December is finally here, and as the year comes to a close, Lookout’s calendar of events is focused on rounding out 2025 by celebrating Santa Cruz County and its residents through plenty of holiday festivities. From donation drives to performances such as the Nutcracker and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, December is a month full of merry and bright opportunities to come together and enjoy the holidays and the end of the year. Below are upcoming events hosted by Lookout and our partners.
We’re proud to partner with local organizations to highlight events that reflect the heart of Santa Cruz. It’s all part of our mission to make local news a living, breathing part of community life.
And we couldn’t do it without our Marketing Partners, who help us spotlight key happenings across the county. Interested in joining our Media Sponsorship program? Contact Duffy Barrett at duffy@lookoutlocal.com.
It’s also the time of year for giving, and for the fifth year in a row, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on a group of Santa Cruz County nonprofits whose work is reshaping lives across our community. These organizations are at the heart of our county’s well-being, stepping in every day to feed neighbors in need, protect local ecosystems, support youth and families, expand access to housing and provide essential services that touch every corner of Santa Cruz. Their efforts demonstrate the creativity, resilience and compassion that make this community strong. Check out 15 remarkable organizations, each illustrating how dedicated people are making a difference every day. Explore their missions, learn about their goals for 2026, and discover meaningful ways you can get involved.
See you out in the community this month!
Santa Cruz Animal Shelter Empty the Shelters $50 Adoption Special!| Dec. 1- 15
Spread the warm and cheery spirit these holidays by adopting a pet from the Santa Cruz Animal Shelter. All dog and cat adoptions are only $50 through December 15. Provide these animals with a new loving home. Adoption fees include spray/neuter, vaccinations and microchip.
Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s A Christmas Carol | Dec. 4 – 24
Get your tickets for Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s annual adaptation of A Christmas Carol. Enjoy 90 minutes of holiday tradition in this music filled classic. Running through the 24 of December, the show takes place in Downtown Santa Cruz at the Veterans Memorial Hall. Tickets are for sale at the box office or online.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream | Dec. 5 – 14
Allow yourself to be transported for a night from Park Hall in Ben Lomond to Ancient Athens, Greece through an enchanting performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by the Mountain Theatre Company. Taking place for multiple nights between December 5-14 from 8-10 pm, tickets for this beautiful adaptation of a Shakespeare play are available for purchase on the Mountain Theatre Company’s website.
Rising at the Rio for the Holidays: Joy is Everywhere! | Dec. 6
Help to prevent child trafficking and support survivors while reclaiming and spreading joy at the Rio Theatre with Rising Worldwide. Attendees will enjoy a night of live music, spoken word, comedy, auctions, a holiday cookie bar and wine and beer put on by child trafficking survivor-artists. Proceeds of the event will be donated to Rising Safe and Sound, one of the first child trafficking prevention programs created and led by survivors of human trafficking in California schools. Taking place on December 6 from 4:30-7 p.m., tickets are available online.
Lighted Boat Parade | Dec. 6
Experience the annual lighted boat parade that takes place in the Santa Cruz Harbor. Beautifully decorated boats will circle the harbor following sunset from 5:30-7:30. Attend for free and plan ahead for extra time to find parking and a good viewing location.
Breakfast with Santa at the Chaminade | Dec. 6, 13
Enjoy a merry breakfast buffet overlooking the beautiful Monterey Bay and get your picture taken with Santa and his elves at the Chaminade. This event takes place over two weekends from 9-11 a.m., with tickets being sold online.
Santa Cruz Symphony Holiday Concert | Dec. 13,14
Revel in the holiday season and spirit at the Holiday Pops Concert, a musical experience put on by the Santa Cruz symphony on December 13 and 14. The festive program includes holiday favorites and the opportunity to take pictures with Santa Claus and his North Pole friends.
Flynn Creek Circus presents ‘The Bridge’ | Dec. 18 – Jan. 4
Join the Flynn Creek Circus to experience their original acrobatic performance of “The Bridge,” a tale of a wolf inspired by Nordic Legend. Experience the visual feast full of comedy and gorgeous imagery at the Capitola mall under the big top tent. Tickets and preordered concessions for the performance are for sale online.
Nutcracker: Experience the Magic | Dec. 20
Attend the annual performance of the Nutcracker at Cabrillo’s Crocker Theater, put on by the Santa Cruz City Ballet. With dancers as young as 4 to adults, the show celebrates the holiday cheer and showcases the talent of Santa Cruz County. Tickets for this timeless classic are available online.