Monterey Other Christmas Activities 2026

Visitors can experience over 20 diverse performance groups across multiple venues, featuring musical styles from classical and jazz to hip hop and reggae, alongside dance and the written word. The celebration includes Kids' Night Out with interactive art activities, a...

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....

Visitors gather to watch colorful holiday-themed illuminated entries light up Main Street. Crowds cheer on marching participants as the procession moves toward the Salinas City Center.

Visitors take a self-paced walk through a living recreation of ancient Bethlehem, interacting with costumed Roman soldiers, tax collectors, and townspeople. The route leads through a bustling marketplace featuring spices, weavers, a working blacksmith, and live animals. Guests follow the...

Participants craft four frosted glass ornaments in festive holiday shapes, decorating them with gold and silver accents. The studio provides the frosted glass, design stencils, and metallic pens. Each completed ornament is taken home the same day to hang on...

Serving as the official kickoff for the winter holiday season, the parade brings together more than a thousand participants and thousands of spectators. The procession highlights Santa Cruz County schools, youth-based organizations, and local nonprofits. The community tradition takes place...

Visitors can gather downtown to watch the community holiday parade featuring performers, floats, and themed displays along San Benito Street. Guests can also view decorated storefronts and stroll through the Dec-A-Tree display in front of the Veterans' Memorial Building.

Celebrate the holiday season at the beach surrounded by festive decorations and enchanting light shows. Guests can enjoy rides, play arcade games, and indulge in seasonal holiday treats. The festivities also include opportunities to take photos with Santa.

The parade travels down Monterey Road featuring floats and Santa's Magic Ship of Christmas, concluding with the Mayor and Santa lighting the community tree. Spectators can hear parade entrants described from announcer trucks and enjoy musical entertainment from The Peninsulaires...

Spectators can watch a procession of 50 decorated power and sailboats glide through the harbor waters. Viewing spots include harbor pathways, the Murray Street bridge, the East Harbor launch ramp, or from charter boats. Refreshments such as hot drinks and...

Visitors gather at Civic Center Plaza to kick off the holiday season with the illumination of the city tree. The celebration features live festive music, hands-on crafts, and sweet treats for attendees.

Families gather for a breakfast celebration featuring North Pole pancakes prepared by elves. Santa poses for pictures with visitors throughout the morning. Children can also explore the elves' workshop for holiday crafts and entertainment.

Visitors can explore the museum's art and history exhibitions during an evening open house. Activities include holiday-themed craft making, listening to music, and enjoying light refreshments. The venue also serves as a stop along downtown's scenic trolley loop.

Guests can meet the Grinch and take festive photos together. The community gathering brings visitors together to celebrate the holiday season.

Experience the magic of the season at Pacific Grove's Holiday Parade of Lights. This beloved event features a dazzling procession of marching bands, festive floats, and talented dance teams. Keep an eye out for equestrian groups adding to the spectacle,...

Join the City of Marina for their cherished Annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony. This free, family-friendly event promises an evening of festive cheer, featuring live music, caroling, and delightful treats like cookies, hot apple cider, and cocoa. The highlight of...

Simbang Gabi, meaning 'Night Mass' or 'Rooster's Mass,' is a deeply cherished Filipino tradition marking the start of the Christmas season. This nine-day series of dawn masses, beginning on December 16th, is a period of spiritual preparation and communal gathering....

Discover the festive spirit of the Canary Islands during the holiday season. While specific details for the Kislap Christmas Festival are not available, the islands offer a vibrant atmosphere with various cultural events and attractions during this time of year....

The Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade is a cherished annual event that officially kicks off the holiday season. Since 1977, this beloved tradition has brought the community together to celebrate with a spectacular display of illuminated floats, lively marching...

Get ready for the 69th Annual Children's Christmas/Holidays Parade! This cherished event brings the community together for a festive celebration. Witness a dazzling procession featuring marching bands, creatively decorated floats from local organizations, and enthusiastic participants. It's a perfect way...

California's Great America transforms into a winter wonderland for WinterFest, offering a magical holiday experience. Guests can enjoy thrilling rides, festive decorations, and the unique Pacific Gliders attraction. The park also features the South Bay Shores waterpark, making it a...

Experience the magic of the holiday season as Santa Claus arrives to lead the community in a festive countdown, illuminating Milpitas's 30-foot holiday tree. Enjoy enchanting performances by local talent, including the Milpitas Community Concert Band, and savor warm hot...

Get ready for a festive and unconventional celebration as San Jose hosts its annual SantaCon. This event is a unique gathering where participants dress as Santa Claus for a day of lighthearted fun and community spirit. It's an opportunity to...

Experience the enchanting 'Spirit of The Row' holiday event series. Join them for three magical evenings in December featuring live performances by local arts and community groups, delightful snow showers in Park Valencia, and cherished photo opportunities with Santa and...

Unleash your inner decorator at the Heritage Holiday Adult Gingerbread Workshop in Downtown San Jose. This event offers a fun, hands-on experience where participants can craft and decorate their own festive gingerbread creations. It's a perfect way to embrace the...