Events Calendar: 2025-12-01

Celebrate the holidays at Ice Skating by the Bay's seasonal ice skating rink, open daily November 21 - January 4 . At Custom House Plaza, located behind Portola Hotel & Spa in Old Monterey, skaters can spend the day in a winter wonderland by the Bay.

Admission is $15 for adults, $13 for children 12 & under. Skate rental fee is $5.

Fleet Feet Monterey hosts a Pub Run every Monday at 6:00pm. We'll begin and end at Fieldwork Brewing Company. All paces, levels, distances, and abilities are welcome. Post-run, we can grab a beer together!

Breakthrough Men's Community presents a free one-hour session designed to introduce the core principles and transformative impact of the Breakthrough Men's Workshops.

These welcoming, no-commitment introductory sessions take place on the first Tuesday of each month, 5pm-6pm, led by Executive Director Arnold Westphal.

Winner of Monterey County Weekly's awards for Best Farmers Market 2025 and Best Place to See and Be Seen !

The Old Monterey Marketplace and Farmers Market is held on Alvarado Street every Tuesday, 4pm-8pm (extended spring/summer hours), featuring local produce, crafts, and food vendors. Open rain or shine.

Melville Tavern hosts live music every Tuesday, 6pm-8pm. Tonight we'll feature Mark Shilstone and Rod Wilson. Arrive early and enjoy our Happy Hour, 4pm-6pm.

Golden State Theatre presents The Sleeping Beauty preformed by the international ballet stars of Clasical Arts Entertainment on Wednesday, December 3, at 7pm. Tickets are $38-$98. For more information and to purchase tickets, ...

Monterey Public Library Friends and Foundation is holding a Used Book Sale at the Library on Thu (12/4), 3pm-6pm, and Fri & Sat (12/5 & 12/6), 10am-4pm. Find gently used books in popular genres for adults and children and enjoy seasonal nibbles. Proceeds will benefit Monterey Public Library.

Golden State Theatre presents the Pink Martini All-Stars on Thursday, December 4 at 8pm. Tickets are $71-$111. For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here .

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All are cordially invited to the Historic Downtown Monterey Traditional Tree Lighting Celebration on Friday, December 5, 5pm-6pm. Join us on the lawn in front of Colton Hall by candlelight to share in this much-loved holiday celebration.

Enjoy cookies, cider, live music and caroling, and the lighting of the tree to bring in the holiday season. KMBY 1240 AM / 106.7 FM will broadcast the event.

Join Monterey Museum of Art, 5pm-8pm, as we kick-off Iluminado , a captivating new exhibition featuring the works of Hanif Wondir, Domini Anne, and Joe Ramos. Free admission.

Enjoy an inspired atmosphere with music by DJ Luna, delicious bites from Ad Astra, wine from Scheid Vineyards, and craft beer from Other Brother Beer Co. Gather with friends, artists, and art lovers alike as the museum comes alive with creativity and celebration.

Albatross Ridge Winery and Kitchen presents singer-songwriter Kito Rayburn . Experience the magic of live music along with award-winning wines, tapas style light bites, and a rotating selection of craft beer.

Bring the whole family to Monterey Museum of Art for Free Family Fun Day on Saturday, December 6, 11am-3pm, and enjoy hands-on, Iluminado-inspired art activities designed for all ages. Explore creativity together, discover new ways to make and play, and...

Explore your creative side at MMA's new event, Sketching in the Galleries! Immerse yourself in our current exhibitions and learn about the art on display. Materials provided.

Venture Gallery invites you to meet our many talented local artists on Saturday, Dec. 6, 3pm-5pm, at a reception for our December group exhibit, Winter Musings . Enjoy a diverse array of interpretations of the season in this new group holiday show.

The City of Monterey presents the Dave Holodiloff Duo on Saturday, Dec. 6, 4pm-5:30pm, at Colton Hall. Admission is free - registration required .

Join Dave Holodiloff (vocals, mandolin, guitar) and Elijjah McCullar (violin) on a fun, all-ages journey through a variety of musical genres.

Puma Road at Portola Plaza presents singer-songwriter RJ DeMarco , lead singer of the band Fernway . Enjoy wine tasting, wines by the glass, and wines by the bottle while you listen to one of our favorite local acts.

Albatross Ridge Winery and Kitchen presents guitarist and songwriter Peter Barnes Martin . Experience the magic of live music along with award-winning wines, tapas style light bites, and a rotating selection of craft beer.

Every Sunday, 2pm-4pm, chess matches are played between the tumbling piles of books at Old Capitol Books. Come join us for a relaxed game, a chat, or a wee peek at a nearby page. Beginners are more than welcome. Free for everyone.

Enjoy a festive afternoon at Casa Serrano on Saturday, December 7, 3pm-4:30pm, where holiday magic meets the charm of a traditional British tea.

Tickets are $75 per guest, gratuity not included - purchase tickets here . All proceeds will benefit MHAA's historic Casa Serrano Adobe.

Puma Road at Portola Plaza presents guitarist and songwriter Peter Barnes Martin . Enjoy wine tasting, wines by the glass, and wines by the bottle while you listen to one of our favorite local acts.

The Monterey Yacht Club presents Brighten the Harbor , a lighted boat parade. Watch boats beautifully decorated for the holidays cruise along the Monterey Coast.

Melville Tavern hosts live music every Tuesday, 6pm-8pm. Tonight we'll feature Dr. T and the Remedy, with Greg Tapson and Steve Moseley. Arrive early and enjoy our Happy Hour, 4pm-6pm. Dinner reservations recommended. No cover charge.

Esteban Restaurant presents Dinner with Dickens and The Three Spirits: A Culinary Christmas Carol on Wed, Dec. 10, at 6pm. Expect a magical evening filled with delightful food, exquisite whisky spirits, and the warmth of holiday cheer. Learn more here.

Puma Road at Portola Plaza presents singer-songwriter Sabelle . Enjoy wine tasting, wines by the glass, and wines by the bottle while you listen to one of our favorite local acts.

Christmas in the Adobes on December 12 & 13 is Monterey's signature holiday event! Stroll the streets of Monterey and stop in at any one of the many decorated adobes with soft holiday lights and entertainment. The event supports Monterey State Historic Park's K-12 educational history program.

Tickets are $30 per night for adults and free for children and youth age 17 and under. A 2-night Gold Pass is $45. Reserve tickets online.

Albatross Ridge Winery and Kitchen presents musician Ryan Sesma . Experience the magic of live music along with award-winning wines, tapas style light bites, and a rotating selection of craft beer.

On the second Friday of every month at Old Capitol Books, join us at 7pm for a poetry writing workshop with Brian Sheffield. All levels welcome. Free and open to everyone.

Golden State Theatre presents the Billie Holiday Project Big Band with Stella Heath on Friday, December 12 at 8pm. Tickets are $25-$60. For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here .

Compact Disco presents DJ Colette on Friday, December 12. Ages 21+ only.

A founding member of the pioneering DJ collective Superjane, Colette is an international DJ, singer, songwriter, and a landmark figure of American dance music.

Puma Road at Portola Plaza presents the musical duo Songbird Meadow . Enjoy wine tasting, wines by the glass, and wines by the bottle while you listen to one of our favorite local acts.

Albatross Ridge Winery and Kitchen presents the Landing Trio featuring Keith Rayburn, Eliza James, and Rick Chelew. Experience the magic of live music along with award-winning wines, tapas style light bites, and a rotating selection of craft beer.

Punk historian and writer John Malkin will be at Old Capitol Books on Saturday, Dec.13 at 7pm, speaking about his recent book Punk Spirit! which examines faith, spirituality, and liberation movements within punk. This event is a fundraiser for the Monterey Direct Aid Fund.

Golden State Theatre presents Richard Marx and Matt Scannell on Saturday, December 13 at 8pm. Tickets are $53-$107. For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here ....

Compact Disco presents legendary Dirtybird artist Mz Worthy on Saturday, December 13. Ages 21+ only.

Join Monterey County Youth Museum for a Holiday Extravaganza on Dec. 14. Enjoy a holiday musical theater performance by the Dance Center, 10am-10:30am, followed by Little Sense Makers in our party room hosting sensory play, 10:30am-12pm. Reserve your spot now.

Puma Road at Portola Plaza presents Smoky Vegas Project . Enjoy wine tasting, wines by the glass, and wines by the bottle while you listen to one of our favorite local acts.

Cooper-Molera Adobe presents the 3rd Monterey Bohemian - a family-friendly celebration of local artisans and cuisine all inside the adobe museum and courtyard garden on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 3pm-6pm. Free and open to all!

Hellam's Tobacco and Wine Shop presents a cigar tasting event featuring Curivari cigars on Thursday, December 18 7pm-10pm. Come join us for great cigars, raffle prizes, and lots of fun! Fee is $40. Ages 21 and over only.

Puma Road at Portola Plaza presents singer-songwriter Kito Rayburn . Enjoy wine tasting, wines by the glass, and wines by the bottle while you listen to one of our favorite local acts.

Albatross Ridge Winery and Kitchen presents singer-songwriter RJ DeMarco . Experience the magic of live music along with award-winning wines, tapas style light bites, and a rotating selection of craft beer.

Golden State Theatre presents A Flock of Seagulls on Friday, December 19 at 8pm. Tickets are $37-$79. For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here .

Compact Disco presents DJ Gavin Hardkiss on Friday, December 19. Ages 21+ only.

Gavin Hardkiss helped pioneer the US electronic dance scene with the groundbreaking record label Hardkiss Music. He quickly joined the ranks of the International DJ elite, jetting to raves and clubs around the world to perform his eclectic sounds.

Puma Road at Portola Plaza presents the musical duo Songbird Meadow . Enjoy wine tasting, wines by the glass, and wines by the bottle while you listen to one of our favorite local acts.

Albatross Ridge Winery and Kitchen presents musician Ryan Sesma . Experience the magic of live music along with award-winning wines, tapas style light bites, and a rotating selection of craft beer.

The sweetest Johnny Wicks tradition is back - our Hot Chocolate Candle Making Workshop on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 6pm.

Get cozy, pour a hot-chocolate-themed candle, enjoy drinking hot chocolate with all the goodies, and decorate your own gingerbread house. Register here .

Celebrate the season of light at Monterey Museum of Art's Winter Solstice Party on Saturday, Dec.20, 6:30pm-8:30pm.

Enjoy this year's Iluminado art exhibition, beats by DJ Atmos, delicious food from Ad Astra, wine from Scheid Vineyards, and craft beer from Other Brother Beer Co.

Om Studios presents a primal activation dance party led by Josselyn on Saturday, Nov. 29, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Fee is $35 - register here . Drop into the body, awaken primal wisdom, and explore the liberation of tribal ecstatic dance.

Compact Disco presents a night of dance music featuring DJs Mr. V and Rated R on Saturday, December 20. Ages 21+ only.

Mr. V's wildly eclectic sound brings spontaneity back to the art of DJing. Experiencing one of his sets is like taking a trip back in time to dance music's golden age.

Puma Road at Portola Plaza presents guitarist and songwriter Peter Barnes Martin . Enjoy wine tasting, wines by the glass, and wines by the bottle while you listen to one of our favorite local acts.

Om Studios presents a Couples' Yoga Workshop on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 6pm. Register here.

Whether you're new to yoga or experienced practitioners, this is a beautiful way to spend time with someone special doing guided breathwork, synchronized movement, and supportive partner poses.

The Old Monterey Marketplace and Farmers Market will be closed on December 23 and December 30. We wish you a very happy holidays and look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, January 6, 4pm-7pm.

The Pearl Works community coworking space hosts a Conversation Corner open to all on the last Tuesday of every month, 6pm-8pm. Meet some new people and bring a dish or treat to share potluck style. Suggested donation is $5-$20.

Join Om Studios for a Christmas Eve Sound Journey on Wednesday, December 24, 11am-12pm. Fee is $30 - register here .

Immerse yourself in a blissful fusion of gentle yoga postures and soothing vibrations with sounds of crystal bowls, gongs, and other healing instruments.

Esteban Restaurant invites you to celebrate Christmas Dinner with us, 4pm-8pm. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. We'll offer a three-course dinner special as well as a selection of regular menu items and a children's menu. Call to reserve your table, 831-375-0176.

Puma Road at Portola Plaza presents musician David Snarr. Enjoy wine tasting, wines by the glass, and wines by the bottle while you listen to one of our favorite local acts.

Albatross Ridge Winery and Kitchen presents guitarist and singer Rick Chelew . Experience the magic of live music along with award-winning wines, tapas style light bites, and a rotating selection of craft beer.

Compact Disco features DJ Geo Stasi on Friday, December 26. Ages 21+ only.

A member of Funk Lab Productions in the late 90s, Geo Stasi draws inspiration from such diverse genres as Funk, Disco, R&B, Soul, Freestyle, and Hip Hop.

Puma Road at Portola Plaza presents vocalist bronnwynn, who brings her jazz vocal training to the table and fuses it with pop, rock, folk, and country.

Enjoy wine tasting, wines by the glass, and wines by the bottle while you listen to one of our favorite musical acts.

Albatross Ridge Winery and Kitchen presents singer-songwriter RJ DeMarco . Experience the magic of live music along with award-winning wines, tapas style light bites, and a rotating selection of craft beer.

The Golden State Theatre presents Petty Theft , a San Francisco tribute band playing music by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, on Saturday, December 27 at 8pm. Tickets are $34. For more information and to purchase tickets, ...

Compact Disco presents a night of house music featuring the legendary Jayvi Velasco of San Francisco on Saturday, December 27. Ages 21+ only.

Puma Road at Portola Plaza presents the Landing Trio featuring Keith Rayburn, Eliza James, and Rick Chelew. Enjoy wine tasting, wines by the glass, and wines by the bottle while you listen to one of our favorite local acts.

Celebrate the end of the year in style at Sovino Wine Bar! We’ll be here, 2pm-10pm, with flights of bubbles and early New Year's Eve fun. We'll watch the ball drop at 9pm PST (midnight in New York). Our 10pm...

A community celebration of the arts, First Night Monterey is an affordable, alcohol-free family celebration held on New Year’s Eve, 3pm-midnight, in the heart of Downtown Old Monterey. Join us as we dance, play, act, perform, create and sing our way into 2026! Featuring multiple performance venues. Purchase your admission button here.

Update 12/30: Even with some showers in the forecast, First Night Monterey 2026 is very much on and full of ways to celebrate. Your First Night button gets you into the premier indoor venues all evening - music, dance, and hands-on art - so there’s plenty to enjoy while staying warm and dry. (85% of performances are indoors!)

On New Year's Eve, Albatross Ridge will be open extended hours, 4pm-11pm. Come celebrate the end of 2025 with us!

Now through Dec. 31, save 10% on 2 or more bottles of Albatross Ridge bubbles - Brut Rose and Petillant Natural - in store and online.

Celebrate New Year's Eve at Cella Restaurant and Bar with four exquisite courses by Chef Cal Stamenov and Chef Ben Spungin in the historic charm of the Cooper-Molera Adobe.

You are invited to enjoy a thoughtfully curated menu...

Portola Hotel & Spa presents Yacht Rock: A New Year's Eve Party. Tickets available here .

Step aboard for an unforgettable evening as the De Anza Ballroom transforms into a nautical-chic escape filled with casual sophistication, smooth Yacht Rock vibes, and nonstop celebration.

Enjoy a New Year's Eve performance by award-winning jazz musician Tammy Hall and her trio at Wendi Kirby Music, 8pm-10pm. Champagne, chocolate, and a night of fantastic music awaits us. Tickets are $55 per person - purchase here .