Holidays

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.

Holiday Cocktails and Mocktails at Rosine's Restaurant 2024

Rosine's Restaurant has a new selection of holiday cocktails and mocktails! Join us this season in our beautifully decorated dining room, sipping on cozy seasonal favorites and discovering exciting new signature cocktails at 434 Alvarado Street.

December Discount on The Whisky Club's Barrel Picks

In December, all Barrel Picks at The Whisky Club's retail bottle shop are 10% off. Visit us at 425 Alvarado Street to find unique expressions, obtained exclusively by TWC from the distillery, that make excellent gifts for the discerning whisky lover.

Artisan Holiday Craft Sale at Slowfiber 2024

Slowfiber is hosting our second annual Artisan Holiday Craft Sale, now through December 21. You'll find beautiful textiles, hand knit goods, slow stitched items, and more by 12 local makers. It's perfect for holiday shopping!

Open Wed-Sat, 11am-5pm, at Slowfiber, 517A Hartnell Street.

Christmas in the Adobes 2024

 
12/13/24
 
$30/$45
 
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 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.

Brighten the Harbor Boat Parade 2024

 
12/8/24
 
free
 
Custom House Plaza

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

First Night Monterey 2025

 
12/31/24
 
 
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 2025! Featuring multiple performance venues. Purchase your admission button here.

Christmas Dinner at Esteban Restaurant 2024

 
12/25/24
 
 
Esteban Restaurant

Esteban Restaurant invites you to celebrate your Christmas Day meal with us, 2pm-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.

Tickets on Sale for Christmas in the Adobes 2024

Tickets are now on sale online and in-person for Monterey's signature holiday event, Christmas in the Adobes, on December 13 & 14. Stroll the streets of Monterey and tour the many beautifully decorated adobes, listening to live music and stories of Monterey's history.

Tickets are $30 per night for adults and free for ages 17 and under. A two-night Gold Pass is $45. Discounts available for active military personnel. Proceeds benefit Monterey State Historic Park children's educational and school history programs.

Brews for a Cause at Monterey Museum of Art

 
12/12/24
 
By donation
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Join us at Monterey Museum of Art for an exclusive after-hours fundraising event filled with local craft beer, food and beverages, and a performance by local hip-hop, soul, and funk band, The BASSment! Ages 21+ only. Learn more here.

Ice Skating by the Bay 2024

 
12/13/24
 
$15/$13
 
Custom House Plaza

Celebrate the holidays at Ice Skating by the Bay's seasonal ice skating rink, open daily 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.

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

First Night Monterey 2025 Seeks Volunteers

First Night Monterey is seeking volunteers for their upcoming New Year's Eve celebration in Downtown Old Monterey. If you, your family, or your group are interested in joining them for a fun and festive evening for a 4-hour shift, please visit their volunteer page .

Christmas in the Adobes 2023

 
12/8/23
 
$30/$45
 
Custom House Store

Christmas in the Adobes on December 8 & 9 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 children's educational programs and the restoration of the historic First Theatre.

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

Holiday Prime Rib Dinner Served at Rosine's

 
12/13/24
 
 
Rosine's Restaurant

In celebration of the holidays, Rosine's is serving a special Prime Rib Dinner on Friday nights, December 13, 20, and 27. Enjoy 12oz prime rib au jus, baked potato, carrots, special broccoli casserole and creamy horseradish sauce for $39.

"A Few of My Favorite Things" at Venture Gallery, December 2024

Venture Gallery presents a group exhibit of local artists, A Few of My Favorite Things . The show features smaller, favorite works that have special meaning for the artists who made them and are perfect for gifting.

Venture Gallery is open daily, 10am-6pm, at 260 Alvarado Street.

Holiday Gifts and Stocking Stuffers at Haute Beauty Guide

Haute Beauty Guide has a wonderful selection of gifts and stocking stuffers for the holidays, including hair clips, bath bombs, gemstone bracelets, candles, and Christmas ornaments.

The shop also has a fantastic sale on lucite games such as dominoes, checkers, tic-tac-toe, and more, all marked at only $50 (orig. $110-$325). Visit us at 71 Pearl Street - hours are listed here .

No Farmers Market on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve

 
12/24/24
 
free
 
Old Monterey District

The Old Monterey Marketplace and Farmers' Market will be closed on December 24 and December 31. We wish you a very happy holidays and hope to see you on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, 4pm-7pm.

Winter Market at Stokes Adobe 2024

 
12/7/24
 
 
Stokes Adobe

Stokes Adobe is hosting a holiday market by local artisans and entrepreneurs on Saturday, Dec. 7, 12pm-5pm. This will be a unique holiday shopping experience featuring one-of-a-kind gifts.

Holiday Reception at Venture Gallery

 
12/7/24
 
free
 
Venture Gallery

Venture Gallery invites you to meet the local artists behind our December group show, A Few of My Favorite Things . Drop by the gallery for our holiday reception, view these small, favorite works of art, and speak with the creators. Attendees may enter their names in a drawing to win a $200 gallery gift certificate.

Custom Shortbread Cookies from Freedom Bakery

Freedom Bakery's personalized cookies make the perfect gift to send to family, friends, and clients. These delicious butter shortbread cookies, printed with your photo or business logo, are individually wrapped and available in different shapes and sizes.

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Screening of "Elf" at Golden State Theatre

 
12/6/24
 
$8-$10
 
Golden State Theatre

Golden State Theatre is holding a screening of Elf (2003) starring Will Farrell as part of our Toys for Tots holiday fundraiser. Doors open 5:30pm, film starts at 6pm.

Tickets are $8-10 - purchase here . Please bring a new, unwrapped toy, book, or game or a non-perishable food item for those in need.