Get Out: Your Guide to a Great Weekend

VCUM Holiday Boutique

Where/When: Valley Churches United Missions, 9400 Highway 9, Ben Lomond. Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., through Dec. 24.

What: VCUM is holding its annual holiday boutique to benefit the area’s needy. The boutique is stocked full of unique gifts and the money from sales will go to help those less fortunate have a good Christmas.

Price: Items are for sale at various prices.

Where/When: , 9341 Mill St., Ben Lomond. Wednesdays through Sundays until Dec. 24, noon-6 p.m.

What: The center has turned its gallery into a holiday gift shop featuring gift-minded works of art from local artists, including a diverse selection of paintings, jewelry, ceramics, textiles, wood, glass, baskets, cards and ornaments. Everything is reasonably priced and you are sure to find that unique gift for that special someone this holiday season.

Price: Admission is free. Items may be purchased at various prices. For more information, visit www.mountainartcenter.org/

Where/When: Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Rd. Saturday, Dec. 17, 2 p.m.

What: Local poet/teacher Magdalena Montagne will be at the library leading a free writing workshop for the community. In the poetry circle, students will write new works in a supportive and fun environment. All levels and ages are encouraged to attend.

Price: Free  

Roaring Camp Holiday Tree Walk and Holiday Lights Train

Where/When: Roaring Camp, 5401 Graham Hill Road,
Felton. Saturday and Sunday, various times.

What: What better way to celebrate the holidays than by heading up to the mountains for a festive train ride through the redwoods. Roaring Camp is offering two different events to choose from this holiday season. The Holiday Tree Walk begins and ends at Roaring Camp and will take passengers on a steam train ride through the tree-lined walk of festive trees displayed atop Bear Mountain.

The Holiday Lights Train departs from the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and takes passengers on a ride on vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights. The train rolls through the city streets on its way up the mountain to Roaring Camp. Passengers will sing along to seasonal carols while sipping hot-spiced cider, listen to musical entertainment, and enjoy a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Price: Tickets for the Holiday Tree Walk are $24 for adults and $17 for children. Tickets for the Holiday Lights Train are $26 for adults, 13 and up, and $18 for children. Tickets can be purchased at www.roaringcamp.com. Advance reservations are recommended