A Guide to Holiday Lights and Festivities on the Monterey Peninsula

Holiday lights have become synonymous with the magic of the season, transforming neighborhoods into enchanting displays of cheer and wonder. This tradition dates back to the late 19th century when Edward H. Johnson, a friend of Thomas Edison, first strung electric lights on a Christmas tree. What began as a novel way to brighten the holidays has evolved into a cherished custom, with communities competing to create the most dazzling displays. On the Monterey Peninsula, the holiday spirit shines brightly, offering residents and visitors countless opportunities to immerse themselves in the joy of the season.

Candy Cane Lane: A Pacific Grove Treasure

For over 60 years, Candy Cane Lane in Pacific Grove has been the crown jewel of local light displays. Officially located on Morse Drive and surrounding streets, this neighborhood pulls out all the stops. Homes are transformed with elaborate lights, inflatable decorations, and even synchronized music. Families stroll through nightly from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM, soaking in the festive spirit. Weekends are particularly popular, so plan your visit early to avoid the crowds.

Pacific Grove also kicks off the season with its Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Jewell Park. Held on December 7th at 5:30 PM, this event features carolers, warm beverages, and a visit from Santa Claus. It’s a heartwarming community gathering that sets the tone for a joyful holiday season.

Cannery Row’s Holiday Tree Walk

Monterey offers a unique combination of coastal charm and festive fun. The Holiday Tree Walk along Cannery Row showcases dozens of beautifully decorated trees lining the historic waterfront. Each tree is uniquely themed, creating a stunning backdrop for evening strolls or holiday shopping.

Lighted Boat Parade in Monterey Harbor

A highlight of Monterey’s holiday celebrations is the Lighted Boat Parade, happening on December 8th at 6:00 PM. Boats adorned with colorful lights glide across the harbor, reflecting their glow on the bay’s calm waters. This maritime spectacle is a quintessential Monterey experience, perfect for families and visitors alike.

Carmel-by-the-Sea: A Fairytale Holiday

Carmel-by-the-Sea, known for its storybook charm, becomes even more magical during the holidays. The Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Devendorf Park, held on the first Friday of December at 5:30 PM, features live music, festive activities, and a visit from Santa.

Beyond the tree lighting, Carmel’s streets come alive with sparkling lights and decorations adorning its unique shops and galleries. It’s the perfect setting for holiday shopping, followed by dinner at one of Carmel’s renowned restaurants.

Photo by 7x7.com

Seaside’s Winter Wonderland

Seaside offers a family-friendly twist to holiday celebrations with its Winter Wonderland Celebration at City Hall. Scheduled for December 9th from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, this event includes a tree lighting ceremony, live entertainment, snow play areas, and craft stations for children. Food trucks and holiday treats round out this delightful evening of fun and festivity.

Ice Skating by the Bay

For an active holiday outing, head to Ice Skating by the Bay at Custom House Plaza in Monterey. Open daily from mid-November through January 1st, this seasonal rink offers an unforgettable skating experience with stunning views of festive lights and the nearby bay. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for children, with skate rentals available.

Photo from What's up Monterey

Must-Visit Neighborhoods for Dazzling Holiday Lights

Mission Fields – Carmel

Mission Fields in Carmel is a quieter, family-friendly neighborhood that still puts on a beautiful holiday display. Many homes feature charming, traditional lights, and it’s a lovely area to drive through or walk while sipping on hot cocoa.

Deer Flats – Monterey

The Deer Flats neighborhood in Monterey is another hidden gem for light enthusiasts. This peaceful area often has multiple homes participating in the festive spirit, creating a cozy and magical atmosphere.

Old Town – Monterey

Monterey’s historic Old Town area, near the Presidio, is known for its quaint homes that take on extra charm during the holidays. Streets like Van Buren and Jefferson are great to explore, where you can often find festive displays mixed with a touch of historic character.

Pebble Beach

While Pebble Beach doesn’t have a centralized neighborhood like Candy Cane Lane, certain areas like the Country Club West neighborhood tend to have homes that participate in festive decorating. Many properties along Forest Lodge Road and Bird Rock Road offer a more understated but elegant take on holiday lights, blending beautifully with the natural forest surroundings.

Seaside Highlands – Seaside

Seaside Highlands, a newer community in Seaside, often has several homes participating in neighborhood decorating competitions. This area is great for a family-friendly evening drive to admire the lights.

Sunset Drive – Pacific Grove to Asilomar

While not a neighborhood in the traditional sense, driving down Sunset Drive from Pacific Grove to Asilomar provides a stunning holiday experience. Many homes in this area decorate their ocean-facing properties with festive lights that reflect beautifully against the coastal backdrop.

Marina Heights – Marina

In Marina, the Marina Heights area typically has homes with lovely light displays, offering a festive stop as part of a holiday lights tour.

Carmel-by-the-Sea Village Streets

Though Carmel-by-the-Sea is known more for its business district’s decorations, the small village streets lined with cottages are often illuminated with understated, elegant displays. A walk through this area is a lovely way to capture the holiday magic.

Tips for Enjoying Holiday Lights on the Peninsula

Pick the right time: Visit during weekday evenings to avoid weekend crowds.

Hot cocoa stops: Grab a festive drink to-go from a local coffee shop like Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Company or Happy Girl Kitchen in Pacific Grove.

Bundle up: December evenings can get chilly, so layer up if you plan to stroll through neighborhoods.

Holiday Magic that Hits Home

The magic of the Monterey Peninsula during the holidays is a reminder of why so many people choose to call this area home. From the community spirit on display at Candy Cane Lane to the serene beauty of lighted waterfronts, the region’s charm is undeniable. If you’re considering making a move, there’s no better time to explore the neighborhoods and imagine yourself here year-round. The holidays offer a glimpse into the unique character of each community, and you might just find your perfect fit among the festive lights.

The Monterey Peninsula is truly a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Whether you’re taking in the glow of Christmas lights or indulging in festive activities, this special time of year offers endless opportunities to create memories and soak in the spirit of the season. So grab your scarf, bundle up, and let the lights guide you to a holiday full of joy and wonder.