Monterey Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Monterey and surrounding areas
Monterey CA celebrates the holiday season with holiday activities around Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf where First Night Monterey and Christmas on the Wharf bring festive lights and family-friendly events. Christmas in the Adobes offers historic charm and seasonal programming close to downtown attractions. Enjoy things to do from holiday markets to harbor strolls under twinkling lights and find family fun and seasonal events throughout the winter season.
Find the best Monterey Christmas happenings this year!
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Christmas Markets
16 eventsDowntown San Jose holiday hub with rides and a gift market.
Christmas Lights
13 eventsAnnual tree lighting ceremony with Santa and live music
Christmas Shows
10 eventsMusic-filled adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol' with a 90-minute runtime.
Christmas Activities
27 eventsAlcohol-free New Year's Eve arts celebration.
Editor's Picks (6)
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First Night Monterey
Alcohol-free New Year's Eve arts celebration.
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San Jose Holiday Lights
(San Jose)
Five acres of themed holiday light zones
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Winter Wonderland San Jose
(San Jose)
Downtown San Jose holiday hub with rides and a gift market.
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WinterFest at California's Great America
(Santa Clara)
Premier amusement park with waterpark and year-round attractions.
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Los Gatos in Lights - Winter Celebration 2025
(Los Gatos)
Annual tree lighting ceremony with Santa and live music
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Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade
(Los Altos)
Annual community parade celebrating the start of the holiday season.
Events Happening Soon (6)
Christmas Parties Near Monterey
Festive dining experiences, holiday parties, and Christmas-themed food and drink events in Monterey.
Saratoga Holiday Wine Stroll Experience
Experience a festive evening in Saratoga Village, where wineries and wine enthusiasts gather...
View full details →The Official Christmas Bar Crawl - San Jose
Get ready to jingle all the way at San Jose's Official Christmas Bar...
View full details →Monterey Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Monterey
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near Monterey!
Monterey Christmas FAQ
While specific events vary, Monterey often sees significant holiday activity centered around its historic districts and community centers, featuring markets and festive gatherings.
Monterey's holiday traditions often blend classic celebrations with its unique coastal charm, with a focus on community gatherings and local artisan showcases.
Residential neighborhoods, particularly those in nearby Pacific Grove, are known for their beautiful and extensive Christmas light displays.
Look for Christmas markets and artisan stalls in areas like downtown Monterey, along Cannery Row, and at various community centers throughout the holiday season.
Enjoying the neighborhood Christmas lights, browsing free holiday markets, and taking in the festive ambiance of areas like Old Fisherman's Wharf are excellent free options.
Families often enjoy visiting Santa, exploring festive light displays, and attending kid-friendly shows or craft events that are common throughout the Monterey area.