Holiday Events in Monterey

This holiday season, Monterey offers a wonderful array of events for everyone to enjoy! Don't miss the holiday magic and memories you'll create this winter by visiting Monterey. Check out all the wonderful holiday magic happening this season!

31st Annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Cannery Row

Head to Cannery Row to kick off the holiday season for their 31^st Annual Holiday Tree Lighting on November 28^th with events and activities starting at 2pm until 9pm, and the tree lighting at 5:45pm. There will be live music and entertainment including Christmas Carolers, Balloon Artists, a Magical Elf, and you can even get a free photo with Santa Claus in his toy factory which is sure to get the family in the holiday spirit! Learn more about the schedule of events here.

Pacific Grove's Holiday Parade of Lights

Pacific Grove’s Holiday Parade of Lights is an incredible parade in downtown Pacific Grove and features marching bands, holiday themed floats, dance teams, equestrian groups and even Santa Claus! This festive parade is on December 4^th from 6pm to 8pm but don’t hurry away right after as the stores will remain open for holiday shopping. You ‘ll also have the opportunity to take photos with Santa as well as get to listen to carolers sing holiday songs.

Photo Courtesy of Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce

Brighten the Harbor Lighted Boat Parade

Head to the Monterey Bay Coastline on December 7^th from 5:30pm to 8 pm to see a dazzling display of festively decorated boats from the Monterey Yacht Club as they sail down the coastline and illuminate the harbor. Discovery Whale Watch and Princess Monterey Whale Watching offer special tours that allow you to see this parade up close while you listen to festive music and enjoy hot chocolate and Christmas cookies while sailing along the bay! Both tours require tickets so make sure to head to their websites to learn more. If you want to watch this magical parade from land, there are multiple restaurants on Cannery Row including Rockfish Harbor grill offering a perfect vantage point to watch the illuminated parade make its way through Monterey Harbor while enjoying a delicious dinner. This beloved tradition is perfect to gather friends and family as it is a truly enchanting celebration of light and community this holiday season. Learn more about this event here.

Portola’s Winter Wonderland

Portola Hotel & Spa invites you and your family to enjoy in the splendor and joy of the holiday season with a Winter Wonderland in our downtown Monterey hotel. The season’s festivities include Breakfast at Jacks Monterey with Santa Claus followed by a series of evening holiday themed activities in the hotel lobby, including wine, food, live performances from local schools, and more. Head to our website to see the full schedule of events!

Christmas in the Adobes

Return to the days of Alta California during Christmas in the Adobes hosted by the Monterey State Historic Park Association & California State Parks. On Friday, December 12 & Saturday, December 13, enjoy this early evening walking tour of Monterey's historic adobes adorned in holiday décor. Enjoy festive music and a variety of entertainment, as you explore over a dozen magical, historic adobes on the tour. You can find more information and purchase tickets here.

Photo Courtesy of California State Parks

Winter Wonderfest

Winter Wonderfest Monterey is a brand-new event coming to Monterey Fairgrounds this year and will transform the Fairgrounds into a vibrant winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights, festive displays including a walk-through light tunnel and even seasonal entertainment. Guests will have the opportunity to stroll through an immersive light show, get to shop from local vendors in the Holiday market and visit with Santa Claus each Saturday! To learn more or purchase tickets head to their website.

Ice Skating By The Bay

Located just outside our back doors, Ice Skating by the Bay has transformed this part of downtown Monterey into a mini winter wonderland! Since we don't get snow here in Monterey, it is magical to have this ice rink available as a winter activity. Enjoy this ice-skating rink from November 21 until January 4, 2026. Ice skate rentals are available, and you can reserve tickets online. Check out the ice rink now through our webcam!

Ring in the New Year’s Eve at Portola Hotel & Spa

Step aboard for an unforgettable evening as the De Anza Ballroom at the Portola Hotel & Spa transforms into a nautical-chic escape filled with casual sophistication, smooth Yacht Rock vibes, and nonstop celebration! Join fellow Yacht Rockers on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, starting at 7 PM, for an all-inclusive night featuring an open bar, live music, buffet dinner, dancing, a sparkling champagne toast, and so much more. This 21+ celebration promises mellow grooves, festive glamour, and coastal charm as you sail into 2026 with flair! You can find more information and purchase tickets here.

Plan Your Holiday Activities in Monterey

Celebrate this holiday season in Monterey and create memories with the whole family. With many holiday events happening this season and the Portola Hotel & Spa being at the center of it all, it’s the perfect place to stay. Our Reservations team is available to assist you with booking your accommodations for a memorable holiday season! Book your guest room or suite online or call (888) 222-5851.