Skip to main content

Make a Reservation

Modify Your Reservation Receive Our Best Rate Guarantee Remind Me Later
booking perks
Booking Preview

Winter Wonderland

Experience the Magic of the Holiday Season in Monterey

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.

Create new traditions and make Portola Hotel & Spa your home for the holidays! Our Reservations team is available to assist you with booking the best possible accommodations for a memorable holiday season in Monterey. Book your guest room or suite online or call (888) 222-5851.

Book Now

Calendar of Events

Portola Hotel & Spa is delighted to partner with local schools and performers to offer live holiday music in the lobby. Enjoy a full evening in downtown Monterey with dinner at Jacks Monterey, inside the Portola Hotel or ice skating behind the hotel with Ice Skating by the Bay. View the full schedule of performances and start making your holiday plans today! 

  • Portola hosted Cookie decorating at 5pm. While supplies last.
  • Santa Claus will be available at Peter B's from 5pm to 8pm to say hello to our guests and take photos at your leisure.
    • Seating is first come, first serve and walk-in only at Peter B's.

  • Portola hosted Cookie decorating at 8:30am. While supplies last.
  • Santa Claus will be available at Jacks Monterey from 8:30am to 11:30pm to say hello to our guests and take photos at your leisure.

  • Portola hosted reception at 5pm with Fruit Punch and Holiday Cookies. While supplies last.
  • Marina High School String Orchestra will perform in the hotel lobby from 5pm to 6pm.

  • Portola hosted Cookie decorating at 8:30am. While supplies last.
  • The Peninsula Harmony Company Trio Carolers will perform in Jacks Monterey from 8:30am to 11:30am.
  • Santa Claus will be available at Jacks Monterey from 8:30am to 11:30pm to say hello to our guests and take photos at your leisure.

  • Portola hosted reception at 5pm with Fruit Punch and Holiday Cookies. While supplies last.
  • Monterey High School Instrumental Group “Tons of Jazz” will perform in the hotel lobby from 5pm to 6pm.

  • Portola hosted reception at 5pm with Fruit Punch and Holiday Cookies. While supplies last.
  • Monterey High School Vocal Arts Ensemble will perform in the hotel lobby from 5:30pm to 6:30pm.

  • Portola hosted reception at 5pm with Fruit Punch and Holiday Cookies. While supplies last
  • Monterey High School Jazz Ensemble will perform in the hotel lobby from 5pm to 6pm.

  • Portola hosted reception at 5pm with Fruit Punch and Holiday Cookies. While supplies last.
  • San Carlos Student Choir will perform in the hotel lobby from 5pm to 6pm.

  • Portola hosted reception at 5pm with Fruit Punch and Holiday Cookies. While supplies last
  • York High School Choir will perform in the hotel lobby from 6pm to 7pm.

  • Mike Moratta and his Monterey International Trio will entertain, and feature Holiday favorites 6pm to 9pm.

  • Guitarist and Vocalist Ryan Sesma will perform Holiday favorites in Peter B’s from 6pm to 9pm.
  • The Mean Green One will be available at Peter B's from 6pm to 8pm to say hello to our guests and take photos at your leisure.
    • Seating is first come, first serve and walk-in only at Peter B's.

  • Guitarist and Vocalist Ryan Sesma will perform Holiday favorites in the Jacks Atrium from 6pm to 9pm.
  • The Mean Green One will be available at Jacks Monterey from 6pm to 8pm to say hello to our guests and take photos at your leisure.

  • Peninsula Harmony Company Trio Carolers KP will perform in the Jacks Atrium from 5pm to 8pm.
  • Jacks Monterey will offer a Monterey Bay Cioppino dinner from 4pm to 10pm on Christmas Eve. Cioppino served with fresh-baked garlic bread. Indulge in fresh-caught, halibut, calamari, mussels, and more in a tomato and wine broth.

Christmas Day the Portola Hotel will offer three unique holiday meals to choose from:

  • Tis' the season to celebrate the holidays in Monterey, CA with a spectacular Christmas dinner buffet at the Portola Hotel & Spa. Enjoy live piano music and a delectable Christmas spread in De Anza Ballroom for a holiday buffet your whole family will enjoy from 2pm to 7pm.
  • Spend the holidays at Jacks Monterey with a three-course menu from 3pm to 8pm.
  • All is merry and bright at Peter B's! Wear your ugly sweater, throw on a holiday scarf, and join us for two holiday dinner plates from 12pm to 8pm.
    • Seating is first come, first serve and walk-in only at Peter B's.

Ice Skating By The Bay

November 21, 2025 through January 4, 2026

Ice Skating by the Bay is back for another year of ice skating under the California sun – this is a winter activity the whole family can enjoy. Lace up your ice skates and take in the cool coastal breezes coming off the Monterey Bay at this outdoor ice rink located in Custom House Plaza adjacent to the Portola Hotel & Spa. For pricing, times, and additional information visit iceskatingbythebay.com.