Trees will be lit over the coming month all around Monterey Bay. Here are the most recent tree lightings. Check back often as we keep updating the list.
Nov. 19 • 5-7 pm. HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING AT DEL MONTE CENTER
This free event is a fun tradition for the whole family featuring Christmas Carolers, Santa’s Reindeer, and of course, Santa Claus himself.
Del Monte Center, 1410 Del Monte Center, Monterey. FOR MORE INFO
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOLIDAY EVENTS, CHECK OUR DECEMBER HOLIDAYS SECTION HERE.
Nov. 22 • 4:30 pm. TREE FOR PEACE LIGHTING CEREMONY
The event will begin at 4:30 PM with the arrival of Santa Claus. There will be live performances by local musicians and vocalists as well as a visit from one of Santa's magical elves. Santa will count down the lighting of the Tree for Peace around 5:30 pm.
CSUMB, Salinas City Center. FOR MORE INFO
Nov. 25 • 5-7 pm. CANNERY ROW TREE LIGHTING
Cannery Row kicks off the holiday season in Monterey with its 28th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony featuring festive family entertainment for children of all ages and of course, the arrival of Santa Claus.
And remember, families and children of all ages can visit Santa Claus for FREE in his workshop -- Saturdays and Sundays through December 18th from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.
700 Cannery Row, Monterey.
Nov. 25 • 5:30 pm. HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT SANTA CRUZ FAIRGROUNDS OPENS
Giant Christmas trees twinkling with lights – Santa – reindeer – snowmen – lighted tunnels and many more magical moments. Stay in your warm car and drive through this Holiday Experience. Tune your radio to the Holiday Lights station and enjoy the experience. Purchase tickets online-event always sells out. FOR MORE INFO
2601 E. Lake Avenue, Watsonville, 95076
Nov. 26 • 5:30 pm. LIGHTS ON CELEBRATION
An exciting display and lots of surprises. Community groups, businesses, and performers are encouraged to sign up to take part in this unique, safe, and family-friendly event. Bring canned food or toys to donate which will be collected at the Hollister Downtown Association office at 535 San Benito Street.
San Benito Street, Hollister.
Nov. 28 • 5:30-8 pm. PACIFIC GROVE TREE LIGHTING
Festivities at Jewell Park include live entertainment by school bands and choruses beginning at 5:30 pm, followed by caroling and refreshments at Jewell Park. The tree lighting is at 6:00 pm followed by Santa’s visit to the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History!
Jewell Park, Grand and Forest Avenues, Pacific Grove
Dec. 2 • 5-7 pm. HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING AND CARMEL PLAZA PARTY
The City Holiday Tree Lighting is held at Devendorf Park on Ocean Avenue between Junipero and Mission, where the Monterey Fire Department will deliver Santa Claus. Events start at Sunset Center at 3 pm until 5 pm, with a short music program and pictures by the Holiday tree. Santa will arrive to Devendorf Park and greet children at 3 pm then at 4 pm a menorah is lit. At 4:30 pm, the music and dance program begins and ends at 6 pm when Santa Claus makes an appearance, along with the Mayor of Carmel, for the countdown to light the tree, downtown median, and park lights - all of which light up at the same time.
Immediately following the tree lighting the Carmel Plaza located on Ocean between Junipero and Mission will also host its annual open house until 7 pm, offering additional holiday festivities including live music, a visit with Santa, delectable treats, children's activities, and more.
Ocean Avenue & Mission Street, Carmel.
Dec. 2 • 6-7:30 pm. MARINA CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION
Caroling around Marina's living Christmas tree, musical entertainment, a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, s'mores, cookies, hot apple cider, and hot cocoa.
Vince DeMaggio Park, 3200 Del Monte Blvd., Marina
Dec. 2 • 6-8:00 pm. SAND CITY TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION
Tree lighting and celebration in Sand City. Horse and carriage rides from 5-7 pm. Craft activities, music, and games.
City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Pendergrass Way, Sand City
Dec. 2 • 5-6 pm. TRADITIONAL TREE LIGHTING IN DOWNTOWN MONTEREY
Join the community on the lawn in front of Colton Hall to share in this much-loved, family-friendly holiday celebration.
Colton Hall, Pacific and Jefferson Streets, Monterey
Dec. 3 • 3-6 pm. COMMUNITY TREE LIGHTING
Kick off the holiday season with the Prunedale Community Tree Lighting. Refreshments, free make-you-own ornaments, caroling, Santa photos and more.
Prunedale Shopping Center, San Miguel Canyon Road, Salinas
Dec. 4 • 3 pm. BOULDER CREEK TREE LIGHTING AND SANTA COMES TO TOWN
The Boulder Creek Business Association invites you to the annual Boulder Creek tree lighting and Santa Comes to Town event in Historic Downtown Boulder Creek. Fun for all ages in the spirit of the holidays.
Downtown Boulder Creek • FOR MORE INFO
Dec. 7 • 4-7 pm. SAN FRANCISCO CIVIC CENTER PLAZA TREE LIGHTING
This fun, free, family-friendly event features holiday performances, festive bites and drinks, music, a toy giveaway for children, “snow” flurries, a Makers Village of DIY activities, and the man-of-the-hour: Santa!
Dec. 9 • 6-9 pm. WINTER WONDERLAND AND TREE LIGHTING
The City of Seaside will be hosting its annual tree lighting ceremony on the City Hall lawn. The event will feature snow, a petting zoo, horse carriage rides, arts & crafts, bounce houses, free entertainment, and a special visit from Santa. Free event. Call 831-899-6800 for information.