Get Out: 8 Ways to Kick Off the Holidays

First Friday Art Walk

Noon to 9 p.m. Friday

Downtown Santa Cruz (Capitola and Soquel too)

This is the day when stores, restaurants, offices and all kinds of spaces downtown turn into art galleries, serving wine and treats and bringing in people out looking for fun all day.

This time of year great art has another meaning: great presents. What better way to meet people and find things than to wander downtown with a glass of wine and some chocolate? Click on the link above for a map, pictures of the art and information about special deals.

Santa Cruz Holiday Parade

10 a.m. -noon Saturday

Downtown Pacific Avenue

Like everything about Santa Cruz, the downtown parade has that certain something extra. Sure there are classic cars, school bands, crazy cartoon characters and the real Santa. But there are also Derby Girls and dancers from Motion Pacific. Here's a video of last year's festivities.

Lionel Trains and Victorian Carriage Rides

Friday, Saturday, Sunday

You can see classic toy trains at these places throughout the month:, , , and Then, from Dec. 22-Jan 6, the Art & History Museum will have a big train exhibit from the 1920s to now.

The horse drawn carriage rides run Fridays, 6-9 p.m., Saturdays 4-8 p.m. and Sundays 1-4 p.m. Tickets are sold at the downtown for $5.

The Lighted Boat Parade

5:30 p.m. Saturday

Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor

This display of 50 lighted ships sailing through the harbor is not to be missed. It's colorful, fun and something kids will remember their whole lives. Get there early to reserve and nice spot. It goes on rain or shine or snow. Here from last year.

Thomas the Train Ride

Saturday, Sunday (Dec. 3-18)

This is the first time here for the blue kid-loving train, who will take families on a 25-minute tour of the Boardwalk. Rides leave at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and noon and include photo opps with Sir Topham Hatt & Thomas the Tank Engine. There are also included coupons for laser tag, the carousel, Santa and his elves, candy canes, holiday carols and a souvenir song book and a make and take Thomas ornament. All for $28.

Here's a video to get the kids fired up.

Holiday Lights Train

DECEMBER 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23

"Ride vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, as they roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Sing along to seasonal carols while sipping hot-spiced cider, listen to musical entertainment, and enjoy a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Continue the merriment at Santa’s Kingdom at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Choice of one activity: “Holiday” miniature golf, laser tag, or arcade games, is included with Holiday Lights Train ticket price"

Cost is $18 for kids and $26 for adults for three hours of riding. Buy tickets here.

BLUEGRASS DAY with Peter Rowan

4 p.m. Sunday

2809 Mission St.

Monroe to Jerry Garcia. This show is a tribute to Monroe. $20/adv, $25/door. 427-1785.