Christmas Events in Monterey County

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at these Christmas events in Monterey County, including festive things to do during the holidays.

Ice Skating by the Bay

Friday, November 24 - Sunday, December 31, 2023

Ice Skating by the Bay

Adults: $15; Children 12 & under: $13; Skate Rental Fee: $5

Glide across the seaside Monterey ice skating rink to immerse in a winter wonderland! This outdoor ice skating rink is located near the festively decorated Old Fisherman's Wharf along the scenic coastline of Monterey Bay.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical

Saturday, November 25 - Sunday, December 17, 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Adult / Senior: $27; Student / Teacher / Military: $17; Children under 12: $10

A live musical adaptation of the beloved television special.

Christmas on the Wharf

Friday, December 1 - Saturday, December 23

Christmas on the Wharf

FREE

Enjoy festive holiday decorations and photo ops throughout the month, plus live musical and dance performances on the weekends.

Christmas in the Adobes

Friday, December 8 - Saturday, December 9, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.​

Christmas in Adobes

Adults: $25/ticket; $40/2-night pass; Children 17 and under: FREE

Stroll through 15 historic adobes. Staff and volunteers dressed in period attire greet visitors, with many venues offering music and entertainment.

The Nutcracker

Friday, December 8 - Sunday, December 10, 7 p.m.

The Nutcracker Carmel-by-the-Sea Sunset Center

Standard (13 - 61): $54; Military (Active Duty with ID) / Seniors (62+): $49.50; Children under 12: $39

Ventures into a world of twirling sugar plums, divine angels and pirouetting flowers in this classic Christmas ballet.

Winter Wonderland at Portola Hotel & Spa

Sunday, December 24, 2023, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Enjoy music, food and various holiday events during our annual Winter Wonderland. The season's festivities include breakfast with Santa at Jacks Monterey, holiday carolers, local children's choirs, ice skating by the bay, and much more!

Christmas Eve Cioppino Dinner at Jacks Monterey

Sunday, December 24, 2023, 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.

$44.95 per person

Indulge in fresh caught, halibut, calamari, and mussels in a tomato and wine broth, served with fresh baked garlic bread. While dining under the trees in the holiday themed atrium, enjoy the sound of holiday carolers from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

3-Course Christmas Dinner Meal Special at Estéban Restaurant

Monday, December 25, 2 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Esteban Restaurant Monterey patio

$89 per person

Christmas is a family affair in Spain, and like most Spanish festivals, food takes center stage. Gather around the table for a 3-Course feast including dishes like Crab Corn Bisque, Slow-Roasted Prime Rib and Spanish Flan.

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