As November and December roll around, Downtown Santa Cruz starts to feel festive! You'll have a lot of opportunities to bring the whole family Downtown for a flurry of fun.
Click on each event title to get more details!
Holiday Bingo: Nov 22 - Dec 22
Look in your mailbox for our Holiday Bingo mailer, or pick-up your bingo card at the Info Kiosk starting November 22.
Spend at least $20 at a participating business (in-store) between November 22, 2024 and December 22, 2024 and save the receipt. If you complete a single row (5 in a row), turn in your Bingo Card to the Downtown Info Kiosk, 1130 Pacific Avenue by Dec 22, 2024 to be entered in to our drawing to win Downtown Dollars. Every completed row (5 in a row) is an additional entry. The middle space is for purchasing $20 Downtown Dollars. (hint: many businesses accept Downtown Dollars.)
A Christmas Carol: Nov 23 - Dec 24
Santa Cruz Shakespeare (SCS) debuts a new holiday tradition for the whole family with its production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, starring Mike Ryan as Ebeneezer Scrooge. The production will run from November 23 through December 24, 2024, at the Veterans Memorial Hall at 846 Front St in Downtown Santa Cruz. There will be 28 performances, including shows at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Reindeer Round-Up: Nov 29 - Dec 23
Oh no! Santa's reindeer couldn't resist visiting all the businesses Downtown, and now they're nowhere to be found! Kids can help by getting a passport at the Downtown Information Kiosk
North Pole Mailbox: Nov 29 - Dec 23
Drop your letters to Santa at the North Pole Mailbox located in front of Artisans & agency.
Downtown Holiday Parade: Saturday, Dec 7, 10AM
This popular Santa Cruz tradition brings thousands of people Downtown to celebrate the season! The Downtown Holiday Parade runs along Pacific Avenue, from Laurel Street to Water Street. Don't miss this rain-or-shine extravaganza on Saturday, Dec 7 at 10AM.
To volunteer, please click here.
Golden Envelope with Surprise Elf: Dec 7, 8, 14, & 15
Shop Downtown the first two weekends in December and you'll be eligible to win one of 300 Golden Envelopes at participating Downtown businesses. An undercover Elf will surprise shoppers. Each envelope will contain special prizes, like gift cards valued at $10-100, vouchers for a free hot chocolate at your favorite coffee shop, LOTS of Downtown Dollars and many more fun surprises.
Bad Elf Trivia: Dec 12
Mark your calendars for a special holiday edition trivia: BAD ELF TRIVIA at Front & Cooper inside Abbott Square Market. Prizes for winning team. Bonus prizes for team wearing the most awkward holiday attire.
Holiday Market at 11th Hour Coffee: Dec 14
With 30 talented local artisans, this market is your one-stop shop for unique, handcrafted gifts that are sure to wow your loved ones (or yourself!).
Family Flurry Day: Saturdays, Dec 15 & 20
Play around in artificial snowfall and get inside an inflatable snow globe for a fun, memorable photo.
Free Family Movie: Willy Wonka: Dec 14, 11AM
FREE admission to Willy Wonka at the historic Del Mar Theatre!
Visits with Santa: Dec 7, 8, 14, 15, 20, 21 & 22
In Downtown Santa Cruz, Santa Is our middle name! Families flock to see the jolly old man during the holidays and to take a picture with this seasonal celeb.
Free Holiday Family Movie: Wizard of Oz - Dec 21, 11AM
FREE admission to Wizard of Oz at the historic Del Mar Theatre!
Free Holiday Gift Wrapping: Dec 19 - 23
To show how much we appreciate your decision to shop local and support Downtown businesses, the Downtown Association of Santa Cruz, Bring your gifts & receipts from any Downtown Santa Cruz business, and transform them into beautiful presents for your friends and family. (location announced soon)!
The Nutcracker: Dec 21 & 22
Join Clara on a dreamlike journey filled with stunning costumes, captivating choreography, and Tchaikovsky's iconic score
Chanukah Craft Afternoon, Dec 29, 11:30AM-2:30PM
This free event offers a variety of easy and enjoyable crafts including making Chanukah cards and dreidel painting. Open to all ages!
Chanukah Story Hour: Dec 30, 5-6PM
Chanukah Story Hour at Bookshop Santa Cruz with Temple Beth El.
CLICK HERE to see all the events happening in Downtown Santa Cruz.