Salinas Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Salinas and surrounding areas

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Christmas Markets (17 events) Christmas Lights (13 events) Christmas Shows (10 events) Other Christmas Activities (28 events)
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This winter, Salinas rolls out Christmas 2025 across downtown and the historic Main Street with festive events, holiday activities, and family-focused attractions. The Salinas Holiday Parade of Lights and Streets of Bethlehem anchor the season near the Steinbeck Center, offering community gatherings and joyful performances. Enjoy neighborhood light displays, seasonal markets, and hands-on activities that showcase Salinas’ local makers and traditions, making the holiday season bright and full of things to do for all ages.

Find the best Salinas Christmas happenings this year!

Salinas Christmas Events

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Christmas Markets

17 events
Winter Wonderland San Jose • Nov 28 – Jan 4, 2026

Downtown San Jose holiday hub with rides and a gift market.

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Christmas Lights

13 events
San Jose Holiday Lights • Nov 14 – Jan 4, 2026

Five acres of themed holiday light zones

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Christmas Shows

10 events
A Christmas Carol • Nov 26 – Dec 24

Music-filled adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol' with a 90-minute runtime.

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Other Christmas Activities

28 events
First Night Monterey

Alcohol-free New Year's Eve arts celebration.

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Editor's Picks (6)

  1. San Jose Holiday Lights (San Jose)
    Five acres of themed holiday light zones
  2. Winter Wonderland San Jose (San Jose)
    Downtown San Jose holiday hub with rides and a gift market.
  3. WinterFest at California's Great America (Santa Clara)
    Premier amusement park with waterpark and year-round attractions.
  4. First Night Monterey (Monterey)
    Alcohol-free New Year's Eve arts celebration.
  5. Los Gatos in Lights - Winter Celebration 2025 (Los Gatos)
    Annual tree lighting ceremony with Santa and live music
  6. Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade (Los Altos)
    Annual community parade celebrating the start of the holiday season.

This Week / Coming Up (6)

22nd Annual Holiday Stroll Fri, Nov 14
A Christmas Carol Wed, Nov 26
Sparky's Holiday Lights Fri, Nov 28
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical Sat, Nov 29
Hollister Lights on Celebration Sat, Nov 29
Salinas Holiday Parade of Lights Sun, Nov 30

Christmas Parties Near Salinas

Festive dining experiences, holiday parties, and Christmas-themed food and drink events in Salinas.

The Official Christmas Bar Crawl - San Jose

Festive bar crawl with included drinks and after-party.

📍 San Jose • Dec 20

Christmas Giving Opportunities Near Salinas

Give back this holiday season with volunteering and charitable opportunities in Salinas.

Palo Alto Holiday Toy Drive

City-wide toy drive with numerous convenient drop-off points.

📍 Palo Alto • Nov 1

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Also Near Salinas

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Campbell

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Saratoga

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San Jose

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Salinas Christmas FAQ

When are the best times to visit?

Weekday evenings tend to be less crowded. Peak times are weekends in December, especially closer to Christmas.

Is parking available?

Most events offer on-site parking. Check individual event pages for specific parking information and fees.

Are venues accessible?

Most venues are accessible. Contact individual events for specific accessibility accommodations.