Holidays

Holiday Parties with Cella Restaurant and Alta Cafe

Monterey, CA

Let Alta Bakery & Cafe and Cella Restaurant & Bar help you craft an unforgettable holiday party, whether you want a luncheon, private dining, or catering.

With our versatile venues, including a cozy heated pergola, an inviting dining room, and a private event space, we can host a variety of gatherings. Email Lily at Cella to discover how we can make your event extraordinary.

Monterey County SantaCon 2023 at Compact Disco

 
12/24/23
 
 
Compact Disco

Compact Disco presents Monterey County SantaCon, a fundraiser for CalFire, on Christmas Eve. Costumes are suggested - a $500 Santa costume contest will be held at 10pm. Admission is free, but donations online or at the door are encouraged.

2024 Calendars at Luminata

Monterey, CA

Are you looking for a calendar for 2024? Luminata Books and Gifts has these beautiful calendars and magnets in stock featuring images of Monterey and Big Sur by local photographer Michael Santa Cruz.

Visit Luminata at 631 Cass Street to view our selection Tues-Sat, 11am-5pm. These make great gifts for out-of-town friends and family.

Holiday Open House 2023 at Shelley Bennett Skincare

 
11/8/23
 
 
Shelley Bennett Skincare

Shelley Bennett Skincare is hosting a holiday open house on Wednesday, November 8, 4pm-6pm. Enjoy swag bags and 15% off all retail items in our shop.

We're also accepting donations of toiletries, books, and gently used clothing for Community Homeless Solutions. For every bag you donate, you'll receive one ticket for our raffle!

Traditional Tree Lighting on Colton Hall Lawn 2023

 
12/1/23
 
Free
 
Colton Hall Lawn

All are cordially invited to the Historic Downtown Monterey Traditional Tree Lighting Celebration on Friday, December 1, 5pm-6pm. Join us on the lawn in front of Colton Hall to share in this much-loved holiday event.

Enjoy cookies, cider, live music and caroling, and the lighting of the tree to bring in the holiday season. Monterey's Mayor and members of the City Council will be present and KMBY 1240 AM / 95.9 FM will broadcast the event live.

Thanksgiving Dinner at Esteban Restaurant 2023: Dine-In or To-Go

 
11/23/23
 
 
Esteban Restaurant

This Thanksgiving, gather around the table and dine together at Esteban Restaurant or pick-up our delicious three-course turkey meal to-go, which gives you the option to eat in the comfort of your own home.

Dine-In
To eat dinner at our restaurant on Nov. 24, 2pm-8pm, please phone 831-375-0176 for a reservation. Both our three-course turkey meal and a special Thanksgiving a la carte menu will be available.

To-Go
To order our three-course turkey meal to-go, please phone 831-375-0176 by Nov. 21 at 5pm. Pick up your meal on Nov. 23, 1pm-5pm. Fee is $78 per person plus tax.

Kids' Gingerbread House Extravaganza 2023 at MY Museum

 
12/2/23
 
$40/$45
 
MY Museum (Monterey County Youth Museum)

MY Museum invites children to get festive and join us in decorating your own gingerbread houses. There will be lots of icing and candy canes, swirly twirly gum drops, and tons more candy to make your house look truly extraordinary. Reservations are required - register online here .

Adults' Gingerbread House Extravaganza 2023 at MY Museum

 
11/30/23
 
$50
 
MY Museum (Monterey County Youth Museum)

MY Museum invites adults ages 21 and over to our Gingerbread House Extravaganza. This is the perfect time to get together with friends and start the holiday season off right!

Tickets are $50 per person - advance reservations are required . Fee includes gingerbread house with frosting and candy to decorate, a complimentary beverage, and dessert bar.

Paint Ceramic Ornaments at Casey Starks Studio

 
12/6/23
 
$50
 
Casey Starks Studio

Casey Starks Studio presents a Ceramic Painting Night where we'll paint ornaments on Wednesday, December 6, 6pm-7:30pm. Fee is $50. Please register on our website.

Looking for an easy and fun project to do in an evening with your pals? Come paint three ceramic ornaments! No experience required. Ages 12 and up.

Winter Stanton Art Market

 
12/3/23
 
free
 
Monterey History and Art at Stanton Center

Immerse yourself in a captivating showcase of local talent and creativity at the Winter Stanton Art Market, where artists from our very own community come together to share their extraordinary work. Explore a diverse array of paintings, sculptures, crafts, and more, all created with passion and skill right here in our vibrant town.

Small Business Saturday on Lighthouse 2023

 
11/25/23
 
 
Lighthouse District

New Monterey's Lighthouse District invites you to join us on November 25 for our celebration of Small Business Saturday! We'll have great deals and fun activities all along the avenue and, as always, some of the best eats in town. Don't miss out.

Celebrate New Year's Eve 2023 at Britannia Arms Monterey

 
12/31/22
 
no cover charge
 
Britannia Arms of Monterey - CLOSED

At Britannia Arms on New Year's Eve it'll be all action, all day! At 3pm we'll sing karaoke and at 4pm we'll ring in the New Year in the UK. Beginning at 9pm, we'll have a live DJ and dancing plus a champagne toast at midnight. No cover charge.

Cibo's New Year's Eve Bash 2023

 
12/31/22
 
no cover charge
 
Cibo Ristorante Italiano - CLOSED

Come celebrate New Year's Eve at Cibo! The party starts at 9pm - we'll have party favors and music provided by DJ Gil. Dress to impress. No cover charge.

New Year's Eve Party at Savvy Bar

 
12/31/22
 
no cover charge
 
Savvy Bar

Savvy Bar is throwing a New Year's Eve Party! Enjoy cocktails, food, dancing, and music with DJ Liquid Abyss. Doors open at 7pm. No cover charge. Dress code and password required at the door (find details on our website ).

Manasiri's Crepes and Sandwiches Open Late on New Year's Eve

 
12/31/22
 
 
Manasiri's Crepes and Sandwiches

Wondering where to grab a bite to eat during First Night Monterey? Manasiri's Crepes and Sandwiches will be open until 2am on New Year's Eve! This is a great, family-friendly spot with savory and sweet crepes (gluten-free options available) plus...

Manasiri's Crepes and Sandwiches Open New Year's Day

 
1/1/23
 
 
Manasiri's Crepes and Sandwiches

Manasiri's Crepes and Sandwiches will be open on New Year's Day, 8am-7pm. We heard a rumor that they'll be having a series of fun, all-ages events and activities that day. Bring the whole family down to celebrate!

2022 Lighthouse District Holiday Display Contest Winners

Monterey, CA

The New Monterey Business Association congratulates the winners of our 2022 Lighthouse District Holiday Display Contest!

Best Holiday Light Display
Malinka European Mini Market
484 Lighthouse Ave, Ste 100

Best Holiday Window Display
The Perfect Crumb Bakery
301 Lighthouse Ave, Suite B

We encourage everyone to come down and view the creative holiday displays in the windows of shops and restaurants along Lighthouse Ave.

Kids' Bike Drive at Epicenter Cycling

Monterey, CA

Help local underprivileged children experience the joy of cycling by donating gently used bikes to Epicenter Cycling's Kids' Bike Drive.

Now through December 31, bikes can be dropped off at Epicenter Cycling at 230 Lighthouse Ave. Cash contributions are also appreciated and will go toward the purchase of new Trek bikes for donation.

Please note: we cannot accept donations of department store bicycles as they can't be tuned up.

Electric Mountain Bike Ride with Epicenter Cycling

 
12/31/22
 
free
 
Toro Park, Lot 9

Calling electric mountain bike (eMTB) riders of all levels! Come ride Monterey area trails with Epicenter Cycling on New Year's Eve, Saturday, December 31. Participation is free, but please register in advance.

Choose your route based on your riding experience: our beginner / intermediate group will head into Fort Ord, while our advanced group will take on more difficult trails in Toro Park.

Get Cleaning Help for the Holidays with Heaven on Earth

Monterey, CA

If you're dreading the post-holiday mess when all the guests leave, let Heaven on Earth Cleaning help you.

Based in the Lighthouse District, Heaven on Earth serves homes and offices in Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Seaside, Marina, Carmel, Salinas, and more. Visit our website to book a cleaning or call us at 831-373-6243 for more information.

Holiday Cookies at The Perfect Crumb

Monterey, CA

Holiday cookies are in full production at The Perfect Crumb! Stop by the bakery at 301 Lighthouse Avenue to see our selection. Better yet, phone us at 831-241-6269 to place your order. (Call now to avoid disappointment!)

New Year's Eve in New Orleans Party at Bon Ton L'Roy's

 
12/31/22
 
no cover charge
 
Bon Ton L'Roy's Lighthouse Smokehouse

Celebrate New Year's Eve at Bon Ton L'Roy's Lighthouse Smokehouse! Tonight, we'll have a New Orleans theme with live music performed by Louisiana native, Alligator, beginning at 7pm. We'll serve food all evening past midnight, including our dinner special, Chef Lenny's Seafood Gumbo.

No cover charge. Reservations recommended, 831-375-6958.

New Year's Eve Party at Bulldog Sports Pub

 
12/31/22
 
 
Bulldog Sports Pub

Come celebrate New Year's Eve at Bulldog Sports Pub! We'll have a live countdown, a champagne toast at midnight, and music played all night long by Fawk DJ.

The kitchen will be open late and we'll have two bars. Make your reservation now - call us at 831-658-0686.

Holiday Party at Bulldog Sports Pub

 
12/17/22
 
 
Bulldog Sports Pub

Bulldog Sports Pub invites you to join us for our first holiday part in our newly refurbished pub! Happening on Saturday, December 17, 8:30pm until closing.

Full Moon Mandarin Cuisine - Open for Christmas!

Monterey, CA

Full Moon Mandarin Cuisine, serving authentic, delicious Chinese food, is happy to celebrate our 8th anniversary! We thank the community for your overwhelming support throughout the years.

Our restaurant will be open on Christmas Day, so don't hesitate to...

Blues Zones' 12 Days of Christmas Runnin'

 
12/18/22
 
free
 
Blue Zones Project Monterey County

On the 6th day of Christmas, the Blue Zones Project hosted the Wednesday Night Laundry Runners 12 Days of Christmas Runnin’! Join us on Sunday, December 18, at the Blue Zones Office in Monterey for a run, 9am-10am. Please ...

Open House at Justy Paige Eco Pulse Boutique

 
12/23/22
 
 
Justy Paige Eco Pulse Boutique - CLOSED

Juste Paige Eco Pulse Boutique is hosting an Open House on Friday, December 23, 5pm-8pm. Come view our eco-conscientious, curated selection of fashion, decor, and art and enjoy refreshments and live music by Dan Cioper .