Upcoming Events

Ice Skating by the Bay 2025

 
12/4/25
 
$15/$13
 
Custom House Plaza

Celebrate the holidays at Ice Skating by the Bay's seasonal ice skating rink, open daily November 21 - January 4 . 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.

Go Hiking with Monterey Hostel

 
12/4/25
 
Free
 
Monterey Hostel

Monterey Hostel invites you to join us for our weekly hikes. We meet at the hostel every Thursday at 12pm and head to area hikes depending on available transportation. All are welcome. No reservations necessary.

Hikes will last approximately 2 hours and be in different locations each week. We aim to keep hikes accessible for beginners and all ages. Questions? Text the hostel at 831-677-6060.

Holiday Used Book Sale at Monterey Public Library - Thursday

 
12/4/25
 
 
Monterey Public Library

Monterey Public Library Friends and Foundation is holding a Used Book Sale at the Library on Thu (12/4), 3pm-6pm, and Fri & Sat (12/5 & 12/6), 10am-4pm. Find gently used books in popular genres for adults and children and enjoy seasonal nibbles. Proceeds will benefit Monterey Public Library.

Open Mic Night at Bon Ton L'Roy's

 
12/4/25
 
free
 
Bon Ton L'Roy's Lighthouse Smokehouse

Come to Bon Ton L'Roy's every Thursday, 7pm-10pm, and share some music at our Open Mic Night. Join this friendly, supportive group of people for a fun, low-key evening of originals and covers and make some new friends.

Holiday Used Book Sale at Monterey Public Library - Fri & Sat

 
12/5/25
 
 
Monterey Public Library

Monterey Public Library Friends and Foundation is holding a Used Book Sale at the Library on Thu (12/4), 3pm-6pm, and Fri & Sat (12/5 & 12/6), 10am-4pm. Find gently used books in popular genres for adults and children and enjoy seasonal nibbles. Proceeds will benefit Monterey Public Library.

831 INK: First Friday Tattoo Special

 
12/5/25
 
 
831 INK

831 INK offers a tattoo special on the first Friday of every month, 12pm-8pm. Tattoos are first come, first served (no trading sign ins). No cap on number of tattoos per person, $50 each. We'll have a lot of designs to choose from.

With five artists on hand, you'll have minimal wait times. Bring a friend along and make it a memorable night.

First Friday: Iluminado Opening Night Celebration

 
12/5/25
 
Free
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Join Monterey Museum of Art, 5pm-8pm, as we kick-off Iluminado , a captivating new exhibition featuring the works of Hanif Wondir, Domini Anne, and Joe Ramos. Free admission.

Enjoy an inspired atmosphere with music by DJ Luna, delicious bites from Ad Astra, wine from Scheid Vineyards, and craft beer from Other Brother Beer Co. Gather with friends, artists, and art lovers alike as the museum comes alive with creativity and celebration.

Traditional Tree Lighting on Colton Hall Lawn 2025

 
12/5/25
 
Free
 
Colton Hall Lawn

All are cordially invited to the Historic Downtown Monterey Traditional Tree Lighting Celebration on Friday, December 5, 5pm-6pm. Join us on the lawn in front of Colton Hall by candlelight to share in this much-loved holiday celebration.

Enjoy cookies, cider, live music and caroling, and the lighting of the tree to bring in the holiday season. KMBY 1240 AM / 106.7 FM will broadcast the event.

Kito Rayburn at Albatross Ridge

 
12/5/25
 
 
Albatross Ridge Winery and Kitchen

Albatross Ridge Winery and Kitchen presents singer-songwriter Kito Rayburn . Experience the magic of live music along with award-winning wines, tapas style light bites, and a rotating selection of craft beer.

Storytime with Santa

 
12/5/25
 
$30
 
Campbell Community Center

Santa Claus is making a special stop at the Campbell Community Center to share a holiday story and spread some cheer! Parents and children will enjoy this festive annual tradition together, which includes a heartwarming story read by Santa, followed...

Holiday Toy Drive Party!

 
12/6/25
 
 
Monterey Church

Join in a family-friendly Toy Drive Party full of Christmas fun, music, and treats at Monterey Church on Saturday, Dec. 6, 10am-12pm. Please bring an unwrapped gift to benefit The Monterey Firefighters Foundation's Holiday Gift Drive for local families in need.

Free Family Fun Day - Iluminado

 
12/6/25
 
Free
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Bring the whole family to Monterey Museum of Art for Free Family Fun Day on Saturday, December 6, 11am-3pm, and enjoy hands-on, Iluminado-inspired art activities designed for all ages. Explore creativity together, discover new ways to make and play, and...

Sketching in the Galleries

 
12/6/25
 
 
Monterey Museum of Art

Explore your creative side at MMA's new event, Sketching in the Galleries! Immerse yourself in our current exhibitions and learn about the art on display. Materials provided.

Winter Musings: Art Reception at Venture Gallery

 
12/6/25
 
free
 
Venture Gallery

Venture Gallery invites you to meet our many talented local artists on Saturday, Dec. 6, 3pm-5pm, at a reception for our December group exhibit, Winter Musings . Enjoy a diverse array of interpretations of the season in this new group holiday show.

Carol of Lights Celebration in Campbell

 
12/6/25
 
FREE
 
Downtown Campbell

The Carol of Lights is Campbell's annual celebration to open the holiday season. It features Santa visits, a petting zoo, donkey rides, bounce houses, craft tables, face painting, musical entertainment, and a community stage with performances from local dance teams.

Peter Barnes Martin at Albatross Ridge

 
12/6/25
 
 
Albatross Ridge Winery and Kitchen

Albatross Ridge Winery and Kitchen presents guitarist and songwriter Peter Barnes Martin . Experience the magic of live music along with award-winning wines, tapas style light bites, and a rotating selection of craft beer.

South Bay Dance Center presents The Nutcracker

 
12/6/25
 
$34.00 and $39.00
 
Campbell Heritage Theatre

Saturday, December 6th, at 6:00 PM, and Sunday, December 7th, at 12:30 PM

A Classic Holiday Tradition - The Nutcracker Ballet

Downtown Campbell Weekly Farmers' Market

 
12/7/25
 
 
Downtown Campbell

The Campbell Farmers' Market held on Sundays in Downtown Campbell is consistently rated as one of the best if not the best year-round Farmers' Markets in the South Bay. Come and enjoy the festive and vibrant community oriented atmosphere that attracts fans of the Campbell Farmers' Market from all around.

Art & Cookies with SANTA

 
12/7/25
 
$55
 
Art Beat Studio

Celebrate the season with creativity, community, and holiday cheer! Kids will paint two ornaments, meet Santa for a photo, decorate a picture frame for their keepsake, and make a snow globe.

South Bay Dance Center presents The Nutcracker

 
12/7/25
 
$34.00 and $39.00
 
Campbell Heritage Theatre

Saturday, December 6th, at 6:00 PM, and Sunday, December 7th, at 12:30 PM

A Classic Holiday Tradition - The Nutcracker Ballet

Old Capitol Books Chess Club

 
12/7/25
 
free
 
Old Capitol Books

Every Sunday, 2pm-4pm, chess matches are played between the tumbling piles of books at Old Capitol Books. Come join us for a relaxed game, a chat, or a wee peek at a nearby page. Beginners are more than welcome. Free for everyone.

Storytime with Santa

 
12/7/25
 
$30
 
Campbell Community Center

Santa Claus is making a special stop at the Campbell Community Center to share a holiday story and spread some cheer! Parents and children will enjoy this festive annual tradition together, which includes a heartwarming story read by Santa, followed...

Soap Making & Decoupage Terrarium Workshop

 
12/7/25
 
$60
 
Momstera Lounge

Join us for a cozy fall workshop where you’ll get to enjoy two creative experiences in one: soap making by Maile’s Naturals & mini decoupage terrarium

Plus shop the Lounge the same night and receive 15% off

New Monterey Neighborhood Association Holiday Party at Gianni's

 
12/7/25
 
Free
 
Gianni's Pizza

The New Monterey Neighborhood Association invites New Monterey residents to a holiday party at Gianni's Pizza on Sunday, December 7, 5pm-7pm. Join us for a fun-filled gathering where we'll connect, discuss community matters, and more. RSVP here.

Do you live in New Monterey and want to become a registered member of the NMNA? It's only $10 per year! Help support the organization and register here.

Brighten the Harbor Boat Parade 2025

 
12/7/25
 
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.

Sunday Jazz Nights at Pearl Hour

 
12/7/25
 
$10
 
Pearl Hour

Every Sunday, Pearl Hour cocktail bar presents an evening of live jazz music featuring the Zach Westfall Quartet beginning at 8pm. $10 cover. Ages 21 and over only.

The quartet features Zach Westfall (bass), Ben Herod (sax), Mike Lent...

Tai Chi for Beginners at Cooper-Molera Adobe

 
12/8/25
 
$10
 
Cooper-Molera Adobe - A Historic Site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation

Join Tai Chi for Beginners on Mondays at 10am with Liana Olson, Senior Trainer with the Tai Chi for Health Institute. Held at Cooper-Molera Adobe either indoors or outdoors in the garden, weather permitting.

Join for one session or the entire series! Drop-in fee is $10. Details here.

Pub Run with Fleet Feet and Fieldwork Brewing

 
12/8/25
 
 
Fieldwork Brewing Company

Fleet Feet Monterey hosts a Pub Run every Monday at 6:00pm. We'll begin and end at Fieldwork Brewing Company. All paces, levels, distances, and abilities are welcome. Post-run, we can grab a beer together!

Dr. T and the Remedy at Melville Tavern

 
12/9/25
 
no cover
 
Melville Tavern

Melville Tavern hosts live music every Tuesday, 6pm-8pm. Tonight we'll feature Dr. T and the Remedy, with Greg Tapson and Steve Moseley. Arrive early and enjoy our Happy Hour, 4pm-6pm. Dinner reservations recommended. No cover charge.

Tuesday Night Jam at Bulldog Sports Pub

 
12/9/25
 
 
Bulldog Sports Pub

Join Tribe in the Sky at Bulldog Sports Pub every Tuesday for our weekly jam session and community connection, 6:30pm-10pm. We feature a dynamic mix of music, comedy, and storytelling. All ages welcome. Pet-friendly.

WineDown Wednesday at Hula's

 
12/10/25
 
 
Hula's Island Grill

Celebrate WineDown Wednesdays at Hula's Island Grill! Every Wednesday, 12pm-9:30pm, all bottles of wine and sake are offered at half off. You're welcome.

Wednesday Jazz Night at Pearl Hour

 
12/10/25
 
$10
 
Pearl Hour

Every Wednesday, Pearl Hour cocktail bar presents an evening of live jazz music featuring the Ben Herod Trio beginning at 8pm. $10 cover. Ages 21 and over only.