A weekly guide to what’s happening.
ARTS AND MUSIC
BANFF CENTRE MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL VIRTUAL FESTIVAL This year, bring the adventure home! Fluff up your couch cushions, grab a snack of choice, and make sure you have a good internet connection because the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour is going virtual! For the first time ever, travel to breathtaking destinations, embark on daring expeditions, and celebrate some of the most remarkable outdoor achievements, all from the comforts of your living room. The Covid-19 pandemic has created extraordinary circumstances around the world and many of our live World Tour screenings have been postponed or canceled. While we can’t replicate the experience of seeing the Banff films on the big screen of your local theatre, surrounded by friends and your community, these curated programs of amazing outdoor films will inspire you to live life to the fullest, however that looks these days! Please visit riotheatre.com for more information about the online programs and how you can support your local screening.
SAVING SCROOGE: HOLIDAY ONLINE ESCAPE ROOM EXPERIENCE! Come play this live online, virtual escape room meets choose-your-own-adventure experience! Inspired by “A Christmas Carol,” Scrooge has turned away the Spirits of Christmas Past and Present, and now you—the Spirits of Christmas Future—are the last hope to change Scrooge’s heart and fill his soul with giving before Christmas morning. Your creative choices are limitless, and you can play alongside friends and family anywhere in the world. All experiences are led through Zoom by a live game facilitator. More info: fantasyescapegames.com. Dec. 23-29, 10:30am.
VIRTUAL HOLIDAY ART AND CRAFT FAIRE Santa Cruz County Park’s annual Holiday Art and Craft Faire is going virtual for 2020! For the month of December, join us online at scparks.com to find and support amazing local artists and craft-makers! Our webpage will feature over 40 artists who offer a broad range of holiday gifts ranging from glasswork, prints, cards, jewelry, and more!
TOY TRAINS WINDOW DISPLAY Get whisked away into the whimsical world of Toy Trains and enjoy the 15th year of this beloved annual pop-up exhibit at the MAH. Members of the Golden State Toy Train Operators will be on hand to once again share their amazing collection of toy trains through the windows of the MAH’s atrium. Watch from outside in the Secret Garden as the trains chug through the festive beach town in this new storefront display. We’re excited to continue this holiday tradition safely for both you and the train operators. Toy Trains will be on display Dec. 18-27. Toy Trains will run until 5pm with the exception of Dec. 24 at 3pm and Dec. 25 when the museum is closed. When outside, please keep at least six-feet distance and wear a mask.
COMMUNITY
DRIVE-THRU FOOD DISTRIBUTION Second Harvest Food Bank will host its weekly community drive-thru food distribution at the County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville, on Wednesday, Dec. 23, from 9am-1pm. This is a drive-thru distribution for residents of Santa Cruz County. To learn about other food distribution sites throughout the county, visit thefoodbank.org/find-foodcomida or call the community food hotline at 831-662-0991. There will not be a distribution on Friday, Dec. 25, 2020 or Friday, Jan. 1.
GROUPS
COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENT FORUM This is an educational group, a safe place to learn, for women with a cancer diagnosis. Meets every fourth Saturday, currently on Zoom. Registration required: Call WomenCARE at 831-457-2273. Saturday, Dec. 26, 10:30am-12:30pm.
WOMENCARE ARM-IN-ARM Cancer support group for women with advanced, recurrent, or metastatic cancer. Meets every Monday at WomenCARE’s office. Currently on Zoom. Registration required: Call WomenCARE at 831-457-2273. All services are free: womencaresantacruz.org. Monday, Dec. 28, 12:30pm.
WOMENCARE: LAUGHTER YOGA Laughter yoga for women with a cancer diagnosis. Meets every Wednesday, currently via Zoom. Registration required: Registration required: Call WomenCARE at 831-457-2273. Wednesday, Dec. 23, 3:30-4:30pm.
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS All our OA meetings have switched to being online. Please call 831-429-7906 for meeting information. Do you have a problem with food? Drop into a free, friendly Overeaters Anonymous 12-Step meeting. All are welcome! Every Sunday, 9:05-10:15am.
VIRTUAL YOUNG ADULT (18-30) TRANSGENDER SUPPORT GROUP A weekly peer support group for young adults aged 18-25 who identify as transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, agender, or any other non-cisgender identity. This is a social group where we meet and chat among ourselves, sharing our experiences and thoughts in a warm, welcoming setting. Our meetings will be held on Discord during the shelter-in-place order. For more info, contact Ezra Bowen at [email protected].
LGBTQNBI+ SUPPORT GROUP FOR CORONAVIRUS STRESS This weekly LGBTQNBI+ support group is being offered to help us all deal with stress during the shelter-in-place situation that we are experiencing from the coronavirus. Feel free to bring your lunch and chat together to get support. This group is offered at no cost and will be facilitated by licensed therapists Shane Hill, Ph.D., and Melissa Bernstein, LMFT #52524. Learn how to join the Zoom support group at diversitycenter.org/community-calendar.
OUTDOOR
MYSTERY SPOT HOLIDAY TOURS Register for special Mystery Spot Holiday Tours, running Monday through Friday at 6pm from Dec. 21-25. We will be serving delicious coco, cider and coffee to enjoy either before or after your tour. You can also enjoy our beautiful Christmas lights in the garden while you sip on a hot drink and listen to holiday tunes. Our Mystery Spot guides will be giving out candy canes in addition to our famous Mystery Spot stickers at the end of every tour. Please make a reservation online if you would like to visit us during these holiday times. Come enjoy this special holiday event with us at The Mystery Spot and savor this joyous time of year. 831-423-8897. mysteryspot.com.
RENEGADE REINDEER RUN 2020 This year, BCRD Foundation will host this fun family-friendly 5k through downtown Boulder Creek and Irwin Way to raise funds for our nonprofit. It is important to follow Covid-19 guidelines, and we have prepared the run for a series of days Dec. 23-27 to space out attendance. Even though we can’t run together, we can still have fun. Put on your holiday garb, run around town and take a selfie in front of the finish line at the Tree House Cafe. Post your selfie on the Facebook event page at fb.me/e/10P1IB1NO. There will be prizes for best individual and best family group costume. Register at bcrpd.org. Donations go to BCRPD Foundation programs and community service. Wednesday, Dec. 23, 8am.
