Celebrate the holidays in Monterey with our ultimate event guide. For Monterey residents and newcomers, this guide is your ticket to a joyful holiday season.
One of the highlights of the season is the festive **Christmas on the Wharf**, where you can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere, live music, and delicious treats along the scenic waterfront. Another cherished event features the spectacular **Cannery Row Holiday Tree Lighting**, where a beautifully adorned tree illuminates the historic district, creating a perfect backdrop for photos. And the **First Night Monterey** is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it offers a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration filled with art, entertainment, and fireworks to ring in the new year. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Monterey
- First Night Monterey
- Christmas on the Wharf
- Carmel-by-the-Sea Holiday Tree Lighting (Carmel-by-the-Sea)
- Monterey's Community Christmas Tree Lighting
- Holiday Parade of Lights (Pacific Grove)
- Cannery Row Holiday Tree Lighting
- Christmas in the Adobes
- Stillwell's Fun in the Park (Pacific Grove)
- Monterey Yacht Club's Brighten the Harbor
See these and even more events listed below!
Monterey Holiday Light Displays
Cannery Row Holiday Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday event with Santa meet-and-greets.
Description:
The 30th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Cannery Row features family entertainment starting at noon, culminating in a tree lighting ceremony at approximately 5:45 p.m. in Steinbeck Plaza. Following the ceremony, children can meet Santa Claus in his new toy factory located inside 685 Cannery Row.
Where: Monterey | More Info: Cannery Row Holiday Tree Lighting
Monterey Yacht Club's Brighten the Harbor
What to Expect:
Decorated boats with holiday lights and decorations.
Description:
The Monterey Yacht Club's Brighten the Harbor features beautifully decorated boats cruising along the Monterey Coast, showcasing their holiday lights and decorations.
Where: Monterey | More Info: Monterey Yacht Club's Brighten the Harbor
Holiday Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Coastal-themed holiday parade with diverse floats and performers.
Description:
The Holiday Parade of Lights in Pacific Grove celebrates the essence of coastal California living with a Sand and Sea theme, featuring marching bands, holiday floats, and Santa Claus. The parade runs through downtown Lighthouse Avenue, showcasing the rich diversity of Monterey Bay.
Where: Pacific Grove | More Info: Holiday Parade of Lights
Monterey's Community Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday celebration with local music and refreshments.
Description:
Monterey's Community Christmas Tree Lighting features carols, candles, cookies, cider, and music by Mike Marotta Family & Friends on the lawn in front of historic Colton Hall.
Where: Monterey | More Info: Monterey's Community Christmas Tree Lighting
Carmel-by-the-Sea Holiday Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Unique blend of holiday traditions and festive activities.
Description:
The annual City Holiday Tree and Menorah Lighting Celebration in Carmel-by-the-Sea takes place at Devendorf Park on Ocean Avenue between Junipero and Mission. The event features Santa Claus arriving via fire truck, a menorah lighting ceremony, and a holiday tree lighting ceremony. Following the tree lighting, Carmel Plaza hosts an open house with live music, visits with Santa and Martin the Magical Elf, face painting, and kids' activities.
Where: Carmel-by-the-Sea | More Info: Carmel-by-the-Sea Holiday Tree Lighting
Monterey Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas on the Wharf
What to Expect:
Free weekend live entertainment and Santa visits amidst dazzling holiday lights.
Description:
Christmas on the Wharf in Monterey, California, features stunning holiday decorations, live musical performances, Santa visits, and festive activities for all ages.
Where: Monterey | More Info: Christmas on the Wharf
First Night Monterey
What to Expect:
Family-friendly, alcohol-free community arts celebration with diverse performances.
Description:
First Night Monterey is a premier New Year's Eve celebration in Monterey County, featuring a diverse lineup of visual and performing arts, interactive art installations, and family-friendly activities.
Where: Monterey | More Info: First Night Monterey
Monterey Other Holiday Activities
Stillwell's Fun in the Park
What to Expect:
Complimentary rides and petting zoo for kids.
Description:
Stillwell's Fun in the Park is a festive holiday event at Caledonia Park in Pacific Grove, featuring complimentary rides, bounce houses, a petting zoo, and entertainment for kids of all ages. Santa Claus will arrive at noon, joining Frosty the Snowman and Snow Queen.
Where: Pacific Grove | More Info: Stillwell's Fun in the Park
Christmas in the Adobes
What to Expect:
Early evening walking tour of beautifully decorated historic adobes.
Description:
Explore historic adobes in Monterey adorned with holiday decorations, enjoy festive music, and hear stories about the city's earliest buildings.
Where: Monterey | More Info: Christmas in the Adobes
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Seaside (3 miles)
- Marina (8 miles)
- Salinas (14 miles)
- Watsonville (23 miles)
- Santa Cruz (27 miles)
- Hollister (32 miles)
- Gilroy (33 miles)
- Soledad (34 miles)
- Morgan Hill (39 miles)
- Los Gatos (44 miles)