10th Annual Christmas on the Wharf
Monterey's Old Fisherman's Wharf hosts the 10th Annual Christmas on the Wharf, a free holiday event with light displays, a Christmas tree, and entertainment. Santa Claus will be present, and a toy drive is held for the Salvation Army.
What to Expect
Free holiday celebration with Santa, live entertainment, and marine-themed displays.
Event Details
Duration
Weekends from December 4-20, 2026
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Old Fisherman's Wharf
Timed Entry
No
Featured Performers
- Peninsula Harmony Company
Organizer
Fisherman's Wharf Association
Food & Drink
Hot cocoa, seasonal coffee drinks, and cookies available from merchants like Dock Side Fish Market and Kafe Toribashi. Old Fisherman's Grotto sells hot cocoa and cookies to benefit The Salvation Army. Candy shops offer festive holiday treats.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday enthusiasts
Vibe
Festive, cheerful, community-oriented
Energy Level
Low to moderate
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: FREE
- Parking: The Waterfront Lot is a prepay lot with stations and the ParkMobile app (Zone #21031). Rates are $2.00 per hour with a daily maximum of $14.00, enforced 9 AM - 8 PM daily. Disabled parking is available with no discount. RV parking is permitted in the Depot Lot, East Depot Lot, and Waterfront lot on a first-come, first-serve basis, but overnight camping is prohibited. Parking office: 831-646-3953 (weekdays) or 646-3967 (weekends).
- Accessibility: The wharf is paved and flat, appropriate for wheelchairs and walkers. Disabled parking spaces are available in all off-street parking lots and garages.
- Pets: Pet-friendly
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early on Saturdays and Sundays to maximize your time with Santa, as his visits extend throughout the day.
- Bring a folding chair to comfortably enjoy the live weekend entertainment performances.
- Consider using the ParkMobile app for convenient prepaid parking to avoid queues at pay stations.
- Combine your visit with a whale watching tour or a glass-bottom boat ride for a full Monterey experience.
- Check the event page on MontereyWharf.com for the most up-to-date entertainment schedule.
Special Events & Promotions
- Toy Drop for the Salvation Army
- Holiday Safety Afternoon with Police and Fire Departments
- Brighten the Harbor Lighted Boat Parade
- Christmas in the Adobes stop
- Free Meet-and-Greets with Santa Claus
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates and times for Christmas on the Wharf?
The main event weekends are December 4-20, 2026, running Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Holiday decorations are displayed daily from December 1, 2026, to January 3, 2027.
Is there an admission fee for Christmas on the Wharf?
No, the 10th Annual Christmas on the Wharf celebration is a free event.
Where can I park?
Parking is available in the Waterfront Lot (GPS address: 201 Washington Street) which is a prepay lot. Rates are $2.00 per hour with a daily maximum of $14.00. The ParkMobile app is also accepted.
Are pets allowed at the event?
Yes, well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome at Old Fisherman's Wharf.
What special community events are happening?
Special events include a Holiday Safety Afternoon with local departments, the 'Brighten the Harbor' Lighted Boat Parade, and participation in 'Christmas in the Adobes' on select weekends.
More Christmas Events near Monterey
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.