Christmas in Monterey: Best Holiday Events & Festive Things to Do

Thinking about visiting the Monterey Peninsula during the holiday season? With twinkling lights along the waterfront, historic adobes glowing by candlelight and lots of festive events, Christmas in Monterey, California can be absolutely magical.

Monterey in December combines everything I love about California’s Central Coast with plenty of traditional holiday cheer.

You can spend the morning watching sea otters along Monterey Bay, walk beneath Christmas lights on Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf, or head down to Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pacific Grove for even more holiday festivities.

Monterey is one of my favorite destinations in the state and a can’t-miss stop on any California road trip.

And while you probably won’t find snow, December brings cooler temperatures that somehow make clam chowder on the wharf and cozy evenings feel even more festive.

Whether you’re planning a Christmas getaway or simply visiting Monterey during December, here are the best holiday events and things to do at Christmas in Monterey for 2026.

Things to Do in Monterey at Christmas

Almost all of the area’s best attractions and experiences remain open during winter, and cooler temperatures are perfect for exploring Monterey, Carmel and Pacific Grove.

1. Explore Old Fisherman’s Wharf

Old Fisherman’s Wharf is worth visiting any time of year, but Christmas lights and decorations make December especially fun.

You can walk along the wharf, browse souvenir shops, look for sea lions and enjoy views across Monterey Harbor. At night on weekends in December, have fun at Christmas on the Wharf. (More on that below!)

And if the weather is chilly, this is an excellent excuse for a bowl of clam chowder. Our favorite spot is The Grotto; if you go be sure to request a table with a view!

During Christmas on the Wharf, return after sunset to see the lights and decorations at their best.

2. Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium

No Monterey getaway feels complete without a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Located on historic Cannery Row, the aquarium is one of California’s best family attractions and one of the best things to do with kids in Monterey any time of year!

Spend a few hours watching playful sea otters, mesmerizing jellyfish and marine life from Monterey Bay and beyond. Because the aquarium is indoors, I like having it on a winter Monterey itinerary when the weather can be rainy or cold.

3. Walk Along Cannery Row

Cannery Row combines Monterey history with shops, restaurants, hotels and beautiful views of Monterey Bay.

During the holidays, decorations add a festive touch to the historic waterfront district.

Take your time walking the area, stop for coffee or hot chocolate and wander down the small paths leading toward the water. There are some great spots along Cannery Row where I love to just sit and enjoy the views.

If you’re visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium, it’s easy to explore Cannery Row before or after your aquarium visit.

7. Go Whale Watching

Monterey Bay is one of California’s premier whale-watching destinations, and tours operate throughout the year.

The species you’re likely to encounter vary by season, and wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the opportunity to get out on Monterey Bay makes this a memorable addition to a Christmas getaway. I recommend this Monterey Bay Whale Watching Tour that gets excellent reviews and high star rating!

Just bundle up. Temperatures on the water can feel significantly colder than they do on land.

4. Spend an Afternoon in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Even if you aren’t attending one of Carmel’s scheduled Christmas events, I would still set aside time to visit during a Monterey holiday getaway.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is only a short drive from Monterey but has a completely different personality. It is particularly charming during the holidays thanks to its storybook architecture, boutiques, and walkable downtown.

Just one-square-mile in size, Carmel is one of the most beautiful California beach towns. The quaint little town is the perfect spot to take a scenic stroll. It is home to hundreds of beautiful galleries, shops, cafes, bed and breakfasts and bakeries. Holiday decorations make the village even more photogenic, which is saying a lot for a town that’s already incredibly charming!

We actually spent a night in Carmel on our road trip down the coast after a few days in Monterey. We stayed at Hofsas House Hotel, a boutique inn bursting with European charm! Our room had a lovely view of the Pacific Ocean in the distance and it was in easy walking distance to everything in town.

You can read our full Hofsas House Hotel review to find out more about this unique inn!

Whether you go down for the day or spend longer in Carmel, be sure to explore the shops and hidden courtyards, admire the town’s distinctive architecture and walk down Ocean Avenue to Carmel Beach. Even in December it is a wonderful spot to spend time!

8. Take a Winter Drive Along 17-Mile Drive

A drive along 17-Mile Drive is another activity that works beautifully during a Monterey Christmas trip.

The scenic route winds through Pebble Beach past dramatic coastline, beaches, forests and famous landmarks such as the Lone Cypress.

Winter weather can make the coast look especially dramatic.

Combine 17-Mile Drive with Carmel-by-the-Sea for an easy day trip from Monterey.

5. Look for Monarch Butterflies in Pacific Grove

Christmas falls right in the middle of monarch butterfly season in Pacific Grove! Western monarch butterflies are at the sanctuary from mid-October through mid-February, with peak season November through January.

Thousands of western monarch butterflies traditionally spend the winter along the Central Coast, and the Pacific Grove Monarch Sanctuary offers visitors a chance to see them clustered in the trees.

The sanctuary is completely free to visit!

Pair a sanctuary visit with lunch or shopping in downtown Pacific Grove and you have an easy half-day excursion from Monterey.

6. Walk the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail

One advantage to Christmas in California is that winter doesn’t necessarily mean spending your vacation indoors.

The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is an 18-mile paved path stretching from Castroville in the north to Pacific Grove in the south. It follows the waterfront through some of the area’s most scenic locations, including Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf.

You obviously don’t have to traverse the whole 18 miles to experience the trail and take in the beautiful views! You can walk or rent bikes to explore any section of the trail connecting Monterey, Cannery Row and Pacific Grove.

You’ll get beautiful views of Monterey Bay and may spot sea otters, seals, sea lions and other wildlife along the way.

Bring layers because December mornings and evenings can be chilly, particularly near the water.

9. Visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

If you get a clear December day, head to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

Located just south of Carmel, Point Lobos is one of my favorite places to experience the beauty of the California coast.

Trails lead past rocky coves, forests and spectacular ocean overlooks, and you don’t need to tackle a difficult hike to enjoy the scenery.

December’s cooler temperatures can make hiking particularly pleasant.

10. Enjoy a Cozy Monterey Christmas Dinner

After a day exploring the coast, December evenings are perfect for slowing down over dinner.

Monterey offers everything from casual seafood restaurants around Fisherman’s Wharf to restaurants overlooking Monterey Bay.

Carmel also has an excellent dining scene if you’re spending the evening there.

Restaurants may offer special menus for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so make reservations well in advance if you’re visiting over the holiday itself.

Monterey Christmas Events in 2026

Monterey and the surrounding Monterey Peninsula host a surprisingly large number of Christmas events throughout December.

Some of the biggest celebrations take place on specific dates, while others span several weekends. If holiday events are an important part of your trip, check the calendar before choosing your travel dates.

The 10th Annual Christmas on the Wharf transforms historic Old Fisherman’s Wharf with lights, decorations, live entertainment and visits from Santa over three weekends in December.

The wharf’s holiday display includes a towering 23-foot Christmas tree, a cascading ceiling of lights, Santa’s house, holiday inflatables and an “under the sea” Christmas display. Live entertainment is scheduled throughout the celebration, including carolers and other holiday performances.

Of course, part of the fun is simply being at Fisherman’s Wharf. Grab a bowl of clam chowder, browse the shops and enjoy views across Monterey Harbor before returning after dark to see the lights.

Top Tip: Christmas on the Wharf runs over multiple weekends, making this one of the easiest Monterey Christmas events to work into a December getaway.

For an immersive Christmas experience the whole family can enjoy, head to Winter Wonderfest Monterey at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center.

Running on weekends and select weekdays from late November through December 27, Winter Wonderfest transforms the fairgrounds into a festive holiday destination filled with walk-through light displays, live entertainment and plenty of Christmas activities.

Kids can visit Santa or the Grinch, ride a holiday train, explore Santa’s Workshop and meet holiday characters. There’s also a Holiday Market for Christmas shopping, seasonal food and drinks, live music, carolers and other performances throughout the season.

New for 2026, Winter Wonderfest is expanding with Frosty’s Carnival, featuring classic carnival rides beneath the Christmas lights, and Whoville Bounce Village.

The annual Lighted Boat Parade brings decorated boats into Monterey Harbor for a distinctly coastal California Christmas tradition. This year, the event will take place on Sunday, December 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. along the Monterey Bay coastline

Find a viewing spot around Old Fisherman’s Wharf or Monterey Harbor and watch as boats covered in colorful holiday lights make their way across the water.

Long before Monterey became known for Cannery Row and the aquarium, the city played an important role in Spanish, Mexican and early American California.

For this event, historic buildings throughout Monterey State Historic Park are illuminated with candlelight while costumed interpreters help bring Monterey’s past to life. You can walk between the historic buildings at your own pace, enjoying period decorations, entertainment and activities along the way.

Experiencing those historic buildings decorated for Christmas offers something completely different from a typical holiday light display.

The nighttime parade travels through downtown Pacific Grove and includes illuminated floats, marching bands, dance teams, community groups and, of course, Santa Claus. If you’re visiting Monterey during the first weekend of December, this would be an easy event to combine with Christmas on the Wharf.

Participating inns open their doors to visitors for an evening of holiday decorations, music and refreshments.

The event has been a local tradition for more than four decades and offers a fun alternative to a traditional Christmas home tour.

It’s an especially good choice for couples or anyone who loves historic architecture and cozy Christmas atmosphere.

The city’s annual Holidays in the Park celebration takes place at Devendorf Park in the heart of Carmel and brings the community together for seasonal festivities.

While you’re there, spend some time walking along Ocean Avenue and the surrounding streets to see Carmel’s shops, restaurants, courtyards and fairytale-style buildings decorated for the holidays.

Tour Carmel’s Decorated Inns

December 6, 2026 from 2–6 p.m. | Carmel-by-the-Sea

If you love holiday décor and historic hotels, consider the Annual Inns of Distinction Tour. This self-guided walking tour takes visitors inside a selection of Carmel’s charming inns, each decorated for the holidays.

Food and wine tastings are offered along the way, making this one of the more grown-up Christmas experiences on the Monterey Peninsula.

See Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in Carmel

November 28–December 20, 2026 | Outdoor Forest Theater

If you are traveling with kids, add a holiday show to your itinerary with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical Jr. at Carmel’s historic Outdoor Forest Theater.

Performances take place on weekend afternoons, which makes this easy to combine with an evening of Christmas lights or dinner in Carmel.

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Christmas in Monterey Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few FAQs about Monterey during the holiday season.

Is Monterey decorated for Christmas?

Yes. You’ll find holiday decorations around Monterey during December, with Old Fisherman’s Wharf becoming a particularly festive destination during Christmas on the Wharf.

Neighboring Carmel and Pacific Grove also host decorations and holiday events.

Is Monterey good for families at Christmas?

Absolutely. Families can combine Christmas events with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, wildlife watching, beaches, coastal walks and easy excursions to Carmel and Pacific Grove.

Are things open in Monterey on Christmas Day?

Some attractions, shops and restaurants may close or operate reduced hours on Christmas Day. If you’re visiting over December 25, check individual attractions and restaurants directly before finalizing your plans and make dining reservations early.

Is Carmel worth visiting at Christmas?

Yes. Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the prettiest additions to a Monterey Christmas trip.

Its walkable downtown, unusual architecture, boutiques, restaurants and holiday decorations make it an easy half-day or evening excursion from Monterey.

Is December a Good Time to Visit Monterey?

Yes. December can be a wonderful time to visit Monterey, particularly if you enjoy cooler weather. Daytime temperatures are generally mild compared with many parts of the country, although rain and chilly weather are possible.

One advantage of visiting in December is that you can experience Monterey’s year-round attractions while also enjoying holiday events that aren’t available during the busier summer travel season.

Christmas week itself can be busy, so book accommodations and special meals in advance.

What Is Monterey Weather Like at Christmas?

If your dream Christmas vacation requires snow, Monterey probably isn’t the right California destination! Expect cool coastal weather rather than a snowy winter wonderland.

December days can be crisp and comfortable for sightseeing, while mornings and evenings are typically colder. Rain is possible, so bring a light waterproof layer along with sweaters or jackets.

You’ll definitely want warmer clothing if you’re taking a whale-watching cruise, where wind can make temperatures feel much colder.

Final Thoughts: Christmas in Monterey

Christmas in Monterey offers something a little different from the traditional snowy holiday getaway.

Instead of sleigh rides and frozen lakes, you’ll find Christmas lights reflecting on Monterey Bay, historic adobes glowing by candlelight and a festive spin on one of California’s most scenic wharfs.

What I especially love about the Monterey Peninsula is how much variety you can fit into one trip. You can spend one day at the aquarium and Fisherman’s Wharf, the next exploring Carmel and Pacific Grove, and another hiking along the coast or heading toward Big Sur.

Add Christmas lights, parades and some wonderful local holiday traditions, and Monterey becomes an easy place to turn a regular Central Coast getaway into a festive California Christmas vacation.

For more help planning your central coast vacation, check out some of these related articles:

• Fun Things to Do in Monterey with Kids & Teens
• Summer in Monterey: Weather, Tips & Things to Do
• Things to Do in Solvang: A Charming Danish Village on the Central Coast

Wishing you happy holidays and a very Merry Christmas in Monterey or wherever you are celebrating this year!

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