The Central Coast is gearing up for the holiday season with a variety of festive events to kindle the holiday spirit. So, break out your cozy winter clothes and get ready to join in the celebrations taking place across the region!

Here's a roundup of some community events happening on the Central Coast:

1. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer The Musical – Nov. 25 to Dec. 17 from 3 PM to 4:30 PM

2. Holiday Tree Lighting and Carmel Plaza Party – Dec. 1 from 3 PM to 7 PM

3. Christmas on the Wharf – Dec. 1 from 5 PM to 6 PM

4. Iluminado Celebration – Dec. 1 from 5 PM to 8 PM

5. Historic Downtown Monterey’s Traditional Tree Lighting – Dec. 1 from 5 PM to 7 PM

6. Holiday Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony – Dec. 1 from 3 PM to 7 PM

7. Post Tree Lighting Ceremony Fun at Alvarado Street Brewery and Bistro – Dec. 1

8. Marina Christmas Tree Lighting – Dec. 1 from 6 PM to 7:30 PM

9. Soquel Village Christmas Tree Lighting – Dec. 1 from 6:30 PM to 8 PM

10. Downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade – Dec. 2 from 10 AM to 12 PM

11. Capitola Holiday Cookie Walk – Dec. 2 & 3 from 11 AM -to 4 PM

12. Aptos Village Green: Holiday Craft Fair and Tree Lighting – Dec. 2 from 1 PM to 4 PM

13. Boulder Creek: Tree Lighting and Santa Visit – Dec. 2 from 2 PM to 6 PM

14. Stillwell’s Fun in the Park – Dec. 2 from 11 AM to 3 PM

15. Winter Stanton Art Market – Dec. 3 at 10 AM

16. Christmas in the Adobes – Dec. 8 to Dec. 9 from 5 PM to 9 PM

17. Monterey Peninsula Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker – Dec. 8 to Dec. 9 at 7 PM

18. Holiday Caroling at East Garrison – Dec. 22 from 6 PM to 8 PM

19. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Winter Wonderland – Starts Thanksgiving (happening each weekend through Dec. 10, then from Dec. 16-31)

20. First Night Monterey – Dec. 31 from 3 PM to 12 AM

The Central Coast is festive and lively, and these events have something for everyone. From tree lightings to performances, there are many ways to enjoy this holiday season. So, mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and join the fun and magic of these events. Don’t miss this chance to make memories and share the holiday spirit!

It’s officially December which means you can officially start playing your favorite holiday music on the iHeartRadio App anywhere you go! Whether you’re in the mood for classic carols, festive pop hits, or jazzy tunes, you’ll find the perfect soundtrack for your holiday season on iHeartRadio!

For more details to these events and more, check out the links below:

Holiday Events in Monterey, CA | Holiday Events Calendar. (n.d.). https://www.seemonterey.com/events/holiday-events/

2023 Holiday Events in Monterey & Carmel | Calendar of Events. (n.d.). WhatsUpMonterey.com. https://whatsupmonterey.com/events/holiday-events

Holiday Events: Christmas tree lightings, parades, and holiday lights. (n.d.). ksbw.com. https://www.ksbw.com/article/holiday-events-christmas-tree-lightings-parades-and-holiday-lights/45929938

Visit Santa Cruz County. (n.d.-b). Events Archive - Visit Santa Cruz County. https://www.santacruz.org/upcoming-events/photo/?tribe_eventcategory%5B0%5D=1844&hide_subsequent_recurrences=1

Ivan Gonzalez