Santa is coming back to Santa Cruz! Santa can't wait to visit with you and hear all about the adventures you've had this year. And of course, Santa wants to hear your holiday wish list. Stop by to say hello to Santa at Childish Toy Shop, 1122 Pacific Avenue, between 12PM - 4PM several weekends in December!Santa has lost his reindeer, but you can help find them! Pick up a map at the Downtown Santa Cruz Information Kiosk or Pacific Cookie Company to find participating businesses, and then visit them all to search for the beautiful hidden reindeer. Find just 12 of the reindeer and return your map to the Info Kiosk for a small prize! Play this fun annual scavenger hunt now through December 23.This holiday season, many Downtown shops are staying open just a little bit later to accommodate you. Just because it's dark at 5PM, doesn't mean you don't have things to do! Check out the list below of great stores that normally don't stay open past 6PM and many more that are increasing their hours through December 23.To show how much we appreciate your decision to shop local in Downtown Santa Cruz this holiday season, the Downtown Association of Santa Cruz is offering 5 days of free gift wrapping! Click button for details.Enjoy free admission to all current MAH exhibitions, plus the Toy Trains display in the MAH atrium this Saturday! The museum and Toy Trains will be open Noon-6PM. Stop by between 1-3PM to participate in a winter themed art activity, and warm up with complimentary hot cocoa ~ while supplies last!Celebrate the season at the 11th Hour Holiday Market, a festive gathering at 11th Hour Coffee featuring 30+ local artisans offering unique, handcrafted gifts. Shoppers can explore herbal wellness goods, hand-dyed and textile pieces, original artwork, and cozy handmade crafts while enjoying great coffee and a lively holiday atmosphere. This community-centered market is the perfect place to support local creatives and find one-of-a-kind gifts. The market takes place Saturday, December 20 at 11th Hour Coffee Downtown.LAST WEEKEND! The Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market presents this special holiday pop-up! Shopping downtown just got extra artsy! Dec 19-21 will feature 25+ local makers & artists in the former Palace Arts space in Downtown Santa Cruz, at 1407 Pacific Ave.Collective Santa Cruz is bringing the festive makers, drinks, sweets, treats, and beats to the former Logo's building in Downtown Santa Cruz. Imagine a craft fair, a bake sale, a cozy lil vinyl bar and a super lit brew pub are all swirling around together inside a huge multi-level snowglobe - THAT is the vibe! FREE this weekend. Open to all ages. 11AM-5PM at 1117 Pacific Avenue.Experience Santa Cruz's most spectacular holiday tradition with Santa Cruz Dance Theater's production of The Nutcracker, presented at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. This year, The Nutcracker welcomes Lucien Postlewaite, principal dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet, who will be gracing the stage in a special performance. Born and raised in Santa Cruz, Lucien brings his world-class talent back to his hometown for a production not to be missed.Bring your pup to Abbott Square for Doggie Photoshoot Day...Holiday Edition, this Sunday from 12-3PM! Enjoy food + drinks, and enter your pup into our holiday dog photoshoot. The photographer will style your dog to look festive, funny, or irresistibly adorable. It's recommended to come early to sign up for your slot, before they all fill up.
