Here, find a curated list of the best food and drink events in Santa Cruz County for the coming week. At the top, I share my picks of unmissable local happenings.
For the first time in eight years, the doors of the former Logos Books & Records will open. Event company Collective Santa Cruz is hosting back-to-back Holiday Mega Markets this Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The events are free, and feature Santa Cruz-area artists, craftspeople, holiday treats, mocktails, coffee, a silent disco, face painting, pizza, photo booth, beer and wine courtesy of Humble Sea Brewing Co. and “a huge multi-level snowglobe,” if the post on Instagram can be believed.
Get into the Christmas spirit by embracing one of its most cherished traditions: dressing up like Santa with all of your friends and grabbing drinks at local bars. What, you’ve never participated in a Santa Con before? Here’s your chance – the Aptos Santa Con Pub Stroll is happening Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. Come dressed in your North Pole best to visit four participating bars and winery tasting rooms.
Best of Santa Cruz County food and drink events, Dec.19-25
Here are some upcoming local food and drink events you might be interested in:
Friday, Dec. 19
- Temple Beth El Chanukah Extravaganza | 5:30 p.m. @ Temple Beth El
- Kianti’s “Jack Is Back” Holiday Performance | 6 p.m. @ Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar
Saturday, Dec. 20
- Aptos Farmers Market | 8 a.m. @ Cabrillo College
- 11th Hour Holiday Market – Local makers, artisans, crafts | 10 a.m. @ 11 Hour Coffee – Downtown
- Holiday Mega-Market | 11 a.m. @ Logos Books & Records
- 9-Year Shantiversary | Noon @ Shanty Shack Brewing
- Aptos Santa Con Pub Stroll | 2 p.m. @ Aptos Vineyard
- Christmas Market Watsonville | 4 p.m. @ City Plaza
- Rise Up Singing Holiday Dinner | 4 p.m. @ Quaker Meeting House
- Kianti’s “Jack Is Back” Holiday Performance | 6 p.m. @ Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar
Sunday, Dec. 21
- Live Oak Farmers Market | 9 a.m. @ East Cliff Village Shopping Center
- Corralitos Farm and Garden Market | 11 a.m. @ 127 Hames Rd.
- Holiday Mega-Market | 11 a.m. @ Logos Books & Records