December-2023

 *Due to COVID-19 precautions, several events and businesses in Monterey County have been affected.
Events are subject to change or cancellation at any time without notice.

Nov 24 – Dec 31
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 1 – 23
Christmas on the Wharf 
Fisherman’s Wharf Association is proud to sponsor and hold its “7th 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 2
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 2
Stillwell’s Holiday Fun in the Park 
Stillwell’s Holiday Fun in the Park will be held at Caledonia Park from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. Festivities will include games and activities, holiday music, refreshments, petting zoo, carriage rides, Santa Claus and so much more!

Dec 3
Brighten the Harbor Lighted Boat Show
Come and enjoy the beautiful lights on the boats that pass by Old Fisherman’s Wharf at 5:15 pm and return to pass by around 6:15 pm as well. Get your dinner reservations in early, too but you can also see it standing on the Wharf itself. Very holiday festive!

Dec 7, 14, 21, 28
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 8 – 9
Christmas in the Adobes 
Tickets for the 39th Annual Christmas in the Adobes on December 8 and 9, 2023 will start on October 17 for in-person sales at the Custom House Store and the Pacific House Museum, both located on Custom House Plaza. Online sales will start October 16 at www.MSHPA.org. The city-wide Holiday event takes place December 8 & 9 from 5pm to 9pm. “We can’t wait for another memorable Christmas in the Adobes this year!”, says event coordinator Richard Fletcher. “Bundle up, bring a flashlight and some friends, and enjoy this truly magical Monterey event!”

Dec 9
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 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.

Dec 20
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.

Dec 23 – 25
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.

Dec 31
First Night Monterey
The Monterey Museum of Art is pleased to partner with First Night Monterey for a festive New Year’s Eve community arts celebration featuring all ages entertainment