Holiday Events in Old Monterey 2018

Enjoy the holidays in Old Monterey! There will be good cheer for all, with lots of fun family events all season long. Please scroll down the page to see a complete list of Old Monterey's holiday events.

More Info

831-655-8070

Event Series Dates

Reception for Youth Arts Collective's Holiday Art Show 2018

 
11/16/18
 
free
 
Youth Arts Collective

Youth Arts Collective invites you to join us for the opening reception of our annual Holiday Art Show featuring artwork by YAC artists and their mentors. The show will run through February 2019.

Ice Skating by the Bay 2018

 
11/21/18
 
$13/$11
 
Custom House Plaza

Celebrate the holidays along the scenic coastline at Ice Skating by the Bay’s seasonal ice skating rink, November 21 - January 6. At Custom House Plaza, located behind Portola Hotel & Spa in Old Monterey, skaters can spend the day in a winter wonderland by the Bay.

Caffe Trieste Open on Thanksgiving Day

 
11/22/18
 
 
Caffe Trieste

Caffe Trieste will be open on Thanksgiving Day, 8am-8pm. Come on down and enjoy our regular breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu as well as hot and cold drinks.

Thanksgiving Yoga Flow Class with Live Music at Union Yoga

 
11/22/18
 
$20 suggested donation
 
Union Yoga

Our Thanksgiving Yoga Flow Class taught by Kelli Nairn at 10am is one of Union Yoga's most popular and favorite classes of the year. Musician Ace de la Vergne is back from her European tour and bringing her New Orleans...

Small Business Saturday in Old Monterey 2018

 
11/24/18
 
 
Old Monterey District

The Old Monterey Business Association is celebrating Small Business Saturday! We cordially invite you to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of Old Monterey with its many gift shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Get 2 hours free holiday parking at the West Parking Garage, 340 Tyler Street.

Old Monterey Marketplace and Farmers' Market for the Holidays

 
11/27/18
 
free
 
Old Monterey District

Visit the Old Monterey Marketplace and Farmers' Market during the holidays! Open rain or shine every Tuesday, 4pm-7pm, it’s the perfect place to find handcrafted items and gourmet products for holiday gift-giving and fresh produce for holiday meals.

Brews for Books at Alvarado Street Brewery and Grill

 
11/28/18
 
 
Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill

Come out and celebrate Brews for Books at Alvarado Street Brewery and Grill! On the last Wednesday of every month, show your server your Monterey library card or a Brews for Books bookmark (available at the library), and we'll donate 10% of your check to the Monterey Public Library.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Mural at Monterey Conference Center

 
11/29/18
 
free
 
Monterey Conference Center

The City of Monterey presents a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, November 29 at 2pm to celebrate the re-installation of Guillermo Wagner Granizio's beautiful mural on the side of the Monterey Conference Center. We'll meet at the corner of Pacific Street...

21 & Over Gingerbread House Extravaganza 2018

 
11/29/18
 
 
Monterey County Youth Museum

MY Museum invites adults ages 21 and over to our Gingerbread House Extravaganza. Fee includes food, a drink ticket, and a bare gingerbread house with plenty of sweet decorations to add. Call for tickets, 831-649-6444.

Christmas Tree Lighting on Colton Hall Lawn 2018

 
11/30/18
 
Free
 
Colton Hall Lawn

All are cordially invited to Monterey’s Community Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration, featuring carols, candles, cookies, cider, music, and good cheer. Join us on the lawn in front of Colton Hall to share in this traditional, much-loved Monterey holiday celebration.

Christmas on the Wharf 2018

 
11/30 - 12/2
 
free
 
Fisherman's Wharf

Monterey Fisherman's Wharf Association presents Christmas on the Wharf on Fridays (5pm-9pm), Saturdays (11am-9pm), and Sundays (1pm-6pm) from November 30 through December 16.

Festivities will include holiday entertainment, free visits with Santa, wandering characters including holiday princesses, and a...

Multi-day event ending on Sun Dec 02, 2018

Free Family Fun Day: Mini Masterpieces

 
12/1/18
 
FREE
 
Monterey Museum of Art

This Free Family Fun Day is inspired by the Monterey Museum of Art's popular exhibition Miniatures. As always Free Family Fun Day is completely free of charge.

Christmas Carolers Perform in Old Monterey

 
12/1/18
 
free
 
Old Monterey District

The Old Monterey Business Association presents the Peninsula Harmony Company, singing and spreading good cheer on Alvarado Street every Saturday, 12pm-4pm, December 1-22. Bring the whole family and enjoy a relaxing afternoon in Old Monterey.

Santa & Reindeer in Downtown Monterey 2018

 
12/1/18
 
Free
 
Golden State Theatre

Visit with Santa and his two Christmas reindeer under the Golden State Theatre marquee in Old Monterey, 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm. All are welcome to this free event! It's a perfect time for making family memories.

Kids' Gingerbread House Extravaganza 2018 at MY Museum

 
12/2/18
 
 
Monterey County Youth Museum

Monterey County Youth Museum invites children to get festive this holiday season and join us in decorating your own gingerbread houses on Sunday, December 2, 9am-11am. There will be lots of icing and candy canes, swirly twirly gum drops, and...

Brighten the Harbor Boat Parade 2018

 
12/2/18
 
free
 
Custom House Plaza

The Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club presents Brighten the Harbor , a lighted boat parade. Watch boats decorated for the holidays cruise along Monterey Bay's coastline.

Old Monterey Marketplace and Farmers' Market for the Holidays

 
12/4/18
 
free
 
Old Monterey District

Visit the Old Monterey Marketplace and Farmers' Market during the holidays! Open rain or shine every Tuesday, 4pm-7pm, it’s the perfect place to find handcrafted items and gourmet products for holiday gift-giving and fresh produce for holiday meals.

An Irish Christmas 2018 at Golden State Theatre

 
12/6/18
 
$29-$53
 
Golden State Theatre

Golden State Theatre presents An Irish Christmas. Take a journey through Christmas in Ireland with superb dancing, singing, and Irish traditional music. It's a perfect family holiday event! Tickets are $29-$53.

Christmas in the Adobes 2018

 
12/7 - 12/8
 
$25/$2
 
Custom House Store

Christmas in the Adobes on December 7 & 8 is Monterey's signature holiday event! Stroll the streets of Monterey and stop in at any one of 22 decorated adobes with soft holiday lights, entertainment, and Christmas refreshments. The event supports Monterey State Historic Park children's educational programs.

Tickets are $25 per night for adults, $2 for children ages 6-17 when accompanied by a paying adult, and free for children age 5 and under.

Multi-day event ending on Sat Dec 08, 2018

Pop-Up Tasting Room at Joseph Boston Store

 
12/7/18
 
free
 
Joseph Boston Store

The Joseph Boston Store is hosting a one-night-only tasting room featuring delectable treats crafted by Monterey County residents perfect for the holidays. Taste items from Happy Girl Kitchen, Gil’s Gourmet, Chai Five Tea, the Carmel Berry Co., and more!

Christmas on the Wharf 2018

 
12/7 - 12/9
 
free
 
Fisherman's Wharf

Monterey Fisherman's Wharf Association presents Christmas on the Wharf on Fridays (5pm-9pm), Saturdays (11am-9pm), and Sundays (1pm-6pm) from November 30 through December 16.

Festivities will include holiday entertainment, free visits with Santa, wandering characters including holiday princesses, and a...

Multi-day event ending on Sun Dec 09, 2018

Venture Gallery Holiday Art Celebration 2018

 
12/8/18
 
 
Venture Gallery

Venture Gallery hosts our Holiday Art Celebration, featuring the work of thirty local artists, many of whom will attend tonight. Come enjoy beautiful art sized and priced to go home with you. Refreshments will be served.

TubaChristmas! 2018 at Monterey Conference Center

 
12/9/18
 
Free
 
Monterey Conference Center

The tubas are back for TubaChristmas! This free holiday concert features the spectacular resonance of over 50 tubas in one fabulous setting. It's a toe-tapping, finger-snapping, and soul-stirring sing-along concert of your favorite holiday carols.

Old Monterey Marketplace and Farmers' Market for the Holidays

 
12/11/18
 
free
 
Old Monterey District

Visit the Old Monterey Marketplace and Farmers' Market during the holidays! Open rain or shine every Tuesday, 4pm-7pm, it’s the perfect place to find handcrafted items and gourmet products for holiday gift-giving and fresh produce for holiday meals.

Champagne Tasting Event at Hellam's

 
12/13/18
 
$25
 
Hellam's Tobacco and Wine Shop

Just in time for the holidays, Hellam's Tobacco and Wine Shop presents a champagne tasting. We'll also offer special pricing and raffles. Participation fee is $25 for non-members.

Christmas on the Wharf 2018

 
12/14 - 12/16
 
free
 
Fisherman's Wharf

Monterey Fisherman's Wharf Association presents Christmas on the Wharf on Fridays (5pm-9pm), Saturdays (11am-9pm), and Sundays (1pm-6pm) from November 30 through December 16.

Festivities will include holiday entertainment, free visits with Santa, wandering characters including holiday princesses, and a...

Multi-day event ending on Sun Dec 16, 2018

Holiday Open House at CarmelBarre

 
12/15/18
 
 
CarmelBarre

CarmelBarre invites you to join us for our annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 15, 2pm-4pm. Enjoy local vendors, sips of wine, light bites, incredible retail ($25 leggings, anyone?), and package sales to ready yourself for the holidays. Bring...

Holiday Open House at Comanche Cellars

 
12/16/18
 
 
Comanche Cellars Wine Room

Comanche Cellars Wine Room invites you to join us for our Holiday Open House. Our wine maker, Michael, will be on hand to sign bottles of your favorite wines from our collection.

Holiday Open House at Pacific Valley Bank

 
12/18/18
 
free
 
Pacific Valley Bank

Pacific Valley Bank cordially invites you to join us for a Holiday Open House at our Monterey Branch. All are welcome to meet our friendly staff, enjoy some coffee and cookies, and view our collection of historical photos dating as far back as 1880.

Old Monterey Marketplace and Farmers' Market for the Holidays

 
12/18/18
 
free
 
Old Monterey District

Visit the Old Monterey Marketplace and Farmers' Market during the holidays! Open rain or shine every Tuesday, 4pm-7pm, it’s the perfect place to find handcrafted items and gourmet products for holiday gift-giving and fresh produce for holiday meals.

Holiday Trivia Night at Sovino Wine Bar

 
12/24 - 12/25
 
 
Sovino Wine Bar and Merchant

Sovino Wine Bar and Merchant presents a Trivia Night: Christmas Edition! Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at 7pm we'll be hosting trivia nights with a holiday flare!

Multi-day event ending on Tue Dec 25, 2018

Caffe Trieste Open on Christmas Day

 
12/25/18
 
 
Caffe Trieste

Caffe Trieste will be open on Christmas Day, 8am-3pm. Come on down and enjoy our regular breakfast and lunch menu, or you can just come in for a hot drink and hang out. We consider you family - there's no...

Noon Year's Eve Party at MY Museum 2018

 
12/31/18
 
 
Monterey County Youth Museum

Ring in the New Year at a kid-friendly hour this year! Join MY Museum 10am-12:30pm for an unforgettable celebration complete with noisemakers, face painting, and party hats. Watch the Noon Year’s Ball light up as we countdown together. Call to register.

First Night Monterey 2019

 
12/31/18
 
 
Old Monterey District

A community celebration of the arts, First Night Monterey is an affordable, alcohol-free family celebration held on New Year’s Eve, 3pm-midnight, in the heart of Old Monterey. Join us as we dance, play, act, perform, create and sing our way into 2019! Featuring multiple performance venues.

New Year's Eve Party at Caffe Trieste 2018

 
12/31/18
 
 
Caffe Trieste

Caffe Trieste invites you to our annual New Year's Eve Party featuring music, dancing, and drink specials! The party starts at 7pm and continues until 2am.

Brews for Books at Alvarado Street Brewery and Grill

 
1/30/19
 
 
Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill

Come out and celebrate Brews for Books at Alvarado Street Brewery and Grill! On the last Wednesday of every month, show your server your Monterey library card or a Brews for Books bookmark (available at the library), and we'll donate 10% of your check to the Monterey Public Library.

Harry Potter Trivia Night at Sovino Wine Bar

 
1/30/19
 
 
Sovino Wine Bar and Merchant

Calling all Harry Potter fans age 21 and over! Sovino Wine Bar and Merchant presents a Harry Potter Trivia Night on Wednesday, January 30 at 7pm. Test your knowledge against other Harry Potter fans and have yourself some wine. Sorry,...

Open House at Pacific Valley Bank

 
3/14/19
 
free
 
Pacific Valley Bank

Pacific Valley Bank invites you to meet our friendly staff, enjoy some coffee and cookies, and view our collection of historical photos dating as far back as 1880. Brush up on your St. Patrick’s Day trivia and be entered into a free raffle!

"Friends" Trivia Night at Sovino Wine Bar

 
3/27/19
 
 
Sovino Wine Bar and Merchant

Sovino Wine Bar and Merchant presents a Friends themed Trivia Night on Wednesday, March 27 at 7pm for ages 21 and up. Start re-watching this famous TV show now to get a leg up. No matter who your favorite...

Open House at Pacific Valley Bank

 
6/12/19
 
free
 
Pacific Valley Bank

Pacific Valley Bank invites you to meet our friendly staff, enjoy some coffee and cookies, and view our collection of historical photos dating as far back as 1880.

Holiday Open House at Pacific Valley Bank

 
12/4/19
 
free
 
Pacific Valley Bank

Pacific Valley Bank invites you to meet our friendly staff, enjoy some holiday treats, and view our collection of historical photos dating as far back as 1880.

Brews for Books at Alvarado Street Brewery and Grill

 
5/11/22
 
 
Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill

Come out and celebrate Brews for Books at Alvarado Street Brewery and Grill on Wednesday, May 11. A portion of proceeds from all sales, 4pm-10pm, will benefit Monterey Public Library. Great food, great drink, great cause!

Harry Potter Trivia Night at Sovino Wine Bar

 
5/20/22
 
$5
 
Sovino Wine Bar and Merchant

Calling all Harry Potter fans age 21 and over! Sovino Wine Bar and Merchant presents a Harry Potter Trivia Night on May 20 at 7pm. Test your knowledge against other Harry Potter fans and enjoy wine and beer.

Fee is $5 per team. Team size is limited to 6 people or fewer. Space is limited and reservations are required - please call 831-641-9463 or e-mail Sovino .