5 Kid Friendly Holiday Activities in Monterey

Kid Friendly Holiday Activities

This holiday season, Monterey offers a wonderful array of activities for families to enjoy together. Don't miss the holiday magic and memories you'll create with the kids, which are truly one of the best gifts you can give them this season. Check out all the wonderful holiday magic happening this month!

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 ice skating with the kids from now until January 5, 2025. Ice skate rentals are available, and you can reserve tickets online. Check out the ice rink now through our webcam!

Breakfast with Santa at Jacks Monterey

Santa Claus is coming to town with The Peninsula Harmony Company Trio Carolers! Join us for breakfast at our Monterey restaurant and enjoy Jacks Monterey's most popular morning offerings, including Buttermilk Pancakes, Classic Eggs Benedict, Huevos Rancheros, Mimosas, and more. Santa Claus will be available Sunday, December 8, from 8:30am to 11:30am, to say hello to our guests and take photos at your leisure. The Portola team will also host cookie decorating in the hotel lobby. Complimentary cookie decorating available while supplies last. Breakfast reservations are recommended. Please call Jacks Monterey at (831) 649-7830 or email [email protected] to secure your reservations.

Brighten the Harbor Boat Parade

On Sunday, December 8, 5:30pm - 7:30pm, the Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club presents a lighted boat parade sponsored by the Fisherman's Wharf Association. Watch boats beautifully decorated for the holidays cruise along the Monterey Coast. This is a wonderful Monterey tradition that is fun and magical for the whole family. Enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants on Cannery Row where you'll get a nice view of the bay, or book a cruise with Princess Monterey Whale Watching or Discovery Whale Watch, where you can be part of the parade.

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 13 & Saturday, December 14, enjoy this early evening walking tour of Monterey's historic adobes adorned in holiday décor surprises and delights visitors with welcoming, candle-lit luminarias leading the way to each building's entrance. 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

First Night Monterey

Though the Portola Hotel & Spa has a 21+ New Year's Eve Party on-site, there is a wonderful family-friendly event just down the street from our hotel. First Night Monterey is a family-friendly, alcohol-free event with the goal of bringing families together and uniting our community through the visual and performing arts. On Tuesday, December 31 from 3pm-midnight, enjoy live music and other performances with your family. For admission and more details, visit their website.

Plan your Kid-Friendly Holiday Getaway

Aside from all these kid-friendly holiday activities, there are also many general family-friendly attractions in Monterey like the Monterey Bay Aquarium, MY Museum, and Dennis the Menace Park, just to name a few. One of the best gifts you can give your family is the memories you make together. We hope you will spend the most wonderful time of the year here in Monterey, and we look forward to welcoming you soon! To book your getaway at the Portola Hotel & Spa, visit our website, or call us at (888)-222-5851.