The holiday season is here, and Downtown Old Monterey's artisan bakeries are ready with all manner of baked goods perfect for a thoughtful gift, a family feast, or to enjoy in a quiet moment amidst the hubbub.

Handmade from scratch, these breads, cookies, and traditional desserts will put a smile on any face. Menu highlights and pre-order deadlines are below.

Menu Highlights & Order Deadlines

Ad Astra Bread Co.
479 Alvarado Street
Offering sourdough breads and festive little cookies. No pre-orders available, just stop by the shop.

Alta Bakery
502 Munras Avenue
Stollen and gingerbread cookies are available at the bakery. Order our buche de noel online by Dec 18 for pick-up on Dec. 23 or 24 (specify when ordering).

Freedom Bakery Boutique
305 Webster Street
Preparing holiday cookie and brownie trays, dessert boards, yule log cakes, custom printed shortbread cookies, and an assortment of pies and decorated cakes. Order on our website for pick up at our Monterey boutique, Fri-Sun, 10am-1pm, or at our Watsonville bakery daily. We'll be closed Dec. 25-Jan. 1.

Paris Bakery
271 Bonifacio Place
Baking Christmas princess cakes and a variety of fresh breads, rolls, and beautifully decorated cookies all made in-house. Order in person or call 831-646-1620.

Parker-Lusseau Pastries and Cafe
539 Hartnell Street
Holiday stollen (without marzipan) is now available at the bakery. And we're again making five different flavors of buche de noel for Christmas, three of which are gluten free - order by Dec. 18 at 831-641-9188. Our galette des rois (kings' cake) will be available in a variety of sizes for pick up Jan. 2-4 - call to reserve yours. We'll be closed Jan. 6-20.