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Have you ever wondered how to experience the holiday season in a truly magical ocean-front setting? For those seeking a festive outing by the sea, the event known as Christmas on the Wharf in Monterey delivers shimmering lights, cheerful music, and seaside charm all in one. Whether you’re a local looking for a new tradition or a visitor planning a holiday getaway, this guide walks you through what makes this unique celebration special and how to take full advantage of its seasonal delights.
Celebrate Christmas on the Wharf in Beautiful Monterey
When you arrive at Old Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey, California, during Christmas on the Wharf, you’re greeted by a dazzling display of holiday decorations stretching along the pier. A towering 23-foot Christmas tree stands surrounded by illuminated sea creatures and holiday-themed inflatables, creating a festive backdrop against the Pacific waters.
Twinkling Lights & Oceanfront Cheer
The Decorations are up from early December through January 5 (for the 9th Annual event), so there’s ample opportunity to take your time, stroll the piers, and enjoy the aquatic ambiance. The combination of the historic wharf, salt-air breeze, and flickering bulbs makes this one-of-a-kind not just a holiday light show, but a maritime Christmas outing.
Holiday Music & Live Entertainment
Families can enjoy free live performances on select weekends, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from December 5 through December 21, including choirs, youth dancers, singers, and holiday-themed musical acts. These performances add a live-concert feel under the stars above the water, making the atmosphere vibrant and inclusive for all ages.
Santa Visits & Family Fun
Kids (and grown-ups!) will be delighted by the Santa House on the Wharf, where Santa greets visitors at scheduled times. There’s also a toy-drop donation point for the Salvation Army Monterey Peninsula Corps and special hot cocoa, cider, and cookies at merchants along the wharf, perfect for creating memories and holiday vibes.
Ocean Views & Marine Life
What sets this event apart is its setting: not in a city or mall parking lot, but on a working wharf with marine life, pelicans, sea lions, otters, and the open water around you. The wharf stays open on Christmas Day itself and draws visitors worldwide. One story noted that a family traveled from Florida and a pair from South Korea to soak in the holiday atmosphere by the sea.
Tips for Visiting
- Plan to arrive during one of the live-performance weekends if you want music + Santa. Arriving early (just as performances begin) helps beat the rush.
- Bring the whole family, adults, kids, and grandparents. The event is truly multi-generational.
- Bring a light jacket, the ocean breeze can be cool even during the day.
- Make photo-ops: the giant tree, the lit sea-creatures, the sunset over the harbor all make for memorable shots.
- Consider dinner or shopping at the wharf’s restaurants and candy shops, which stay open and join the holiday festivities.
Holiday Memories Await at the Wharf
Suppose you’re searching for a festive outing that blends holiday sparkle, oceanfront views, and family-friendly fun. In that case, Christmas on the Wharf in Monterey is an ideal choice. With its combination of twinkling lights, holiday music, Santa visits, and maritime cheer, it stands out as a season-to-remember event. To plan and explore more of the surroundings, check out our guide to Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey, CA.
