Holiday Greetings

Carmel is a magical place during the holidays. Ocean Avenue glows with holiday lights and shop windows have enchanting displays. Every year I take some time just to stroll the town and side streets to enjoy the special decorations that residents and shop owners have carefully put up to share the joy of the season. The pace is slow, the shops are unique and the restaurants are warm. Carmel-by -the-Sea is a special town to visit to enjoy any and all holidays and celebrations.

The weekend of December 2^nd kicks off the holiday spirit with the annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Holiday Open House with entertainment beginning at 3:30 pm and the official lighting happening around 5:45 pm. There will be music, refreshments and performances. Santa may even make an appearance! Check out all the details here! Directly following the tree lighting will be the Holiday Open House in the Carmel Plaza. Be sure to stop by to beat the Christmas shopping rush!

On Sunday, December 4^th, take a tour of some of Carmel’s Inns of Distinction. Even though we are not on the tour this year, we still welcome you to come by and visit. We are happy to give a private tour, no tickets needed. Click here to purchase tickets for the Inns of Distinction tour.

Even though we don’t enjoy snowfall here on the peninsula, Ice Skating By The Bay in downtown Monterey manages to make us feel like we are in our own Winter Wonderland.

Dance Kids of Monterey County will be putting on their 23^rd Annual Nutcracker show this year. It will be performed in the Sunset Center starting Friday, December 9^th. Purchase tickets to the show here!

The Pacific Repertory Theatre at the Golden Bough Theater in Carmel is putting on two great shows this winter season.  Sister Act is showing until December 18^th.  It will be followed by Winter Boogie Wonderland from December 29^th through January 8^th. Click here to purchase tickets!

First Night Monterey is an annual New Year’s Eve celebration that takes place in downtown Monterey, from 3:00 pm to midnight.  If you’re interested in ringing in 2017 with Monterey locals and visitors, find all of the details here.

The Annual Rio Grill Resolution Run starts at the Crossroads, winds though downtown Carmel and ends at Carmel Mission.  The run is a family event, including dogs. Choose either a 5K or 10K course to run, walk, or stroll.

If you can’t make it to town over the holidays, think about January and February, just to relax and rejuvenate. We have lots of special packages available, simply call and ask. We also offer Gift Certificates that are perfect for any type of gift giving.

We hope to see you this Holiday season!