Jan – Feb – Mar – Apr – May – Jun – Jul – Aug – Sep – Oct – Nov – Dec
Ongoing, Annual, weekly or monthly Events click HERE
Events are subject to change or cancellation at any time without notice.
Nov 22 – Jan 5
Ice Skating by the Bay
Celebrate the holidays amidst the scenic coastline at Ice Skating by the Bay’s seasonal ice skating rink located in Custom House Plaza behind Portola Hotel & Spa. The ice rink is open daily Monday-Saturday from 11am-10pm and Sunday from 12pm-8pm.
Dec 9 – Aug 31
Largest Ever Jo Mora Cartes Exhibit at adjacent Stanton Center
Monterey History and Art Association’s Stanton Center and Theater is pleased to unveil a new exhibit, “Jo Mora: Cartographer,” the largest collection of Jo Mora’s Cartes ever displayed. Twenty-two cartes created by beloved artist Joseph Jacinto Mora (1876-1947) are now on display, including Mora’s “Seventeen Mile” carte, which has recently been re-dated to 1935. Highlights of this exhibit, curated by MHAA Board Member, Scott Gale, in association with Jo Mora expert, Peter Hiller and historian Neil Hoteling, also include four versions of the carte, “Evolution of the Cowboy,” and three versions of the “Yosemite” carte (black and white and two color). The exhibit will run through August 31, 2025.
Dec 6 – 22
Christmas on the Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf Association is proud to sponsor and hold its “8th Annual Christmas on the Wharf” event on Old Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey, California. In addition to beautiful decorations throughout the month of December, Christmas on the Wharf features free weekend live entertainment including holiday musical performances such as choirs, youth dancers, a variety of singers, and Santa visits at his Santa House on the Wharf. Check out the California sea lions, otters, seagulls and other marine life surrounding Old Fisherman’s Wharf while you stroll with family and friends.
Dec 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Old Monterey Marketplace and Farmers Market
The Old Monterey Marketplace and Farmers Market is held on Alvarado Street every Tuesday, 4pm-7pm, featuring local produce, crafts, and food vendors. We’re open rain or shine. You’re invited to come explore! The Old Monterey Farmers Market, established in 1991, comprises of 3 ½ city blocks and runs year-round rain or shine. You can travel the world in just three blocks, finding arts and crafts, handmade jewelry, furniture, clothing, international food, organic produce, flowers, and pastries.
Dec 5, 12, 19, 26
Carmel by the Sea Farmers Market
The Market features local certified organic fresh farm produce, eggs, plants, fresh cut flowers, and specialty items such as olive oil, hummus, pizza and bread. Green Waste Recovery provides a yellow food scrap bin for compostable items and Sustainable Carmel is often onsite to answer any question regarding composting and recycling. Community Groups can also be seen at the Market working to improve local issues, as well as those with a larger impact.
Dec 9 – Aug 31
Largest Ever Jo Mora Cartes Exhibit at adjacent Stanton Center
Monterey History and Art Association’s Stanton Center and Theater is pleased to unveil a new exhibit, “Jo Mora: Cartographer,” the largest collection of Jo Mora’s Cartes ever displayed. Twenty-two cartes created by beloved artist Joseph Jacinto Mora (1876-1947) are now on display, including Mora’s “Seventeen Mile” carte, which has recently been re-dated to 1935. Highlights of this exhibit, curated by MHAA Board Member, Scott Gale, in association with Jo Mora expert, Peter Hiller and historian Neil Hoteling, also include four versions of the carte, “Evolution of the Cowboy,” and three versions of the “Yosemite” carte (black and white and two color). The exhibit will run through August 31, 2025.
Dec 14
Cars & Coffee
The picturesque Laguna Seca Recreation Area is home to one of the most dynamic Cars & Coffee locations in America. Early risers will enjoy a relaxed and quiet environment as entrance begins at 7:30 am to enjoy a wide variety of automobiles and a delicious cup of coffee.
Dec 14
Ugly Sweater Holiday Cruise & Scavenger Hunt
Join us for a one-of-a-kind Classic Car Cruise & Holiday Party that’s sure to make your season bright! This isn’t your average holiday event—get ready to step back in time, hit the open road, and immerse yourself in the charm of the Monterey Peninsula.
Dec 14
Run Rudolph, Run
The Arthritis Research Coalition is bringing back Pacific Grove’s annual holiday run for arthritis! Run Rudolph Run is a great way to raise awareness of and help defeat arthritis. Bring friends and family together to kick off the season of giving, decked out in holiday attire!
Dec 31
Wild Wild West New Years Eve
Saddle up for a night of adventure and revelry as we ring in 2025 with a Wild Wild West New Year’s Eve Party at the Portola Hotel & Spa in downtown Monterey, CA! The annual year-end event will include an open bar, live music, dancing, a buffet dinner, a champagne toast, and more. Our annual New Year’s Eve event begins at 7pm on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, for guests 21+ and older.
Dec 31
First Night Monterey
Don’t miss a fantastic New Year’s Eve community celebration of the arts in beautiful Downtown Monterey. Enjoy an amazing array of top entertainment to choose from during this family-friendly event to ring in the new year. Join us for the Twilight Procession as we enjoy the lights, the magic, and the joy of First Night into the New Year! It’s a Mardi-Gras-style walking parade that begins at Portola Plaza and moves down Alvarado Street to Pearl Street, featuring bands, dance groups, large-scale movable sculptures, puppets, and costumed people. Successful elements include height, sound, lights and glow-in-the-dark materials. The Twilight Procession also serves as the finale for Kids’ Night Out! The Twilight Procession includes Art Cars, there are murals to take selfies by, and the Resolution Sculpture are just a few of the artful projects awaiting First Night’ers.
LEFT LISTED HERE UNTIL THE NEW DATE FOR THE CURRENT YEAR CAN BE CONFIRMED
Dec 1
Pacific Grove’s Holiday Parade of Lights
Pacific Grove’s Holiday Parade of Lights will feature marching bands, holiday floats, dance teams, animals, and of course Santa Claus. This year’s parade theme is “A Magical Holiday”. The parade will take place in downtown Pacific Grove’s Lighthouse Avenue. Parade starts at 6:00 pm at the Corner of Fountain & Lighthouse Avenue. All are welcome to participate in the parade.
Dec 11
3rd Annual Santa Parade
Join us in spreading holiday cheer throughout the Peninsula on a fun Sunday afternoon. Santa will be riding atop his “sleigh for the day”, the shiny Red Engine Rides vintage firetruck! The route will take us along the coast of Monterey & Pacific Grove where we will stop at California Seltzer Company for treats for the “kids”, big and small! We will then head back to MTV for a Santa photo booth and goodie bags for all participants. Price includes a classic car with up to 4 people (children and/or adults) and treats for all participants. This is a family-friendly event. Only Monterey Touring Vehicle cars will be allowed, and will be assigned by MTV
Dec 17 – 18
Portola Hotel’s Winter Wonderland
Portola Hotel & Spa invites you and your family to enjoy in splendor and joy of the holiday season with a Winter Wonderland in our downtown Monterey hotel. The season’s festivities include Breakfast at Jacks Monterey with Santa Claus followed by a series of evening holiday themed activities in the hotel lobby, including wine, food, live performances from local schools, and more.
