Holidays in the Park - Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony
Visitors gather in Devendorf Park for the holiday tree lighting and a menorah lighting ceremony featuring dreidel spinning, singing, and gelt. Santa Claus makes an appearance arriving aboard a fire truck, accompanied by live music from the Del Monte Brass. The celebration continues at Carmel Plaza with warm drinks, small bites, face painting, and visits with Santa and Martin the Magical Elf.
What to Expect
Features Santa arriving by fire truck, music, and a menorah lighting.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
City of Carmel-by-the-Sea
Food & Drink
After the tree lighting, Carmel Plaza offers small bites and festive warm drinks.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and family-friendly
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: 3:00 PM-7:00 PM; Santa arrives at 3:30 p.m.; Menorah lighting Ceremony 4-4:30 p.m.; Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony 4:30-5:30 p.m.; the tree is lit at 5:30 p.m. or very soon thereafter.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive in time for Santa's fire-truck arrival with the Del Monte Brass, since it opens the program before the menorah and tree lightings.
- Bring the kids to the menorah lighting, where there's plenty of gelt along with dreidel spinning and singing for everyone to join.
- Stay through the end of the tree lighting ceremony, because the Holiday Tree is lit at its close.
- Walk over to Carmel Plaza once the tree is lit for small bites, warm drinks, face painting and visits with Santa and Martin the Magical Elf.
- Dress warmly, because the ceremonies take place outdoors in Devendorf Park and run into a December evening.
Special Events & Promotions
- Santa arrives by fire truck with the Del Monte Brass playing
- Carmel Plaza Holiday Open House after the tree lighting, with small bites, warm drinks, face painting and visits with Santa and Martin the Magical Elf
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during the celebration?
Santa arrives first, with the Del Monte Brass playing. A menorah lighting ceremony with gelt, dreidel spinning and singing comes next. The evening ends with the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Devendorf Park.
How does Santa arrive?
Santa rides in on a fire truck while the reindeer rest up for their big night.
What happens after the tree is lit?
Carmel Plaza hosts its Holiday Open House. You can shop and mingle, and there are visits with Santa and Martin the Magical Elf.
Is there food and drink?
Yes. After the tree lighting, Carmel Plaza serves small bites and warm holiday drinks.
Is there anything for kids?
Yes. Kids can spin dreidels and collect gelt at the menorah lighting. Carmel Plaza has face painting, kids' activities and visits with Santa and Martin the Magical Elf.
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