Why Go: -Thousand-year-old redwoods
-Santa arriving by surfboard
-Still-crazy-after-all-these-years hippies co-existing peacefully with over-caffeinated young bucks.

Where to Stay: The sleek, intimate Pleasure Point Inn (2-3665 E. Cliff Dr.; 831/475-4657; doubles from $248) sits on the edge of Monterey Bay. Three of the four rooms face the water, but watch the must-see sunsets from the roof deck.

Holiday Dinner: The bland façade of Casablanca (101 Main St.; 831/426-9063; dinner for two $80) may look quiet and unassuming, but inside, executive chef Scott Cater turns out some smart New American cuisine. His special Colorado rack of lamb with raspberry sauce and black truffles is to die for. The beach views aren't too shabby, either.

Stocking Stuffer: Anything bearing the goofy grin of the banana slug, the slimy yellow mascot of the University of California at Santa Cruz. Slug hats, mugs, T-shirts, and other logo goodies are available in most stores around town, or on campus at the Bay Tree Bookstore (1156 High St.; 831/459-4544).
—H. Scott Jolley