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
- Christmas on the Wharf
- NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
- Christmas in the Adobes
- Holiday Parade of Lights (Pacific Grove)
- Fantasy of Lights (Los Gatos)
- Christmas in the Park & Blinky's Drive Thru (San Jose)
- Elk Grove Illumination Holiday Festival (Elk Grove)
- Los Gatos in Lights - Winter Celebration (Los Gatos)
See even MORE Christmas events below!
Monterey Christmas Events
Monterey Christmas Markets and Shopping
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Experience the festive spirit at Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf during their annual Christmas on the Wharf celebration. This beloved event transforms the historic waterfront into a holiday wonderland, offering a charming atmosphere for all to enjoy. Visitors can explore unique shops, enjoy seasonal treats, and soak in the festive ambiance that makes this celebration a cherished tradition.
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. Glide across the outdoor rink with breathtaking views of Monterey Bay. This festive attraction offers a magical holiday experience for all ages.
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Experience the magic of the Holiday Parade of Lights on Thursday, December 5th, 2024. This festive event celebrates 'A Sand & Sea Holiday,' bringing the spirit of coastal California to life. The parade route begins at Grand Ave & Lighthouse Ave, proceeds down Lighthouse Ave to Park Street, makes a U-turn, and continues back down Lighthouse Ave to Forest Avenue. It's a delightful way to embrace the holiday season.
Christmas Events Near Monterey
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