Holiday Town Tree Lighting | Dec. 2 (5-6 p.m.)

19th Annual tree lighting event. Music, refreshments, snacks and ceremonies. A free event.

360 Kings Village Rd., Scotts Valley
831-438-3251, www.scottsvalley.org

First Tuesday Free at the Seymour Center | Dec. 4 (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

Snow Night-Downtown | Dec. 6 (5-8 p.m.)

Fun night for kids age 12 and under. Play in the snow arena.

Pacific Ave & Cooper St., Santa Cruz
831-429-8433, www.downtownsantacruz.com

First Friday Free Admission at MAH | Dec. 7 (11 a.m.- 6 p.m.)

The museum is open Tue-Sun, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.. Its store, located in the street front octagon building, is open Tue-Sat, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun, noon-5 p.m.

Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
705 Front Street, Santa Cruz
831-429-1964, www.santacruzmah.org

Free First Friday Lunch Tour at MAH | Dec. 7 (noon)

Docents and guest artists lead in-depth discussions about current exhibitions.

Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
705 Front Street, Santa Cruz
831-429-1964, www.santacruzmah.org

Holiday Lights Train | Dec. 7-9 (sunset-9 p.m.)

Ride a beautifully lit holiday train through the streets of Santa Cruz as you sip hot-spiced cider, listen to carolers and meet Santa Claus. One hour. Departs from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk station. Tickets are $15 per person. Reservations suggested.

Roaring Camp, Felton
Tickets/Info: 831-335-4484, www.roaringcamp.com

Teddy Bear Tea | Dec. 8-9 (3-5 p.m.)

$50 per ticket: 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

Meet Santa at Marini's Candies | Dec. 8-9

1308 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz
831-429-8433, www.mariniscandies.com

Seaside Crafts at the Seymour Center | Dec. 9 (1-3 p.m.)

Create fun crafts that feature the cool creatures of the tidepools. Make a seastar suncatcher, or create your own sea anemone! There are activity sheets, scavenger hunts, and a take home souvenir of your day.

Seymour Marine Discovery Center
End of Delaware Avenue, Santa Cruz
831-459-3800, seymourcenter.ucsc.edu

Holiday Lights Train | Dec. 14-16 (sunset-9 p.m.)

Ride a beautifully lit holiday train through the streets of Santa Cruz as you sip hot-spiced cider, listen to carolers and meet Santa Claus. One hour. Departs from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk station. Tickets are $15 per person. Reservations suggested.

Roaring Camp, Felton
Tickets/Info: 831-335-4484, www.roaringcamp.com