See all Monterey Christmas happenings this year!
Monterey celebrates Christmas 2025 along Cannery Row and the waterfront, where twinkling lights and historic brick facades create a cozy coastal holiday scene. Stroll festive markets, join harbor light walks, savor seasonal concerts and carriage rides that bring family-friendly cheer to the bay.
Find the best Monterey Christmas happenings this year!
Top Christmas Events In and Around Monterey
- First Night Monterey
- Ice Skating by the Bay
- 9th Annual Christmas on the Wharf
- NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
- Christmas in the Adobes
- Pacific Grove's Holiday Parade of Lights (Pacific Grove)
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Winter Wonderland (Santa Cruz)
- Holidays in the Park - Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony (Carmel-by-the-Sea)
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical (Carmel-by-the-Sea)
- Santa Cruz Harbor Lighted Boat Parade (Santa Cruz)
See even MORE Christmas events below!
Monterey Christmas Events
Monterey Christmas Markets and Shopping
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Celebrate the holiday season at the 9th Annual Christmas on the Wharf in Monterey. This festive event features dazzling decorations, a towering Christmas tree, and live entertainment every weekend. Visitors can meet Santa Claus, enjoy musical performances, and witness the enchanting 'Brighten the Harbor' Lighted Boat Parade. It's a perfect destination for creating cherished holiday memories with family and friends.
Monterey Christmas Movies, Theater and Entertainment
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Experience the magic of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet, a beloved holiday tradition. This spectacular performance features an international cast of world-class dancers, breathtaking sets, and opulent costumes. Witness a captivating blend of classical ballet, whimsical puppetry, and dazzling acrobatics set to Tchaikovsky's timeless score. It's an unforgettable festive celebration for the entire family.
Monterey Christmas Light Displays
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Journey back to Alta California at the 41st Annual Christmas in the Adobes, a beloved holiday tradition in Monterey. This enchanting evening walking tour guides visitors through over a dozen historic adobes, beautifully adorned with festive decorations and illuminated by welcoming, candle-lit luminarias. Experience the warm spirit of the community with live music and entertainment, while learning the rich history of Monterey's earliest buildings. It's a magical experience for the whole family.
Monterey Other Christmas Activities
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First Night Monterey offers a vibrant, alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration of the arts for the entire community. Discover diverse performances, interactive art workshops, and a captivating Twilight Procession. It's a family-friendly event designed to foster appreciation for the arts and unite people of all ages and backgrounds in a joyous celebration.
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Experience the enchantment of Ice Skating by the Bay, transforming Custom House Plaza into a winter wonderland from November 22, 2024, to January 5, 2025. Glide across the outdoor rink with stunning views of Monterey Bay, creating magical holiday memories.
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Experience the magic of the Pacific Grove Holiday Parade of Lights, a vibrant procession featuring illuminated floats, marching bands, and dance teams. This festive event brings the community together on Lighthouse Avenue for an evening of holiday cheer, culminating with a special appearance by Santa Claus. Following the parade, local stores open their doors for holiday shopping, and attendees can capture memories with Santa.
Christmas Events Near Monterey
Carmel By The Sea Christmas Events
Marina Christmas Events
Salinas Christmas Events
Watsonville Christmas Events
Santa Cruz Christmas Events
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