Looking for a holiday outing that’s a little different? The Monterey County Historical Society is inviting families to Illumination at the Adobe, a free open house at the historic Boronda Adobe in Salinas that shows how the holidays looked in early Monterey County.
At a Glance
- What: Illumination at the Adobe
- When: Friday, December 4, 2026, 3–7 p.m.
- Where: Boronda Adobe, 333 Boronda Road, Salinas
- Cost: Free
What to Expect
The adobe will be decorated for Christmas and lit with candles. Musicians will play music from the Spanish Colonial and Mexican Republic eras. When it gets dark, the whole adobe is lit up, which is the highlight of the evening.
Guests can have free pozole, butternut squash soup, artisan breads and Mexican hot cocoa. Families can also stop by the museum to see the historical society’s new exhibits and displays, which are still in progress.
Parent tip: The sun sets around 5 p.m. in early December. If you want to see the adobe light up, plan to arrive late in the afternoon so you’re there before dark. Bring a jacket, since Salinas evenings get chilly.
About the Monterey County Historical Society
The Monterey County Historical Society was founded in 1933 and is a nonprofit that works to preserve the region’s history. Its archives keep family, city and county records in climate-controlled vaults. Researchers, students and members of the public use these records.
Learn more: Visit mchsmuseum.com, call 831-757-8085 or email mchs@redshift.com.
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