Cannery Row Tree Lighting, Monterey

November 28, 2025, 2-9 p.m. | Lighting at 5:45 p.m.

Cannery Row Steinbeck Plaza
Prescott Ave.
Monterey, CA
Free, canneryrow.com

The 31st annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Cannery Row happens in Steinbeck Plaza. This free, family-friendly favorite promises activities and entertainment for all ages, from photos with Santa Claus to Red Engine Rides and Carolers!

5:45-6 p.m. Tree Lighting in Steinbeck Plaza
6-9 p.m.  Visit Santa Claus in his house in Steinbeck Plaza. Christmas Carolers
Bring a camera to take a free photo!

On weekends families can visit and take photos with Santa Claus in Steinbeck Plaza  Saturdays and Sundays  12-3 p.m.

The Cannery Row holiday tree will be lit nightly throughout December, so you can revisit the magic with friends and family.

Monterey Del Monte Shopping Center Tree Lighting

November 22, 2025, 5-7 p.m.

Del Monte Shopping Center
Highway 1 at Munras Ave.
Monterey, CA
shopdelmonte.com

Del Monte Shopping Center will hold a free very special holiday tree lighting. The community is invited to come out and enjoy live holiday entertainment, delicious cookies and hot cocoa, and a visit from Santa himself as he magically lights the gorgeous holiday tree.

 

Colton Hall Tree Lighting Ceremony 

December 5, 2025, 5-6 p.m.

Colton Hall Lawn
570 Pacific Street
Monterey, CA
Free, oldmonterey.org

All are cordially invited to Monterey's Community Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration, featuring carols, candles, cookies, cider, music, and good cheer. Gather on the lawn in front of Colton Hall to share in this traditional, much-loved Monterey holiday celebration.

Tree of Life Lighting Ceremony

December 7, 2025, 5-6:30 p.m.

Portola Plaza
2 Portola Plaza
Monterey, CA
hospicegiving.org/treeoflife/

Music, merriment and raising money for a great cause all in one night. Celebrate with friends, family, and neighbors to honor loved ones, enjoy moving choir performances, an inspiring invocation, and the lighting of a beautiful Tree of Life. Everyone is welcome to leave a remembrance ornament and be part of this heartfelt tradition.  Tree of Life Tribute gifts can be made through the end of the year  as part of the lasting legacy of love and remembrance.

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.