Thanksgiving in Santa Cruz County can mean a long table at home, a meal with a view of Monterey Bay, or a potluck-style gathering with neighbors. The weeks around the holiday also bring Friendsgiving get-togethers, community luncheons and a few quiet ways to give thanks outdoors.
Every item below links to its listing on our calendar. The dates and places shown beside each one come from those listings and update every day, so check back if your plans are still taking shape.
Holiday meals out
If you would rather skip the cooking, these two spots are serving Thanksgiving meals.
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Thanksgiving at Chaminade
Chaminade Resort and Spa is hosting a festive holiday buffet with seasonal favorites and views of Monterey Bay from its hilltop spot in Midtown.
Thu, Nov 26, 9 AM · Chaminade Resort and Spa, Midtown
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Thanksgiving at High Tide
High Tide near the Beach and Boardwalk offers a four-course menu. It starts with butternut squash soup and a pear and burrata salad, with herb-roasted turkey or pan-seared black cod among the mains.
Thu, Nov 26, 12 PM · High Tide, Beach & Boardwalk
Community luncheons and shared dinners
These gatherings are about sharing a meal and welcoming people to the table.
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Thanksgiving Luncheon at Live Oak Community Center
The Diversity Center hosts a Thanksgiving luncheon for older adults at the Live Oak Community Center. RSVP by email with your name and meal preference; a $15 to $20 donation is suggested.
Not on the calendar yet this season.
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Thanksgiving Dinner: Host an International Student
UC Santa Cruz invites faculty and staff to host international students for Thanksgiving dinner, a chance to share traditions and make students feel at home.
Thu, Nov 26, 8 AM · UC Santa Cruz, UCSC
Friendsgiving and parties
For a more social take on the holiday, try one of these.
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Friendsgiving: Craft and Connect
Steel Bonnet Brewing in Scotts Valley hosts a Friendsgiving night with card making, crafts and five-minute friend dates. A relaxed way to meet new people.
Wed, Nov 18, 6:30 PM · Steel Bonnet Brewing Company, Scotts Valley
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Scarlett Fyre "Weir All Grateful" Thanksgiving Party
Scarlett Fyre plays a free Thanksgiving party at the Grateful Red Barn in Aptos. Come to groove to the music and give thanks.
Fri, Nov 20, 6 PM · Aptos
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Santa Cruz Official Thanksgiving Eve Bar Crawl
The annual Thanksgiving Eve pub crawl hops through bars in downtown Santa Cruz. A popular way to catch up with friends home for the holiday.
Wed, Nov 25, 5 PM · Lookout Santa Cruz, Downtown Santa Cruz
Gratitude gatherings
Two gentle ways to mark the season of thanks outdoors.
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Bridge Choir Drop-In Gratitude Circle
The Bridge Choir leads free community singing at Felton Covered Bridge County Park, celebrating the season of gratitude with songs of hope, resilience and connection. Drop-ins are welcome.
Sun, Nov 15, 2:30 PM · Felton Covered Bridge County Park, San Lorenzo Valley
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Women's Gratitude Ride, Hosted by Modo
A welcoming Watsonville bike ride for women of all experience levels to move, connect and reflect in gratitude. Bikes, helmets, lights and water are provided; RSVP is requested.
Tue, Nov 17, 5 PM · Bike Santa Cruz County, Watsonville
Shopping for the feast
Cooking at home this year? Pick up local produce first.
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Live Oak Farmers Market
This free neighborhood market has served Live Oak, Pleasure Point and Capitola since 2000. It is a friendly place to stock up on fresh local food before the big meal.
Nov 15 to Feb 7 (13 dates) · Live Oak Farmers’ Market, Midtown