Mark your calendar For these can't miss local events

A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz.

Itinerary:
Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains depart and return in front of Neptune’s Kingdom on the Boardwalk of Santa Cruz at 5:00pm, 6:30, and 8:00 pm for a 60-minute round-trip excursion. 

DATES

• December 14 - 23rd

The Santa Cruz Dance Theater is set to bring holiday magic to the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium this December with its inaugural performance of The Nutcracker. The production promises to be a stunning display of talent, featuring special guest artist Lucien Postlewaite, principal dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet. Postlewaite, a Santa Cruz native, returns to his hometown stage under the direction of Artistic Director Conrad Useldinger, who is committed to celebrating continuity and tradition in the local arts community.

In addition to Postlewaite, the production will feature independent dancers Nicole Khoo from San Jose and Elizabeth Anzelone from Chico. This distinguished cast, combined with vibrant sets, costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, promises a memorable evening for audiences of all ages.

There are two showtimes for both Saturday the 21st and Sunday the 22nd.  1PM and 4:30PM

Ring in the new year with Beats Antique, a world fusion and electronic music group that combines music, performance art, and storytelling into a stage show! There will be a special guest appearance from Yaima, a Cascadian Folktronic Duo that will blend some new age mysticism into your new year!  Ages 16 and up welcome.

On the first Friday evening of every month, Santa Cruz galleries, shops, and cultural venues open their doors to showcase the works of Santa Cruz County artists.
With a block party-like vibe, the multi-venue event provides an opportunity to discover local creative talent in a fun and festive setting. Many venues entice attendees with yummy cheese-and-wine-filled spreads, while others have food trucks joining in on the fun

On the first Friday evening of every month, Santa Cruz galleries, shops, and cultural venues open their doors to showcase the works of Santa Cruz County artists.
With a block party-like vibe, the multi-venue event provides an opportunity to discover local creative talent in a fun and festive setting. Many venues entice attendees with yummy cheese-and-wine-filled spreads, while others have food trucks joining in on the fun

On the first Friday evening of every month, Santa Cruz galleries, shops, and cultural venues open their doors to showcase the works of Santa Cruz County artists.
With a block party-like vibe, the multi-venue event provides an opportunity to discover local creative talent in a fun and festive setting. Many venues entice attendees with yummy cheese-and-wine-filled spreads, while others have food trucks joining in on the fun

On the first Friday evening of every month, Santa Cruz galleries, shops, and cultural venues open their doors to showcase the works of Santa Cruz County artists.
With a block party-like vibe, the multi-venue event provides an opportunity to discover local creative talent in a fun and festive setting. Many venues entice attendees with yummy cheese-and-wine-filled spreads, while others have food trucks joining in on the fun