Between the lights along Ocean Avenue, the tree lighting in Devendorf Park and the concerts at the Carmel Mission, the town keeps a full holiday calendar until New Year's Eve.
Why Carmel is the perfect Christmas destination
What sets Carmel-by-the-Sea apart is the way it mixes holiday traditions with its coastal charm. The town's festive decorations, friendly community and range of activities welcome visitors of all ages. You can shop for handcrafted gifts, walk along the beach or sit down to a holiday meal, all within a few blocks.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is more than a holiday destination: it is a place where traditions are celebrated and the spirit of the season shines. Make Christmas 2026 a season to remember by visiting this coastal village.
A festive atmosphere at Carmel Plaza
The heart of Carmel's holiday shopping is Carmel Plaza, the open-air shopping center on Ocean Avenue and Mission Street. Its boutiques are decorated for the season, with occasional carolers and appearances by Santa Claus in December.
Around the plaza, the village's shops and art galleries are the place to find one-of-a-kind gifts.
Community celebrations that light up the night
On Friday, December 4, 2026, the town gathers at Devendorf Park, on Ocean Avenue between Junipero and Mission, for its Holiday Tree and Menorah Lighting, a community tradition that brings holiday cheer to all. The celebration starts at 3 PM, and at 3:30 PM the Monterey Fire Department delivers Santa Claus to the park while the Del Monte Brass plays festive music.
The menorah is lit between 4 and 4:30 PM, with gelt, dreidel spinning and singing. The tree lighting ceremony follows at 4:30 PM, building up to the moment the town's holiday tree is illuminated, at 5:30 PM or shortly after.
Right after the lighting, Carmel Plaza, just steps away, opens its Holiday Open House until 7 PM, with small bites, warm drinks, face painting, activities for children and visits with Santa and Martin the Magical Elf.
Classic winter activities
For those drawn to the arts, the Monterey Peninsula Ballet presents The Nutcracker at the Sunset Center on December 11 and 12 at 7 PM and December 13 at 2 PM, a holiday classic for audiences of all ages. At the Carmel Mission, I Cantori di Carmel perform Bach's Christmas Oratorio on December 12 and 13 at 8 PM.
Ice skating is a short drive away in Monterey. Ice Skating by the Bay sets up its outdoor rink at Custom House Plaza, near Old Fisherman's Wharf, from late November to early January, with views of Monterey Bay. In 2025, admission was $15 for adults and $13 for children 12 and under, with skate rental at $5; the 2026 season dates are announced in early November. Nearby, Christmas on the Wharf runs from December 4 to 20.
A coastal wonderland
The town's natural setting is a gift in itself. Visitors can stroll along Carmel Beach, where the sound of the waves offers a peaceful holiday break. The village's streets are lined with boutique shops and art galleries, offering one-of-a-kind holiday gifts.
After a day of exploration, guests can warm up with a cozy meal at local favorites like La Bicyclette or Carmel's Bistro Giovanni, both known for their seasonal dishes and intimate atmospheres.
The magic of New Year's Eve
As the year draws to a close, Carmel-by-the-Sea offers an intimate way to welcome the new year. First Night Monterey hosts a New Year's Eve celebration in downtown Monterey, just minutes from Carmel, on December 31 from 3 PM to midnight. For dinner, local restaurants such as Mission Ranch and Casanova are popular choices; book early and ask about their New Year's Eve menus.
Christmas 2026 program in Carmel-by-the-Sea and nearby
Holiday Tree and Menorah Lighting (Friday, December 4, 3 to 7 PM): Devendorf Park, with Santa's arrival by fire truck at 3:30 PM, the menorah lighting at 4 PM and the tree lit around 5:30 PM.
Carmel Plaza Holiday Open House (December 4, after the tree lighting until 7 PM): small bites, warm drinks, face painting, children's activities and visits with Santa.
Christmas on the Wharf (December 4 to 20): holiday festivities on Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey.
The Nutcracker (December 11 to 13): Monterey Peninsula Ballet at the Sunset Center, Carmel.
Bach's Christmas Oratorio (December 12 and 13, 8 PM): I Cantori di Carmel at the Carmel Mission.
Ice Skating by the Bay (late November to early January): outdoor rink at Custom House Plaza, Monterey.
First Night Monterey (December 31, 3 PM to midnight): New Year's Eve celebration in downtown Monterey.
Dates and times come from the organizers' announcements as of October 2026; check them again before your trip.
