Your guide to Santa Cruz County.
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December Couples Events
Howliday Sing-a-long Parade and Yappy Hour for the Dogs | Dec (tba)
Parade through village caroling holiday songs with canine lyrics. Toys are collected for sheltered dogs and cats followed with Yappy Hour treats and refreshments at the park.
Esplanade Park, Capitola Village
831-464-2470, www.coastaldogs.com
Shakespeare Holiday Show - Mainstage | Dec. 1-14
UCSC Mainstage Theater
www.shakespearesantacruz.org
Tickets: Tickets: 831-459-2159, www.santacruztickets.com
First Tuesday Free at the Seymour Center | Dec. 2 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Visit our aquarium, exhibit hall, and touch tanks. Take a tour or explore on your own. Join us as we explore Monterey Bay with our hands-on family programs!
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
End of Delaware Avenue, Santa Cruz
831-459-3800, seymourcenter.ucsc.edu
Holiday in Lights | Dec. 5
Lighting Ceremony at- Downtown City Plaza, 6:00 PM.
Downtown Watsonville www.ci.watsonville.ca.us
First Friday Free Admission at MAH | Dec. 5 (11 a.m.- 6 p.m.)
Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
705 Front Street, Santa Cruz
831-429-1964, www.santacruzmah.org
Guided Bird Walk at Elkhorn Slough | Dec. 6 (8:30 a.m.)
Elkhorn Slough Visitors Center
1700 Elkhorn Rd., Watsonville
831-728-5939, www.elkhornslough.org
Guided Walk at Elkhorn Slough | Dec. 6-7 (10 a.m.-1 p.m.)
Elkhorn Slough Visitors Center
1700 Elkhorn Rd., Watsonville
831-728-5939, www.elkhornslough.org
UCSC Arboretum - First Saturday Tour | Dec. 6 (11 a.m.)
Join the Arboretum staff and docents on a walking tour of the grounds with a focus on what plants and animals are at their peak this month. $3 for general public. Free for Arboretum Members.
Holiday Wine & Chocolate Party | Dec. 6 (noon-5 p.m.)
Taste pairing with Roudon-Smith’s specialty vintages with MacKenzies’ Cabernet Sauvignon truffles, caramels and other signature sweets. Tasting fee: $15.
1156 High St., Santa Cruz
831-427-2998,
Roudon-Smith Winery
2364 Bean Creek Rd., Scotts Valley
831-438-1244, www.roudonsmith.com
Teddy Bear Tea | Dec. 6-7 (3-5 p.m.)
Storytelling, tea & cocoa, sweet treats, entertainment and other special holiday treats.
Ritz Carlton Resort, Half Moon Bay
650-712-7040, www.ritzcarltonl.com/resorts-half-moon-bay
Special Interests
Look for these symbols throughout Visit for activities, sights & places that offer what you're looking for. Click on a symbol below to only show Events with that interest.
Nature
Beaches, Parks, Natural Habitats, Wildlife, Museums, Events & Activities
Museums
Cars, Motorcycles, Surfing, Art, Nature & the Unusual
Agriculture
Living History, U-pick farms, Museums, Events
Gardens
From Roses and Manicured Gardens to Native Plantings
History
Historic Sites, Museums, & Events
Attractions
Roller Coasters, Train Rides, Sealife Labs & Mysterious Places
Visual Arts
Galleries, Museums, Artist's Studios, Festivals
Scenic Sights
Special Places, Great Views, Casual Explorations
Performing Arts
Theater, Entertainment, Cultural Heritage
Family
Fun activities, festivals and events for the whole family
Couples
Fun activities, festivals and events for couples
Photos
Indicates photographic opportunities
Shopping
Indicates locations for great shopping
Dog Friendly
Indicates where dogs are welcome at beaches and parks
Birding
Indicates special locations for great bird watching
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