Katie Hennessy
UCSC Intern
Special to Schooner Realty
Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History: Toy Trains December 20-22
Experience a mini-universe of model trains that delight the young and young at heart. Swing by the MAH to hear the roar as the diesel starts up, the blast of the mighty horn, the squeal of the brakes as these tiny trains slow for a curve and the chatter between the engineer and the control tower. This beloved annual pop-up exhibit located inside the MAH’s atrium can be enjoyed by the whole family. Members of the Golden State Toy Train Operators will be on hand to help young engineers master controls and answer questions. Plus, bring your own toy train to show off and put it on the track.
Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History
705 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831.429.1964 | https://santacruzmah.org/
Quail Hollow Ranch: Star Gazing December 20
Come to Quail Hollow Ranch County Park where, gazing up at the night skies, you’ll travel through space to see images like the earth’s moon and all its craters and mountains, Jupiter and its moons, and the rings of Saturn. Bring your own telescope or just stop by and look through member’s telescopes. Rain or cloudy skies cancels the program. All ages welcome. Free.
Quail Hollow Ranch County Park
800 Quail Hollow Road, Felton, CA 95018
831.335.9348 | http://www.scparks.com/
Dream Inn: Breakfast with Santa December 21
Come and join us overlooking the beach for a full breakfast buffet, cookie decorating, face painting, story time and a visit from Santa. Christmas story reading with Lois Ackerman Lawson, author. $10 for kids 12 and under, $22 for adults (tax and gratuity not included). Tickets are available online.
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831.740.8069 | www.dreaminnsantacruz.com
Seascape - Sanderlings: Holiday Tea with Santa December 21
Santa is heading to Seascape! Join us for hot cocoa and mimosas, tea sandwiches, sweet treats, cookie decorating, crafts and more. $60 per person, inclusive. Call to make reservations.
Seascape Beach Resort
1 Seascape Resort Drive, Aptos, CA 95003
831.688.6800 | https://www.seascaperesort.com/
Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker with Live Orchestra December 21-22
The original Santa Cruz production with full professional orchestra of the holiday classic: The Nutcracker! Over seventy local dancers perform choreography by Robert Kelley and Ron Cunningham with sumptuous costumes and scenery. The 52-piece Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre Orchestra is conducted by Music Director Pamela Martin. Performance Times: Saturday, December 21st, 2:00-4:00 pm & 6:00-8:00 pm and Sunday, December 22nd, 1:00-3:00 pm. Tickets available in person, by phone and online.
Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
307 Church Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831.420.5260 | http://www.scbt.org/
Winter Pop-up in Abbott Square December 22
Make a craft, watch a performance, and even learn how to waltz in this winter wonderland pop up downtown.
12-3 pm Drop-in Crafts; 1:00 pm Music Performance; 2:00 pm Drop-in Waltz Class with Peggy Pollard of Santa Cruz Waltz. Plus, stop by the MAH to enjoy three floors of interactive local art and history exhibitions (admission required)
Abbott Square
118 Cooper St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
http://www.santacruzmah.org/
Santa Cruz New Year’s Light Train December 26-31st
It’s a true Californian Christmas when Santa is at the Beach! St. Nick will join your family aboard this vintage train decorated with thousands of lights. Once you embark on this 60-minute round trip, your family can enjoy refreshments, a holiday sing along, and, of course, a visit from Santa. The event starts at 5pm. And the fun doesn’t stop when the train pulls back into the station. For just $6 you can purchase a pass to take advantage of the attractions and arcade at Neptune’s Kingdom.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
http://www.beachboardwalk.com
Farley’s Winter Wonderland November 30th-December 31st
Farley's Winter Wonderland brings the magic of the holiday season to life with a spectacular display of lights and holiday vignettes the whole family can enjoy. Nestled in Santa Cruz's Seabright neighborhood, this free, open-air wonderland has brought joy and holiday cheer to those from near and far for 13 years.
The lights display runs from Saturday, November 30 through December 31, 2019 with doors open nightly from 5:30 to 9pm. Register now for free online.
Farley’s Winter Wonderland
108 Seaview Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
http://eventbrite.com/
Boardwalk Holiday Ice November 16-January 5th
Celebrate this holiday season with a new family tradition, ice skating at the Boardwalk! Festivities and Fun: Ice Skating by the Beach, on Real Ice! Select Boardwalk Rides and Games, Indoor Arcades, Mini Golf, and Laser Tag. Delicious Boardwalk Treats to eat. Classic Holiday Movies. Kids Craft Activities and Holiday Lights and Decorations! Schedule, reservations and tickets will be available online.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831.423.5590 http://www.beachboardwalk.com
