The Monterey peninsula is an amazing place to be at any time of year, but come December, it gets even better. Tree Lightings in each community, the homes are decorated, the waves are big. No matter how you celebrate, there is something for everyone. This week's page will give you ideas on where to go, what to do and when to do it - including local Farmer's Markets for each day of the week, movie times and even dog friendly options. You will love it so much you just might want to move here... and I know just the perfect Real Estate Team!
Events
Annual Holiday Parade of Lights
December 1, 2016
6:00pm
Pacific Grove
Ice Skating by the Bay
Through January 1,2017
Custom House Plaza
Monterey
Carmel Plaza Holiday
Open House
December 2, 2016
5:00-7:00pm
FREE
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea Tree Lighting
December 2, 2016
3:30pm
FREE
Devendorf Park
Christmas Night at the Farm
December 2, 2016
6:00pm
FREE
The Farm, Salinas
Christmas on the Wharf
December 2-18, 2016
Frisherman's Wharf, Monterey
Historic Downtown Monterey's
Traditional Christmas Tree
Lighting Celebration
December 2, 2016
5:00-6:00pm
FREE
Colton Hall
23rd Annual Stillwell's
Fun in the Park
December 3, 2016
10:00am-4:00pm
Caledonia Park
Pacific Grove
Santa's Live Reindeer
December 3, 2016
12:00-4:00pm
FREE
Golden State Theatre
Monterey
Brighten the Harbor
Boat Parade
December 4, 2016
5:30-8:00pm
FREE
Monterey
Jingle Bell Run
December 10, 2016
Lovers Point Park
Pacific Grove
Santa's Fly-In
December 10, 2016
10:30am-Noon
FREE
Carmel Valley Village Airfield
Salinas Valley Comic Con
December 16-18, 2016
7:00pm
Hartnell College
Salinas
Cheese & Wine Pairing
December 29, 2016
4:00-7:00pm
Bargetto Winery
Monterey
Bubbles and Brews
December 31, 2016
6:30pm-1:00am
Alvarado Street Brewery
Monterey
First Night Monterey
December 31, 2016
Downtown Monterey
Monday
Pacific Grove Certified Farmers' Market
3pm - 7pm, 3pm - 6pm (winter)
Grand Avenue and Central Avenue
Tuesday
Old Monterey Marketplace
4pm - 8pm (summer),
4pm - 7pm (winter)
Alvarado Street and W Franklin Street
Thursday
Carmel-by-the-Sea Certified Farmers' Market
10am - 2pm
6th Street and Mission Street
Soledad Farmers' Market
4pm - 8pm (May - December)
Encinal Street
Friday
Monterey Peninsula College Certified Farmers' Market
10am - 2pm
Monterey Peninsula College
930 Fremont St.
Carmel Valley Community Center
2:30-6:00pm
Saturday
Downtown Salinas Saturday Certified Farmers' Market
9am - 2pm
Gabilan Street between Main and Salinas Streets
Sunday
Marina Everyone's Harvest Certified Farmers' Market
10am - 2pm
215 Reservation Road
Things To Do
Ski Central
Bay Area Ski Bus
Pfeiffer Big Sur
Andrew Molera State Park
Asilomar State Beach
Monterey Sports Center
Sacntuary Rock Gym
Folktale Winery
Carmel Wine Walk
National Steinbeck Center
Pacific Grove Museum of
Natural History
Colton Hall Museum
Cannery Row Brewing Co.
Fisherman's Wharf
Monterey Lanes
Top 10 Day Hikes
Quail Lodge & Golf Club
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Cannery Row
Mirror Maze
Whale Watching
Fishing and Sailing
Mazda Raceway
Jacks Peak Park
Carmel Mission
Pebble Beach
Monterey County Fair & Event Center
Point Lobos
Tor House
Pinnacles National Park
Point Pino Lighthouse
Moss Landing State Beach
Museum of Monterey
Pacific Repertory Theatre
The holidays should be a time to celebrate meaningful moments with friends and family. But sometimes they become so commercialized that their value gets lost amid the stress of shopping, wrapping, and cleaning up. This year, why not take a break from the frenzy? Plan a special celebration with your loved ones that maximizes the quality time you spend together and minimizes the stressful hours you devote to shopping. At home, consider the following ideas to enrich your festivities:
Recycle used ribbons, bows and decorative wrappings. Store used paper and accessories in a convenient place for the next birthday or holiday occasion.
Try alternatives to storebought wrapping paper. Leftover fabric, lightweight wallpaper, colorful scarves and even the Sunday comics work just as well.
Buy a live holiday tree. The tree will survive inside for about a week with ample watering and somewhat cool air temperatures. When you're ready, transplant it outside to a spot you have already prepared, or donate it to a school or community center. If you buy a cut tree rather than a live one, recycle it.
Decorate with delight. Ask your children to make garlands and wreaths from leftover construction paper, wild berries, fruits and nuts. Craft homespun centerpieces from boughs and pinecones gathered in your yard. Brighten up doors and hallways with holiday greeting cards. Trade decorations with friends or family to add a "new" flair to your home without having to buy new products.
Purchase greeting cards from a non-profit organization. In many cases, a part of the purchase price can be deducted as a contribution to the organization.
Entertain efficiently. Replace throwaway plates, cups, silverware and napkins with durable goods you can use season after season.
Reuse cookie tins, baskets and festive food containers. Refill these next year and give them as gifts.
Try catalog shopping. You'll save energy and reduce your own stress levels by not driving back and forth to various shopping malls.
Friday, December 2, 2016
Always Shine
Jackie
Man Down
Friday, December 9, 2016
Friend Request
Miss Sloane
Nocturnal Animals
Office Christmas Party
Friday, December 16, 2016
Collateral Beauty
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
La La Land
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Assassin's Creed
Passengers
Patriots Day
Sing
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Why Him?