Special events
California Mural Artists in the Heart of the Valley (Dec. 21)
Artists often work in isolation, and yet are aware of the work of their peers. Come experience the magic when these masters meet for the first time. Fifteen artists invited, including 10 confirmed renowned masters from Jose Ortiz and Arturo Tomae to Javier Rocabado, will come to Watsonville from as far away as Marin and Los Angeles counties. Ticket event includes lunch at El Alteno, 323 Main St., Watsonville. Your three choices of entrees include: Chicken Fajitas, Mole (chicken) or Chile Verde (pork). Alcohol will be available at the cash bar. We have received a generous donation and can offer reduced ticket prices to students and local artists. Enter “PVA,” “local artist” or “High School Student” in the promotional code line to purchase discounted tickets. Email [email protected] for information.
Cabrillo Crocker Theater Nutcracker (Dec. 21)
A beautiful, dramatic Nutcracker ballet performed by the legendary Agape Dancers, alumna, local community leaders and professional effects, flying, lighting and snow. Supports Jacob’s Heart, A must-see Holiday family fun event. Show starts at 7 p.m. at the Cabrillo Crocker Theater, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos. For information or tickets: 479-6154.
Watsonville Queer Youth Meet-Up (Dec. 27)
Every Friday after school, youth ages 12-18 are invited to join our dynamic team of youth activists and leaders from Santa Cruz County at the First Christian Church, 15 Madison St, Watsonville. This meet-up group will run in conjunction with the Saturday LGBTQ Youth Meet-ups; more for you to choose! For information contact the LGBTQ Youth Program at 425-5422 ext.104 or email [email protected], If you are no longer of age to participate in the LGBTQ Youth Programs, no problem. You can always volunteer for the Diversity Center.
Hindsight is 20/20 bike ride (Dec. 27)
Join us as we take a look back at 2019, and set our intentions for 2020 at the community bike ride. Wear reflective gear and/or lights on your bicycle, helmet and person. Event rolls out rain or shine from Watsonville Cyclery, 25 E. 5th Ave., at 6 p.m. Party hats, sparkle glasses and noisemakers are welcome and encouraged. For information visit the event’s Facebook page.
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Recurring events
Saturday, Dec. 21
Aptos Farmer’s Market
Open rain or shine, the Aptos Farmer’s Market at Cabrillo College runs every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.
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Sunday, Dec. 22
Farm and garden market
The Corralitos Farm and Garden Market offers locally grown fruits and vegetables and homemade baked goods prepared with organic and locally grown ingredients. The market runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 127 Hames Rd. in Corralitos.
Wetlands Nature Center
Discover the wildlands on free exploration walks at 1:30 p.m. at the Wetlands Nature Center, 30 Harkins Slough Road, Watsonville, behind Ramsay Park. Binoculars provided. Rain cancels. Information: 768-1622 or wetlandsofwatsonville.org.
El Mercado Certified Farmer’s Market
This year-round Certified Farmer’s Market is held at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
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Monday, Dec. 23
Karate at Watsonville PAL
Karate trains Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Watsonville Police Activities League, 130 Rodriguez St., Watsonville. Details: Coresta Angelo at 763-4146
Hamburger Night
The American Legion Post 121 invites all to its Hamburger Night from 5:30-7 p.m. at 214 Center St., Watsonville. Cost: $6. Proceeds benefit veterans and the post’s community activities.
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Tuesday, Dec. 24
Self-Defense Program
This program at the Watsonville PAL gym on Rodriguez Street is designed to give the participants an hour and 15 minutes of self-defense instruction. Classes start a 4:45 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday Details: Coresta Angelo at 763-4146.
Turbo Tuesday
Come spend an afternoon of fun playing all kinds of games in the Watsonville Public Library from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Bingo at Senior Center
The Watsonville Senior Center, 114 E. Fifth St., hosts bingo from 1-4 p.m. All proceeds benefit the center and its programs. Free coffee. Open to anyone 18 or older. In addition, the Senior Center holds a flea market starting at 9:30 a.m. Details: 722-1333.
Valley Heights
Free social hour every Tuesday and Friday from 3:30-4:30 p.m. is open to the public at 925 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville.
Legal assistance
California Rural Legal Assistance offers free legal services to low-income people. New clients on a first-come, first-served basis on Tuesdays between the hours of 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:3-4:00 p.m. at 21 Carr St. in Watsonville. We also have satellite offices in Hollister and Santa Cruz, call for intake hours at 724-2253.
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Wednesday, Dec. 25
Watsonville Rotary
Rotary Club of Watsonville invites community members to its weekly luncheon meeting at the Elks Lodge, 121 Martinelli St., each Wednesday from 12:15-1:30 p.m. The program includes local community speakers that vary each week. For information: watsonvillerotary.com.
Lions Bingo
Join the Watsonville Associated Lions Club Bingo and support a nonprofit that gives back to the Pajaro Valley. Meets Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at the Kennedy Center, 2401 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville.
Bilingual toddler and baby lap time
Freedom Branch Library, 2021 Freedom Blvd., offers child socialization and early literacy skills for children ages 0-24 months at 10:30 a.m., and for ages 2-4 at 11:30 a.m. Details: 768-3420.
Watsonville Band
The Watsonville Community Band wants new members who can read music and competently play an instrument. Rehearsals at 7:30 p.m. in the Watsonville High School band room on Marchant Street. Information: band manager Bill Nestler at 768-8692 or watsonville-band.org.
Elks Lodge dinner
The Watsonville Elks Lodge, 121 Martinelli St., hosts dinners for members and guests. Lodge opens 5:30 p.m. and dinner is served 6:30 p.m. A full course dinner is included for $10 per person (special events may be higher). Contact the lodge for reservations at 724-2493. Reservations are a must.
Migrant assistance
The Community Information Center for Migrant Assistance/Centro Communitario de Información Migratoria at Trinity Lutheran Church, 175 Lawrence Ave., Watsonville offers immigration information and assistance from 6-8 p.m. Free. Information: 724-3461.
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Thursday, Dec. 26
Bilingual toddler time
Bilingual Toddler Time is a free bilingual (English/Spanish) 30-minute program including stories, activities and music for toddlers and preschoolers. Starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Watsonville Public Library.
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Friday, Dec. 27
Farmer’s Market
The Watsonville Certified Farmer’s Market takes place every Friday from 3-7 p.m. on Peck Street in the downtown Plaza. It offers organic and ethnic produce, flowers, live music and plenty of goodies to eat.
St. Francis bingo
Bingo meets every Friday evening at the Kennedy Center, 2401 E. Lake Ave., Watsonville. Doors open at 5 p.m. Proceeds go to scholarships at St. Francis Central Coast Catholic High School. Information: 722-2665 or 722-3274.
Senior dance
The Watsonville Senior Center hosts a free dance at 10:30 a.m. at 114 E. Fifth St.
Bilingual baby lap time
A free bilingual (English/Spanish) 30-minute program including stories, activities and music for babies age 0-24 months. Starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Watsonville Library.
STEAM in Watsonville Library
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) meets in the library from 3-4 p.m. For ages 8-12, the ongoing program allows participants to learn about and make electronic creations from Little Bits kits.
