta Community Foundation which provides educational and cultural opportunities to adults and children through the magic of theater.

Get more info here.

Also on Friday

MUSIC/DANCE

THEATER/ARTS

MAKE/CRAFT

OUTDOORS

Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park

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Saturday

Open House at the Castro Adobe: Thanks for the Memories!

When: 11/17 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Castro Adobe State Historic Park
Cost: Free

Now is your chance to visit the new state historic park in the Pajaro Valley! Open only during scheduled events such as this, the 170-year-old Castro Adobe is newly restored and awaiting interpretation. Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks is looking for historic photos and stories of the hacienda and surroundings and will be on hand if you have stories or artifacts to share. Parking is limited and carpooling is encouraged.

Get more info here.

La Selva Beach Holiday Fair

When: 11/17 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: La Selva Beach Clubhouse
Cost: Free

Enjoy holiday shopping with a side of family-friendly activities, live music, hot food, and baked goods. This event features over 50 vendors showcasing their unique handcrafted goods and a huge, multi-genre book sale. Enjoy lunch from two local food trucks: Rogue Pye and G’s Tacos.

Get more info here.

Family Volunteer Day

When: 11/17 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County
Cost: Free

Join with families from across Santa Cruz County this Saturday for a day of volunteerism on Family Volunteer Day. This global day of service celebrates the power of families to work together in support of their communities and neighborhoods. The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County and fellow nonprofits have 9 project options available running 2-3 hours each. You can choose which project works best for your family.

Get more info here.

Share a Meal, Share a Story // Community Storytelling Event

When: 11/17 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Where: San Lorenzo Park
Cost: Free

Do you love a good story, or have one to tell? Drawing on the theme of bridges, the Downtown Streets Team and Coastal Watershed Council will pick five storytellers at random to relay a tale for five minutes on the banks of the San Lorenzo. Food and drink is free and provided by Areperia831. Please bring a picnic blanket to sit on.

Get more info here.

AAT Presents: Metamorphosis- A Musical Journey

When: 11/17 at 5:30 pm Gala and 7:30 pm Performance
Where: Rio Theatre
Cost: Gala & Performance: Adults: $85 | Children: $45
Performance Only: General: $40 | Children & Senior: $25

All About Theater is celebrating their 15th anniversary with a fundraiser Gala and Performance. This remarkable musical journey will feature AAT alumni, teachers and current performers for one night only. Gala and Performance tickets include appetizers, beverages, reserved seating and pre-performance entertainment.

Get more info here.

November Passport Celebration Day

When: 11/17 from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association
Cost: $65

Four times per year, the wine growers of the Santa Cruz Mountains get together to celebrate the people and tastes of this delectable region. Passport holders receive in-depth information as well as tastings at participating wineries.

Get more info here.

33rd Annual Gift & Wreath Sale at UCSC Arboretum & Botanic Garden

When: 11/17 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: UCSC Arboretum
Cost: Free

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.

Get more info here.

Santa Cruz Mineral and Gem Holiday Sale

When: 11/17 – 11/18 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Live Oak Grange
Cost: Free Admission & Parking

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.

Get more info here.

Santa Cruz Turkey Trot

When: 11/17 at 6:45 am
Where: Natural Bridges State Park
Cost: Race Day $40 Socks Included!
1K Kids Run (12 and under) $5 Socks not included ADD $5 for Socks

Get ready for the holiday overeating season! This annual race features the gorgeous ocean views of West Cliff and is a fun time for runners of all ages. Rain or shine.

Get more info here.

Boardwalk Holiday Ice

When: 11/17 – 11/18 at 10:30 am
Where: Santa Cruz Boardwalk
Cost: $14.95 + tax, $29.95 + tax

Enjoy the best of both worlds this holiday season; ice skating and the sunny beach boardwalk in Santa Cruz! Skate rentals are by the hour and you can count on some snow fall too! Reservations are recommended. Other events include classic Christmas specials and children’s holiday crafts. Runs November 17 – January 6.

Get more info here.

Miracle on 34th Street, the play

See Description Under Friday Section

Beauty and the Beast, JR at Theatre in the Mountains

See Description Under Friday Section

Also on Saturday

MUSIC/DANCE

THEATER/ARTS

MAKE/CRAFT

OUTDOORS

MORE

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

Sunday

Youth Symphony Fall Concert

When: 11/18 at 3:00 pm
Where: UCSC Music Recital Hall, 402 McHenry Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95064
Cost: Free admission for students 18 and younger; Adults $15; Seniors $10

The Santa Cruz County Youth Symphony performs music by Bizet, Schubert, and Vaughan Williams, and a world premiere of a piece for Korean instruments and orchestra. Homemade cookies and cakes for sale at intermission.

Get more info here.

Miracle on 34th Street, the play

See Description Under Friday Section

Beauty and the Beast, JR at Theatre in the Mountains

See Description Under Friday Section

Santa Cruz Mineral and Gem Holiday Sale

See Description Under Saturday Section

Boardwalk Holiday Ice

See Description Under Saturday Section

Also on Sunday

MUSIC/DANCE

THEATER/ARTS

MAKE/CRAFT

OUTDOORS

MORE

Upcoming Events You Don’t Want to Miss

Santa Cruz Public Libraries Sesquicentennial Celebration

What: Sesquicentennial Celebration
Where: Santa Cruz Public Libraries – Downtown Branch
When: December 7 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Come celebrate the written word and the Santa Cruz Public Library’s 150th birthday with cake, mulled cider and music by Joshua Lowe and the Juncoes. Local artists will feature works that commemorate libraries, words, stories and writers.

Get more info here.

Surfin’ Santa & Tree Lighting in Capitola

What: Surfin’ Santa & Community Tree Lighting
Where: Capitola Beach / Capitola Village
When: November 24

Watch Santa and his reindeer arrive on Capitola Beach via outrigger canoe and surfboard. Once settled in his beach chair, Santa will visit with all the children and listen to their holiday wishes. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the memories!

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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