Escape for the holidays and enjoy a winter getaway in beautiful Monterey. Situated along the picturesque central California coast, Monterey is a magical destination for a holiday getaway, a romantic retreat, or a family adventure. Enjoy dining, shopping, and wine tasting on historic Cannery Row. Take the kids ice skating along the bay, see the historic adobes glowing with holiday lights, or cozy up by a warm fireplace with ocean views.
Whatever bring you joy, you'll find festive holiday events and activities in Monterey all season. Enjoy old traditions and discover new surprises.
See the Christmas Tree Lighting in Downtown Monterey
Start the holiday season at Monterey's Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration on the lawn in front of historic Colton Hall on December 2nd, from 5 to 6 pm. See the tree illuminated with lights in Old Monterey and enjoy a magical evening of music, carols, hot cider, and holiday cheer. The beautiful tree will light up downtown Monterey through the New Year.
Enjoy Holiday Shopping on Cannery Row
Enjoy a weekend of shopping, wine tasting, and dining on historic Cannery Row. Browse local shops, art galleries and wine merchants for holiday gifts while enjoying the coastal scenery and Monterey Bay views. Discover this waterfront attraction decked out for the holidays with lights and the glistening Cannery Row Christmas Tree. On weekends beginning November 26th through December 18th, families can visit and take photos with Santa Claus in Steinbeck Plaza — Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Christmas in the Adobe
Enjoy Monterey's favorite holiday tradition at Christmas in the Adobes. See the magical adobes decked out with candle-lit luminarias and holiday décor on walking tour through Monterey State Historic Park. Enjoy festive music and entertainment as you explore a dozen historic adobes and hear stories about Monterey's earliest buildings. Embrace the spirit of the community at Monterey's favorite holiday event.
Go Ice Skating by the Bay
Celebrate the holidays on the stunning coastline of Monterey Bay. Glide across the rink at Ice Skating by the Bay located behind the Custom House Plaza in the historic district. Spend the day in a winter wonderland in Old Monterey with public skating throughout the season, from November 25 through New Year's Day. Admission is $13 for kids and $15 for adults.
Enjoy A Winter Whale Watching Adventure on Monterey Bay
Experience the magic of nature this holiday season with winter whale watching on Monterey Bay. See the majestic gray whales, from December to May, with peak sightings in January and March. Embark on a whale watching tour and see these beautiful creatures migrate to Southern California during the winter to give birth to calves. Take a four-hour journey and spot gray, humpback, blue and killer whales throughout the winter.
Enjoy Christmas Dinner in Old Town Monterey
December 25, 2021, 2:00pm – 8:00pm
Gather with family and friends for holiday dining in Monterey. Enjoy Christmas Day dinner at Estéban Restaurant at the Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa in Old Monterey. Make the holiday joyous with a festive three-course dinner with a dash of Spanish flavor.
Esteban also offers authentic tapas, home-made sangria, a private dining room, and the best outdoor heated patio in Monterey. To book your Christmas dinner, call 831-375-0176 or email info@estebanrestaurant.com.
First Night Monterey New Year's Celebration in Historic Monterey
Start the year at First Night Monterey, the ultimate New Year's Eve celebration of the arts. Back for its 30th year in Monterey County, the annual New Year's Eve event features fabulous art, live music, lights, and festivities in downtown Monterey. Check out the magical twilight parade down Alvarado Street featuring bands, dance performances, moving sculptures, puppets, costumes, and glow-in-the-dark elements. Experience New Year's eve the Monterey way!
Find Joy by A Fireplace and Ocean Views
Cozy up this holiday season at a boutique hotel with waterfront views on Cannery Row. Enjoy European-style charm at the beachfront Spindrift Inn on Monterey Bay. Spend a relaxing holiday or weekend getaway in well-appointed rooms and suites with gas fireplaces and postcard views of Monterey Bay and McAbee Beach. The gem of a hotel is a quaint retreat located steps from Cannery Row and Monterey's best shopping, dining, and attractions.
Plan Your Holiday Getaway with Inns of Monterey
Get away this holiday season with Inns of Monterey. Relax, recharge, and feel the holiday spirit in one of the most beautiful places on the California coast. Spend time with family or enjoy a relaxing getaway at our five charming boutique hotels in downtown Monterey and on Cannery Row. Walk to shopping, dining, beaches, holiday events, and Monterey's famous attractions including the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf, and the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail.
Whether naughty or nice, everyone deserves a Monterey holiday vacation. Check out the Inns of Monterey collection of hotel specials for affordable holiday escapes or pick up a gift certificate to put under the tree. Always book direct through our hotels for easy reservations and our guaranteed best rates of the season!