Yogi

Gifts for... the Yogi

Yoga has become an essential part of many people’s lives, especially during the pandemic. I have learned that keeping my body moving and mind at peace through this tumultuous era of history is vital to my well-being. Whether someone is new to yoga or a longtime enthusiast, there are plenty of gifts that can be used for practice at home or in a studio. Check out The Bubble Lounge Boutique in Aptos, where you can find quality-made yoga equipment, including the Kulae tpECO mat, which is made with materials to keep germs and bacteria from penetrating its surface. For basic yoga apparel, stop by the Santa Cruz branch of lululemon, which offers a legging for everyday use. Or gift someone a yoga class at a local studio, such as Watsonville Yoga, Dance & Healing Arts, the only bilingual yoga studio in the region. Breathe, relax—everything is going to be okay. JM

KULAE TPECO YOGA MAT

Bubble Lounge Boutique

30 Rancho del Mar, Aptos 831-708-4100 bubbleloungesc.com $58

GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE HIGHRISE LEGGINGS

Berdels

1233 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 831-421-1962 berdels.com $58

YOGA CLASSES FOR ALL

Watsonville Yoga Dance & Healing Arts

734 East Lake Ave. #16, Watsonville 831-713-9843 watsonville.yoga $17/class (packages available)

Calendar

11/26-27 AND 12/5, 12, 17-23

SANTA CRUZ HOLIDAY LIGHTS TRAIN

Forget Casey Jones, Santa Claus is driving this train! After a day of shopping—or not—ride through Santa Cruz on the classic locomotive decked out in so many lights it may be visible from outer space. Each car is uniquely themed; hot cider will be on hand to keep your vocal cords warm for Christmas caroling during the journey. New this year: First-class private coach cars can be reserved for groups up to 50. Limited availability, so book well in advance. 5 and 6:30pm. Roaring Camp Railroads, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton. 335-4484. roaringcamp.com. $35/$30 children.

11/26 – 1/22/22

SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK: WINTER WONDERLAND

In addition to all the usual fun, including rides, games, arcades, mini-golf and delicious snacks of every variety, things at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk get even better during the holidays. The most popular dude in the world, Santa, will be around for photos, and an enormous, threestory Christmas tree will be fully decorated, lighting up the night! Noon-5pm (check website for times and days; 5-7pm holiday movies at Neptune’s Stage). Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz. 423-5590. beachboardwalk.com. Visit website for package prices.

11/28

SANTA CRUZ CHANUKAH TRAIN

Make sure you arrive early; the menorah will be lit 15 minutes before the train departs. Kosher refreshments will be provided throughout the ride. Play dreidel and enjoy Chanukah stories as the train travels through the streets of Santa Cruz. 5:15 and 6:45pm. Roaring Camp Railroads, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton. 335-4484. roaringcamp.com. $35/$30 children.

11/28

ROCK OF AGES CHANUKAH CELEBRATION

The Temple Beth El Rock Shabbat Band will provide a soundtrack with every Chanukah classic, including “I Have a Little Dreidel” and “I Am a Latke,” as kids of all ages will partake in the lighting of what might be the largest menorah in town. Stick around for crafts and a special—and secret—surprise at the end. 3:30pm. Temple Beth El Jewish Community Center, 3055 Porter Gulch Road, Aptos. 479-3444. tbeaptos.org. Free.

Calendar

12/2-26

HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Embark on a half-mile wonderland drivethrough packed with holiday eye candy in all directions. Reindeer, snowmen and the big, white-bearded man himself will all be in attendance. Don’t miss out on many magical moments, including lighted tunnels. And, you never have to leave the warmth of your car. However, you may want to snag some holiday treats after the ride. 5:30pm, 6:30pm and 7:30pm, Thursday-Sunday. Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave, Watsonville. 724-5671. fairgrounds-foundation.org. $20-40.

12/3-4

HERITAGE HOLIDAY CRAFT & GIFT FAIR

With a trio of large buildings filled with homemade crafts, rare antiques and vintage bric-a-brac, if you can’t find a gift for everyone on your list, you may have had too much eggnog! Food vendors will be serving up mouthwatering goodness, and this year, for the first time, the 44th annual holiday fair is teaming up with the Holiday Lights for a special walk-thru edition (attendees will receive a re-entry handstamp). Noon-9pm. Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds (the Harvest, Crosetti and Fine Art buildings), 2601 E. Lake Ave, Watsonville. 724-5671. fairgroundsfoundation.org. $6; free for children 6 and under.

12/4

LIGHTED BOAT PARADE

The longtime Santa Cruz tradition continues. Let your mind glide along with these creatively lit vessels as they sail gracefully through the water. 5:30-7:30pm. Santa Cruz Harbor, 135 5th Ave., Santa Cruz. 475-6161. santacruzharbor.org. Free.

12/4

WINTER ART MARKET 2021

Looking for a one-of-a-kind local gift for that special someone? The 15-plus open artist studios will be selling jewelry, prints, clothing, paintings, sculptures and much more. Also, don’t miss Radius Gallery’s Small Works show. After shopping, unwind with something tasty from the food truck and enjoy the live music. 10am-5pm. Tannery Arts Center, 1010 River St., Santa Cruz. tanneryartscenter.org. Free.

ART SUPPLIES & CUSTOM FRAMING

Painting Drawing Sculpting Crafting Printmaking Readymade Frames Journaling Bookbinding Kids supplies and more.

Art Materials 423-1935 Picture Framing 425-7111

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

ESTABLISHED IN 1968

142 River Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Calendar

12/17

TOMÁSEEN FOLEY’S ‘A CELTIC CHRISTMAS’

Irish storyteller Tomáseen Foley’s two Celtic shows bring the arts and culture of Ireland to every corner of the globe. In its 26th season, A Celtic Christmas recreates a night before Christmas in a farmhouse in Foley’s native west Ireland during the 1950s. Through traditional dance, song and a lot of belly laugh-inducing stories, it’s an occasion that’s both triumphant and meaningful. 7:30pm. Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. 423-8209. riotheatre.com. $30-45.

12/18-19

‘THE NUTCRACKER’ BALLET WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

Every child can’t help but be touched by the timeless ballet set on Christmas Eve. And little girls have loved Clara for well over a century. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s renowned score that accompanies the timeless story will be masterfully delivered by the Santa Cruz Ballet’s full orchestra. 1pm and 5pm both days. Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St, Santa Cruz. 477-1606. scbt.org. $20.50-71.50.