Holiday Events in Old Monterey 2019

Enjoy the holidays in Old Monterey! There will be good cheer for all, with lots of fun family events all season long. Please scroll down the page to see a complete list of Old Monterey's holiday events.

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Event Series Dates

Saltwater Sanctuary Holiday Open House

 
11/19/19
 
 
Saltwater Sanctuary - Pedicures

Join us at Saltwater Sanctuary for our holiday open house featuring boutique shopping, a raffle, refreshments, and the launch of our new lavender potpourri bar!

Reception for Youth Arts Collective's Holiday Art Show 2019

 
11/22/19
 
free
 
Youth Arts Collective

Youth Arts Collective invites you to join us for the opening reception of our annual Holiday Art Show featuring artwork by YAC artists and their mentors. The show will run through February 2020.

Ice Skating by the Bay 2019

 
11/23/19
 
$13/$11
 
Custom House Plaza

Celebrate the holidays along the scenic coastline at Ice Skating by the Bay’s seasonal ice skating rink, November 22 - January 5 . At Custom House Plaza, located behind Portola Hotel & Spa in Old Monterey, skaters can spend the day in a winter wonderland by the Bay.

Customer Appreciation Day Sale at Luminata Books and Gifts

 
11/23/19
 
 
Luminata Books & Gifts

Luminata Books and Gifts is celebrating our 14th year in business with a Customer Appreciation Day Sale. At 2pm-4pm, we'll offer 20% off everything in the store! Refreshments will be served.

New Moon Makers' Market at Shear Addiction

 
11/25/19
 
 
Shear Addiction Barbershop and Hair Studio

Shear Addiction presents a New Moon Makers' Market, featuring handmade items by local vendors, upcycled denim, plant-based skin care products, naturally-dyed children's clothing, and more. It's a great place to find holiday gifts!

Thanksgiving Dinner at Monterey Marriott Hotel

 
11/28/19
 
 
Monterey Marriott Hotel

This Thanksgiving, enjoy scenic bay sights, inspired California cuisine, and more when you join Monterey Marriott Hotel for a Thanksgiving meal at our Ferrantes Bay View Dining Room, 11am-4pm. We're offering a bountiful buffet offering traditional Thanksgiving dishes, salads, tastes...

An Irish Christmas 2019 at Golden State Theatre

 
11/29/19
 
$28-$55
 
Golden State Theatre

Golden State Theatre presents An Irish Christmas. Take a journey through Christmas in Ireland with superb dancing, singing, and Irish traditional music. It's a perfect family holiday event! Tickets are $28-$55.

Small Business Saturday in Old Monterey 2019

 
11/30/19
 
 
Downtown Old Monterey

The Old Monterey Business Association is celebrating Small Business Saturday! We cordially invite you to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of Old Monterey with its many gift shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Get 2 hours free holiday parking at the West Parking Garage, 340 Tyler Street.

Free Watch Batteries Today at Gasper's Jewelers

 
11/30/19
 
 
Gasper's Jewelers

In honor of Small Business Saturday, Gasper's Jewelers will give away a free watch battery (lithium or silver oxide) to each visitor who wants one while supplies last.

Celebrate Small Business Saturday at Maryse

 
11/30/19
 
 
Maryse

Maryse, a locally-owned boutique featuring beautiful leather handbags and a wide variety of jewelry, invites you to visit us on Small Business Saturday. With gift items as low as $10.99, we're the perfect spot for holiday gift shopping!

Old Monterey Marketplace and Farmers' Market for the Holidays

 
12/3/19
 
free
 
Old Monterey District

Visit the Old Monterey Marketplace and Farmers' Market during the holidays! Open rain or shine every Tuesday, 4pm-7pm, it’s the perfect place to find handcrafted items and gourmet products for holiday gift-giving and fresh produce for holiday meals.

Holiday Paint and Sip at Sovino Wine Bar

 
12/3/19
 
$40
 
Sovino Wine Bar and Merchant

Sovino Wine Bar and Merchant presents a Holiday Paint and Sip Class ! Tonight, local artist and retired art teacher Bunny Paivine will be teaching an easy-to-follow painting class. You’ll take home your own 11 x 14 canvas painting. Fee is $40, advance registration required. All materials, instruction, and a glass of wine are included.

21 & Over Gingerbread House Extravaganza 2019

 
12/5/19
 
$40
 
Monterey County Youth Museum

MY Museum invites adults ages 21 and over to our Gingerbread House Extravaganza. Fee includes food, a drink ticket, and a bare gingerbread house with plenty of sweet decorations to add. Reservations required.

Christmas on the Wharf 2019

 
12/6 - 12/8
 
free
 
Fisherman's Wharf

Monterey Fisherman's Wharf Association presents Christmas on the Wharf on Fridays (4pm-9pm), Saturdays (9am-9pm), and Sundays (1pm-6pm), December 6-23.

Festivities will include holiday entertainment, free visits with Santa, wandering characters including holiday princesses, and a dazzling array of holiday...

Multi-day event ending on Sun Dec 08, 2019

Historic Downtown Traditional Tree Lighting on Colton Hall Lawn 2019

 
12/6/19
 
Free
 
Colton Hall Lawn

All are cordially invited to the Historic Downtown Monterey’s Traditional Tree Lighting Celebration, featuring carols, candles, cookies, cider, music, and good cheer. Join us on the lawn in front of Colton Hall to share in this traditional, much-loved Monterey holiday celebration.

First Friday at Monterey Museum of Art - December 2019

 
12/6/19
 
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Come celebrate the weekend with Monterey Museum of Art on Pacific Street with extended hours every First Friday of the month, 5pm-7pm, for ages 21 and over. Enjoy fine art, live music, and wine.

Santa Under the Marquee in Downtown Monterey 2019

 
12/7/19
 
Free
 
Golden State Theatre

Visit with Santa under the Golden State Theatre marquee in Downtown Old Monterey, 12pm-4pm. All are welcome to this free event! It's a perfect time for making family memories.

Kids' Gingerbread House Extravaganza 2019 at MY Museum

 
12/8/19
 
 
Monterey County Youth Museum

Monterey County Youth Museum invites children to get festive this holiday season and join us in decorating your own gingerbread houses on Sunday, December 8, 9:30am-11:30am. There will be lots of icing and candy canes, swirly twirly gum drops, and...

Brighten the Harbor Boat Parade 2019

 
12/8/19
 
free
 
Custom House Plaza

The Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club presents Brighten the Harbor , a lighted boat parade. Watch boats decorated for the holidays cruise along Monterey Bay's coastline.

Holiday Paint and Sip at Sovino Wine Bar

 
12/8/19
 
$40
 
Sovino Wine Bar and Merchant

Sovino Wine Bar and Merchant presents a Holiday Paint and Sip Class ! Tonight, local artist and retired art teacher Bunny Paivine will be teaching an easy-to-follow painting class. You’ll take home your own 11 x 14 canvas painting. Fee is $40, advance registration required. All materials, instruction, and a glass of wine are included.

Puma Road's 6 Month Anniversary Celebration

 
12/9/19
 
 
Puma Road at Portola Plaza

Puma Road at Portola Plaza invites you to join us for an evening of great wine and music while we celebrate our first six months in beautiful Old Monterey! Tonight we'll have wine specials, hors d'oeuvres, and live music by local favorites Max & Brownyn & Friends.

Old Monterey Marketplace and Farmers' Market for the Holidays

 
12/10/19
 
free
 
Old Monterey District

Visit the Old Monterey Marketplace and Farmers' Market during the holidays! Open rain or shine every Tuesday, 4pm-7pm, it’s the perfect place to find handcrafted items and gourmet products for holiday gift-giving and fresh produce for holiday meals.

Portola Hotel & Spa's Winter Wonderland

 
12/12/19
 
 
Portola Hotel & Spa

Portola Hotel & Spa invites you and your family to enjoy the magic of this holiday season with our Winter Wonderland, December 12-25 , offering a variety of holiday treats, entertainment, activities, a visit from Santa, dining experiences, and more. View the schedule here.

Christmas on the Wharf 2019

 
12/13 - 12/15
 
free
 
Fisherman's Wharf

Monterey Fisherman's Wharf Association presents Christmas on the Wharf on Fridays (4pm-9pm), Saturdays (9am-9pm), and Sundays (1pm-6pm), December 6-23.

Festivities will include holiday entertainment, free visits with Santa, wandering characters including holiday princesses, and a dazzling array of holiday...

Multi-day event ending on Sun Dec 15, 2019

Christmas in the Adobes 2019

 
12/13 - 12/14
 
$25/$2
 
Custom House Store

Christmas in the Adobes on December 13 & 14 is Monterey's signature holiday event! Stroll the streets of Monterey and stop in at any one of 23 decorated adobes with soft holiday lights, entertainment, and Christmas refreshments. The event supports Monterey State Historic Park children's educational programs.

Tickets are $25 per night for adults, $2 for children ages 6-17 when accompanied by a paying adult, and free for children age 5 and under.

Multi-day event ending on Sat Dec 14, 2019

Furoshiki Gift Wrapping Class at Cha-ya

 
12/14/19
 
$5
 
Cha-Ya Monterey Teahouse Boutique

Cha-ya Japanese Tea and Things presents a class in the art of furoshiki gift wrapping on Saturday, December 14. There will be two one-hour sessions from which to choose: one at 11am and one at 1pm. Fee is $5. Workshop...

TubaChristmas! 2019 at Monterey Conference Center

 
12/15/19
 
Free
 
Monterey Conference Center

The tubas are back for TubaChristmas! This free holiday concert features the spectacular resonance of over 50 tubas in one fabulous setting. It's a toe-tapping, finger-snapping, and soul-stirring sing-along concert of your favorite holiday carols.

Old Monterey Marketplace and Farmers' Market for the Holidays

 
12/17/19
 
free
 
Old Monterey District

Visit the Old Monterey Marketplace and Farmers' Market during the holidays! Open rain or shine every Tuesday, 4pm-7pm, it’s the perfect place to find handcrafted items and gourmet products for holiday gift-giving and fresh produce for holiday meals.

Holiday Paint and Sip at Sovino Wine Bar

 
12/17/19
 
$40
 
Sovino Wine Bar and Merchant

Sovino Wine Bar and Merchant presents a Holiday Paint and Sip Class ! Tonight, local artist and retired art teacher Bunny Paivine will be teaching an easy-to-follow painting class. You’ll take home your own 11 x 14 canvas painting. Fee is $40, advance registration required. All materials, instruction, and a glass of wine are included.

Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show 2019 at Golden State Theatre

 
12/17/19
 
$35-$65
 
Golden State Theatre

Golden State Theatre and SBL Entertainment presents a Christmas show by the Blind Boys of Alabama featuring Niki Bluhm. If you love Christmas music, don't miss this show by these living legends of gospel music.

Christmas in Italy Holiday Party at Cibo

 
12/18/19
 
 
Cibo Ristorante Italiano

Cibo Ristorante Italiano invites you to join us for a Christmas in Italy Holiday Party featuring great food and drinks and live Christmas music by The Monterey Italian All Stars and special guests.

Christmas on the Wharf 2019

 
12/20 - 12/23
 
free
 
Fisherman's Wharf

Monterey Fisherman's Wharf Association presents Christmas on the Wharf on Fridays (4pm-9pm), Saturdays (9am-9pm), and Sundays (1pm-6pm), December 6-22, plus on Monday, December 23, 10am-5pm.

Festivities will include holiday entertainment, free visits with Santa, wandering characters including holiday princesses,...

Multi-day event ending on Mon Dec 23, 2019

Monterey Bay Tequila and Mezcal Tasting at Lopez Restaurante y Cantina

 
12/20/19
 
$10
 
Lopez Restaurante y Cantina

Lopez Restaurante y Cantina and the Monterey Bay Tequila and Mezcal Tastings Group invite you to enjoy high quality tequilas and mezcals with other agave enthusiasts and newcomers - we usually feature 3 to 4 brands to sip and savor. Must be 21 years or older. Fee is $10.

Dali's Alley at MHAA Salvador Dali Museum

 
12/21/19
 
free
 
MHAA Salvador Dali Exhibition

The MHAA Salvador Dali Museum presents Dali's Alley on the third Saturday of every month, 12pm-5pm, featuring vendors selling a variety of locally made crafts including art, jewelry, clothing, soaps, and more.

Winter Solstice Restorative Yoga at Om Studios

 
12/21/19
 
 
Om Studios

Om Studios in Monterey presents a Winter Solstice Restorative Yoga Class taught by Amy Horton. Align yourself with the energy that winter has to offer and take a moment to slow down.

Christmas Tree and Lights

Critical Christmas Lighted Bike Parade in Monterey 2019

 
12/22/19
 
free
 
Custom House Plaza

Critical Christmas Lighted Bike Parade is a fun, family-friendly community event organized by local resident Jim Wrona, a member of Velo Club Monterey. Bike riders decorate their bikes and gather at 5:45pm at Custom House Plaza and the ride rolls...

Holiday Paint and Sip at Sovino Wine Bar

 
12/22/19
 
$40
 
Sovino Wine Bar and Merchant

Sovino Wine Bar and Merchant presents a Holiday Paint and Sip Class ! Tonight, local artist and retired art teacher Bunny Paivine will be teaching an easy-to-follow painting class. You’ll take home your own 11 x 14 canvas painting. Fee is $40, advance registration required. All materials, instruction, and a glass of wine are included.

Christmas Eve Dinner at Esteban Restaurant 2019

 
12/24/19
 
 
Esteban Restaurant

Christmas is a family affair in Spain, and like most Spanish fetes, food takes center stage. Estéban Restaurant shares this enthusiasm for gathering around the table this holiday season on Christmas Eve, 5pm-9pm, and Christmas Day, 4pm-9pm.

Executive Chef...

Christmas Day Dinner at Esteban Restaurant 2019

 
12/25/19
 
 
Esteban Restaurant

Christmas is a family affair in Spain, and like most Spanish fetes, food takes center stage. Estéban Restaurant shares this enthusiasm for gathering around the table this holiday season on Christmas Eve, 5pm-9pm, and Christmas Day, 4pm-9pm.

Executive Chef...

Noon Year's Eve Party at MY Museum 2019

 
12/31/19
 
 
Monterey County Youth Museum

Ring in the New Year at a kid-friendly hour this year! Join MY Museum 10am-12:15pm for an unforgettable celebration complete with noisemakers, face painting, and party hats. Watch the Noon Year’s Ball light up as we countdown together. Call to register.

New Year's Eve Party at Bull and Bear

 
12/31/19
 
 
Bull and Bear Whiskey Bar and Taphouse

Bull and Bear Whiskey Bar and Taphouse invites you to join us for our New Year's Eve Party! Ring in 2020 with us with good food, good drinks, and good company.

First Night Monterey 2020

 
12/31/19
 
 
Old Monterey District

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 2020! Featuring multiple performance venues.

Celebrate New Year's Eve at Cibo

 
12/31/19
 
no cover
 
Cibo Ristorante Italiano

Ring in 2020 with pasta and Prosecco! Cibo Ristorante Italiano is throwing a New Year’s Eve Party on December 31. We’ll have a full bar with drink specials, party favors, DJ, and dancing.

The party will begin at 9pm...

New Year's Eve Dinner at Esteban Restaurant

 
12/31/19
 
 
Esteban Restaurant

New Year’s Eve with the kids promises wholesome togetherness and fun, especially if it includes spending time at Estéban Restaurant, located within walking distance of all of the festivities in Downtown Old Monterey. It's the ideal spot to take a...

Totally 80's New Year's Eve Party at Portola Hotel & Spa

 
12/31/19
 
$150/$130
 
Portola Hotel & Spa

Enjoy live music, dancing, a buffet dinner, and an open bar as you ring in 2020 at this righteous , 1980s-themed New Year’s Eve event in Downtown Old Monterey. The festivities kick off at 7:30pm on Tuesday, December 31 for...

2020 Brew Year's Eve Party at Alvarado Street Brewery

 
12/31/19
 
$20/$30
 
Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill

Alvarado Street Brewery and Grill is throwing a 2020 Brew Year's Eve Party, 9:30pm-1:30am for adults age 21 and over. KRML's Steb Montez will be DJing as we turn the dinning room into a dance floor and the beer garden...

Anejo and Extra Anejo Tequila Tasting at Lopez Restaurante y Cantina

 
1/17/20
 
$15/$25
 
Lopez Restaurante y Cantina

Lopez Restaurante y Cantina is hosting a special tequila tasting, featuring anejo tequila (aged 1-3 yrs) and extra anejo tequila (aged 3+ yrs). The aging makes the flavor smooth, rich, and complex. Come try it! $15 in advance, $25 at the door.

Monterey Bay Tequila and Mezcal Tasting at Lopez Restaurante y Cantina

 
2/21/20
 
$10
 
Lopez Restaurante y Cantina

Lopez Restaurante y Cantina and the Monterey Bay Tequila and Mezcal Tastings Group invite you to enjoy high quality tequilas and mezcals with other agave enthusiasts and newcomers - we usually feature 3 to 4 brands to sip and savor. Must be 21 years or older. $10.

CANCELED: Monterey Bay Tequila and Mezcal Tasting at Lopez Restaurante y Cantina

 
3/20/20
 
$10
 
Lopez Restaurante y Cantina

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED. Lopez Restaurante y Cantina and the Monterey Bay Tequila and Mezcal Tastings Group invite you to enjoy high quality tequilas and mezcals with other agave enthusiasts and newcomers - we usually feature 3 to 4 brands to sip and savor. Must be 21 years or older. $10.

Brighten the Harbor Boat Parade 2021

 
12/5/21
 
free
 
Custom House Plaza

The Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club presents Brighten the Harbor , a lighted boat parade. Watch boats decorated for the holidays cruise along Monterey Bay's coastline.

Kids' Gingerbread House Extravaganza 2021 at MY Museum

 
12/12/21
 
$35/$40
 
Monterey County Youth Museum

MY Museum invites children to get festive and join us in decorating your own gingerbread houses today. There will be lots of icing and candy canes, swirly twirly gum drops, and tons more candy to make your house look truly extraordinary. Reservations are required - register online here .

First Night Monterey 2022

 
12/31/21
 
 
Old Monterey District

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 2022! Featuring multiple performance venues. Purchase your admission button here.

Please note: Proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test and valid ID is required to enter indoor venues. Masks are required indoors and recommended outdoors.

Chris Isaak at Golden State Theatre 2022

 
6/21/22
 
$59-$149
 
Golden State Theatre

The Golden State Theatre presents Grammy-nominated musician Chris Isaak . His legendary shows with his longtime band Silvertone have entertained tens of thousands of people for over two decades.

Adults' Gingerbread House Extravaganza 2022 at MY Museum

 
12/8/22
 
$45
 
Monterey County Youth Museum

MY Museum invites adults ages 21 and over to our Gingerbread House Extravaganza. This is the perfect time to get together with friends and start the holiday season off right!

Tickets are $45 per person - advance reservations are required . Fee includes gingerbread house with frosting and candy to decorate, a complimentary beverage, and dessert bar.

Kids' Gingerbread House Extravaganza 2022 at MY Museum

 
12/10/22
 
$35/$40
 
Monterey County Youth Museum

MY Museum invites children to get festive and join us in decorating your own gingerbread houses today. There will be lots of icing and candy canes, swirly twirly gum drops, and tons more candy to make your house look truly extraordinary. Reservations are required - register online here .

Noon Year's Eve Party at MY Museum 2022

 
12/31/22
 
$10/$20
 
Monterey County Youth Museum

Ring in the New Year at a kid-friendly hour this year! Join MY Museum 10am-12:15pm for an unforgettable celebration complete with noisemakers, face painting, and party hats. Watch the Noon Year’s Ball light up as we countdown together. Reservations are required.

First Night Monterey 2023

 
12/31/22
 
 
Old Monterey District

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 2023! Featuring multiple performance venues. Purchase your admission button here.

Special Discounts at Gasper's Jewelers...and a Free Watch Battery

 
11/25/23
 
 
Gasper's Jewelers

In honor of Small Business Saturday, Gasper's Jewelers is offering a 20% discount off any purchase of $100 or more today only. And, if you're willing to leave your watch with us today, we'll replace your watch battery (lithium or silver oxide) for free.

Brighten the Harbor Boat Parade 2023

 
12/3/23
 
free
 
Custom House Plaza

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

X at Golden State Theatre 2023

 
12/16/23
 
$35-$50
 
Golden State Theatre

Golden State Theatre presents X on Saturday, December 16 at 8pm. Tickets are $35-$50. For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here .

More than four decades after the inception of...

Noon Year's Eve Party at MY Museum 2023

 
12/31/23
 
$10/$20
 
Monterey County Youth Museum

Ring in the New Year at a kid-friendly hour this year! Join MY Museum 10am-12:15pm for an unforgettable celebration complete with noisemakers, face painting, and party hats. Watch the Noon Year’s Ball light up as we countdown together. Reservations are required.

First Night Monterey 2024

 
12/31/23
 
 
Old Monterey District

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 2024! Featuring multiple performance venues. Purchase your admission button here.

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