It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays. Don’t worry though—for all those last-minute gift buyers, there is still time to check everyone off your list. As we move into the holiday season and the end of the year, there are numerous ways to get out and celebrate in Santa Cruz.
From photos with Santa and the Grinch, to holiday performances at the theater, we’ve curated a list of just some of the family-friendly events taking place throughout the month of December!
Winter Wonderland At The Boardwalk
No surprise—there’s always something happening down at the Boardwalk. Winter Wonderland returns for another year, with select dates starting from the end of November and running all throughout December.
Decorated in holiday lights and featuring a (roughly!) thirty-foot-tall Christmas tree, Winter Wonderland At The Boardwalk is fun for the whole family. Highlights this year include holiday-themed rides and games, shopping and dining opportunities, and a number of exciting events. A Winter Wonderland Package comes in at $29.95, and consists of a $20 MyBoardwalk Card to be used on the many rides and attractions, as well as a printed photograph of you and Santa.
Additionally, the beach fire pits can be rented—with add-ons available, such as s’mores and hot chocolate. There are also a number of special dates with featured events: movies with Santa, exciting performances, carolers, and more. Further information about dates, times, tickets, and events can be found here.
Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade
A Santa Cruz highlight, the Holiday Parade is happening December 2nd this year, from 10am to 12pm. As always, the parade is in partnership with a number of sponsors. This family-friendly event draws about 3,000 spectators annually!
The parade route begins at Laurel Street and Pacific Avenue, before traveling northwards to the intersection of Water Street and Pacific Avenue. Last year, the parade was unfortunately a little bit rainy—but it happens no matter the weather! For more information, visit the Downtown Association of Santa Cruz website here.
Storytime And Meet The Grinch! At Bookshop Santa Cruz
The entire family is invited to hear all about the Grinch’s latest adventures with a reading of How The Grinch Lost Christmas. This fun event is hosted by Bookshop Santa Cruz, happening December 10 at 2pm. Bookshop Santa Cruz is located right downtown at 1520 Pacific Avenue, and has been a beloved part of the community for over 50 years.
This is both a ticketed and non-ticketed event; the storytime is completely free for all. However, there is a ticketed option which includes a copy of the new book and a photo with the Grinch (max. family of four).
Tickets can be bought online in advance or in-person at the event. More information can be found here.
The Nutcracker: Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre
For those searching for a family night out, the Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre presents their annual production of The Nutcracker—their 21st annual to be precise!
With a live orchestra of over 50 musicians, guest stars (including SCBT alumni and principal dancer with Houston Ballet Melody Mennite, and principal dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet Lucien Postlewaite), the production is happening December 9th and December 10th, with two performances per day.
As an important note, this performance is recommended for those ages 3 and up. Babies under the age of 1 year old do not require a ticket, but must be held on the lap of an adult. The Nutcracker is 2 hours in length with an intermission. For more information, visit their ticketing website here.
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