Lucia Festival of Lights | Dec. 1 (4 p.m)

Danish Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian, Swedish, and Saami holiday traditions. Food, dance, displays and ceremonies.

Scandinavian Cultural Center
140 Plymouth St., Santa Cruz
831-464-3310, www.scc-santacruz.org

Teddy Bear Tea | Dec. 1-2 (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

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

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

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

Teddy Bear Tea | Dec. 15-16 (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

Ukulele Jam and Sing Along | Dec. 15 (7-9 p.m.)

Although this jam is ukulele-centric, players of all acoustic instruments and singers of all levels are welcome. When the weather is fine the group meets at the Art Center campfire at the back of the Art Center. Limited seating so bring your own chair.

Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
9341 Mill Rd. Ben Lomond
831-336-3513, www.mountainartcenter.org

Poetry Readings | Dec. 21 (8-10 p.m.)

Local poets read their works in an atmosphere of warmth and encouragement surrounded by visual arts in the art center gallery. Suggested donation $3.

Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
9341 Mill Rd. Ben Lomond
831-336-3513, www.mountainartcenter.org