Cover story

HOLIDAY DECOR

New light installations have been installed in downtown Watsonville thanks to 71 local donors.

BY JOHANNA MILLER Holiday cheer

Seasonal events start up this weekend in South County

The holidays kick off this weekend, with three different events that will be held throughout the Pajaro Valley. And as friends and family reunite after last year’s Covid shutdowns, there is plenty of seasonal fun to be had in the upcoming month—from art festivals and dance performances, tree lightings and more.

The second annual Holiday Lights event at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds will open Nov. 19 and run through Dec. 26. Originally created to raise funds for the Fairgrounds and lift the community’s spirits during the pandemic, the event was so popular, and sold out so quickly that organizers decided to bring it back this year.

In addition to the usual drive-thru light show, the event will also offer up the opportunity to walk through the display during a special Holiday Fair on Dec. 3 and 4.

But Holiday Lights isn’t the only event starting up this weekend: In Aromas, the Aromas Hills Artisans (AHA) will once again be holding their annual Holiday Arts Festival on Nov. 21. After being canceled last year, organizers say they are eager to return.

Tarmo Hannula

TRADITION A giant tree is aglow with lights at Watsonville Plaza during the annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony in 2019.

The festival will feature the work of AHA artists, including jewelry, pottery, stained glass, “living art” (made with plants), fiber and textile art, metal sculpture, photography, painting and wood carving, etc.

AHA member Linda Bjornson, a stained glass artist, said that for a while they were uncertain of the future of the festival, which is usually a weekend-long event held at the Aromas Grange.

“We had to make a call much earlier in the year about what we were going to do,” she said. “The Delta [variant] was happening. We knew we would feel safer if we did it outdoors, and just one day.”

The festival, to be held 10am-3pm, will also offer live music by Jesse Martinez, hot food from a local event company and two artist workshops—one where you can make a bead ornament for your Christmas tree, and another where you can learn how to spin wool into yarn from Christine Martinez.

In addition, the winners of AHA’s annual raffle will be selected at the event at 2pm.

“It will be great to see our friends and neighbors once again,” Bjornson said. “Come down and see. It’s fun, and a great place to find a gift for someone. Plus, you won’t have to worry about shipping.”

After attending the festival, families can then head into downtown Watsonville for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting starting at 5pm. The entire plaza will be lit up this year, in addition to the centerpiece: a 28-foot-tall tree. The event will also include music performances by Pajaro Valley Unified School District students, and appearances by Santa himself—plus another surprise guest.

“We’re all very excited, especially after the year and a half we’ve had,” said Maria Orozco, founding president and current board member for the Friends of Watsonville Parks and Community Services. “The community is ready to feel that holiday joy once again.”

Nearby, Main Street will also be illuminated thanks to 71 sponsors that helped the city purchase lights to adorn the street poles. Orozco said that sponsors included community members, local businesses, nonprofits and other groups. Together, they raised $10,000 in support of decorating the poles, after kicking off a campaign at the Evening with the Mayor event last month.

“We really want to thank everyone for making this happen,” Orozco said. “The Parks and Community Services Department, all the sponsors, everyone. This will make the holiday season that much more enjoyable.”

Upcoming festivities

Nov. 19-Dec. 26

Holiday Lights 2021

Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville The popular Holiday Lights event returns to the Fairgrounds this year bigger and brighter. In addition to the second annual drive-thru light show, the event will also include walk-thrus during a Holiday Fair on Dec. 3 and 4. Organizers recommend purchasing tickets early. For information, visit fairgrounds-foundation.org/holiday-lights.

Nov. 21

Holiday Art Festival

Aromas Sports Park, 300 Aromas Rd., Aromas Aromas Hills Artisans will host its annual Holiday Art Festival at Aromas Sports Park, featuring the work of local artists, music, workshops, hot food and more. Free parking is available and both kids and dogs are welcome. Festival runs 10am-3pm. For updates, visit the AHA’s Facebook page.

Holiday Tree Lighting

City Plaza, 358 Main St., Watsonville The public is invited to the city’s free annual Holiday Tree Lightning event, taking place at the plaza from 5-6pm. The entire plaza and parts of Main Street will be lit to ring in the holiday season, plus there will be performances by PVUSD students and a special appearance by Santa Claus. For information, visit cityofwatsonville.org.

Nov. 27

Holiday Boutique

Aptos United Methodist Church, 221 Thunderbird Dr., Aptos The Aptos United Methodist Church will be hosting its annual Holiday Boutique. Come between 9am-3pm to browse a number of handcrafted, affordable gift ideas: jewelry, pottery, soaps, scarves, hats, paper crafts, home decor, children’s books, stuffed animals, woodworking, homemade jams, baked goods, plants and flowers, and more. For information, visit aptosumc.org.

Dec. 15-17

Santa Tour

For the second year in a row, the City of Watsonville will be organizing a Santa Tour, where residents can enjoy a special early visit from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus in their very own neighborhoods. Santa will visit various locations over the three-day event between 4-7pm. A map and schedule will be released in the upcoming weeks at cityofwatsonville.org.

Dec. 18 & 19

Nutcracker: Experience the Magic

Crocker Theater, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos For the 10th year at Cabrillo College, Experience the Magic returns to kick off the holidays with a family-friendly tradition. Santa Cruz City Ballet, at the International Academy of Dance presents the full length Nutcracker Ballet, with local talent and guest artists from the Bay Area and beyond. For information and tickets, visit nutcrackersantacruz.com.