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Monterey, California, is home to many attractions and events throughout the year. With so much to do, any time of year is a great time to visit! Whether you want to celebrate the 4th of July or stay for the Monterey Oktoberfest, there is always something fun to do in Monterey. The holidays are an especially great time to visit the area, with plenty of events to celebrate this season. November and December are perfect times to visit Monterey, California. There are many holiday events in Monterey that help you celebrate this wonderful time of year, like the ones listed below!
Tree lighting ceremonies
Many of the towns near Monterey have their tree lighting ceremonies, including Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Pacific Grove. Local students provide entertainment like marching bands and choruses. There are also caroling opportunities and light refreshments served at many of these events. The tree lighting ceremony in Pacific Grove occurs at Jewell Park and is set for November 30th at 5:30 pm. In Monterey, the tree lighting ceremony happens on Cannery Row as Santa himself lights up a 25-foot tall Christmas tree overlooking the bay. Attending a town tree lighting ceremony is a great way to bring in the holiday season!
Holiday Parade of Lights
Pacific Grove and Salinas host nighttime lighted holiday parades that feature local bands, decorated floats, dance teams, and other organizations. Each float is lit up with spectacular lights, giving a fun twist on a holiday parade. After the parades, shops in the downtown areas stay open for holiday shopping, and you can even get a picture with Santa at the end. The Pacific Grove parade has been rescheduled for December 2nd, 2021, from 6 pm to 7 pm.
Stillwell’s Fun in the Park
This fun holiday tradition takes place in Caledonia Park in Pacific Grove, behind the post office. It’s an all-day event that is great for kids of all ages and families to enjoy some yuletide fun. Meet your favorite holiday personalities like Frosty the Snowman and the Snow Queen. Santa also makes a special appearance on a Pacific Grove fire truck. There is also a petting zoo and hayrides at the event. Live entertainment is offered throughout the day by local organizations. This event usually occurs every year but has been rescheduled for December 4, 2021, from 10 am to 4 pm.
Brighten the Harbor boat parade
It is a fun and exciting type of parade only Monterey could put on! Watch as members of the Monterey Yacht Club show off their vessels, decorated with holiday lights, inflatables, and other decorations as they cruise around Monterey Bay for spectators onshore, making it a great way to celebrate the season and remain socially-distant! The boats start at the Old Fisherman’s Wharf and turn around at Hopkin’s point, just after the Monterey Aquarium.
Stay at the Ramada Hotel for holiday events in Monterey
Any time of year is a great time to Visit Monterey, California, but there’s something extra special about visiting during the holidays. Book your room at the Ramada Hotel in Monterey Bay so you can be a part of this festive time of year. You can also learn more about other things to do in the area on our blog!
Please note that some of these events may be canceled, rescheduled, or altered to accommodate current state and local guidelines to stop the spread of COVID-19.
