Annual Events

Roaring Camp Holiday Tree Walk
Roaring Camp
Enjoy festively decorated holiday trees
Date: Every day (Nov 27-Dec 6)
Ages: all
Special Instructions: Purchase Ticket in Advance

Roaring Camp Holiday Tree Walk
Steam trains depart 11:00 am and 12:30 pm, November 27, 28 & 29 and at 12:30 pm on December 5 & 6.

Ring in the holiday season at Roaring Camp's Holiday Tree Walk. Passengers riding the steam train will delight in the tree-lined walk of festive holiday trees displayed atop Bear Mountain. Co-sponsored by KEZR Radio - MIX 106.5 and Crest Ranch Christmas Tree Farm, guests may sip hot cider and view beautifully adorned trees decorated by area businesses and organizations as they raise funds for their respective organizations. Story-telling for children in the

Salinas Library Events
Salinas Public Libraries
Date: Every day

John Steinbeck
STORY TIME, Saturdays, 11:00am, Stories, crafts and activities for pre-school age.
BEGINNERS COMPUTER LAB, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3pm-6pm, Saturdays, 10am-1pm
ADULT TUTORING (reading, writing, conversation), Tuesdays - Saturdays, 11am-6-pm
One-on-one and small group
GED PREPARATION, Fridays, 10am-1pm, Small group

 

Cesar Chavez Library
LEARN TO PLAY CHESS
Most Wednesdays, 6:30-8pm, Children and adults alike can enjoy free chess lessons conducted by Library Commissioner Alberto Murillo. Any person interested in learning how to play chess or advance their skills can participate in this program on a first come first serve basis. Mr. Murillo, a chess instructor for Alisal Center for the Fine Arts, has taught chess classes and strategy to inmates from Monterey County Rehabilitation Center, to the youth in Salinas Recreation Centers and to hundreds of students from the Alisal Union School District.
FAMILY STORY TIME, Wednesdays, 4pm, Fun for all ages!
HOMEWORK CENTER, Tuesdays - Fridays, 3-5:30pm, Saturdays, 10am-2pm, Grades K - 8 (high school volunteer opportunities)
ADULT TUTORING (reading, writing, conversation), Tuesdays - Saturdays, 11am-6pm, One-on-one and small group

 

El Gabilan Library
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME, Thursdays, 4pm, Preschool ages, but all children are welcome
PAJAMA STORY TIME, First Thursday of the month, 5:00pm
Preschool ages, but all children are welcome
ADULT TUTORING (reading, writing, conversation)
Tuesdays - Saturdays, 11am-6pm, One-on-one

 

Adopt-a-Family for the Holidays
Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County
Opportunity to support youth
Date: Every day (Dec 4-Dec 19)

Each Holiday season, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County selects over 100 Club members and their immediate family to sponsor for the holidays. Each family is selected based on need and is personally contacted by our staff. Shopping lists are created and prioritized, based on gender, age, clothing size and gift preference. Each gift is then matched with a child, wrapped, and grouped by family. This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to support the youth of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County. Those interested in the Adopt-a-Family program may deliver unwrapped gifts; monetary donations appreciated by December 15 to:

 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County, P.O. Box 97, Seaside, CA 93955

Donations may be made online at www.bgcmc.org. For more information on the Adopt-a-Family program, contact Lee Ann Luongo at lluongo@bgcmc.org.

 

Narnia
Ariel Theatricals
Children's Theatre at its best
Date: Every day (Dec 4-Dec 17)

Narnia, A Musical adaptation of C.S. Lewis' The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Performances: December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19

Performances with 65-child cast at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Saturday through Dec. 19.

Santa at Del Monte
Del Monte Center
Not-to-be-missed Santa's Workshop is built in the Arts and Crafts style, and features a fireplace and real hardwood floors
Date: Every day (Dec 1-Dec 24)

Visit Santa At His Fabulous Workshop & Gift Wrap Pavilion At Del Monte Shopping Center
Visit Santa through December 24
Friday, December 4 - December 18 - 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Saturdays thru December 19 - 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Sundays, thru December 20 - 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Week of December 14 - December 17 - 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Monday, December 21 - December 23 - 9:00 am - 10:00 pm
Thursday, December 24 - 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Bring the whole family to visit Santa at his beautiful workshop at Del Monte Shopping Center where he can be found on many special designated "Santa Days" through December 24. The not-to-be-missed Santa's Workshop is built in the Arts and Crafts style, and features a fireplace and real hardwood floors. Kids can give Santa their wish list, have a photo taken with him, and receive a free candy cane. Attached to Santa's Workshop is the "Gift Wrap Pavilion" where several local non-profit organizations will gift-wrap Del Monte Shopping Center shoppers' gift items for a donation to the organization helping that day.

Streets of Bethlehem
First Baptist Church of Salinas
300 re-enactors, along with live animals and musical groups, recreate the story of the birth of Jesus Christ
Date: Every day (Dec 3-Dec 7)

Special Instructions: Call to verify dates

Streets of Bethlehem Rediscover the true reason for the Christmas season.

Experience Streets of Bethlehem Dec. 3-7, 2009; a living history interactive experience. Step into the Nativity story, walk with Mary and Joseph as 300 re-enactors, along with live animals and musical groups, recreate the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Volunteers from the First Baptist Church of Salinas recreate the entire town of Bethlehem, to give visitors a true immersive experience.

 

ABSOLUTELY NO PETS PLEASE! They upset the wild animals

Monterey Angels
City of Monterey
find angels in many areas of historic downtown Monterey, as well as Custom House and Pacific House on Custom House Plaza in Mont
Date: Every day (Dec 3-Dec 31)
Ages: all Admission Fees: Free

Monterey Angels

In 1956, Erica Franke, a local Carmel artist, was commissioned to create 100 unique holiday lamppost decorations for the City of Monterey.This was the birth of the "Monterey Angels." Over half a century later they still watch over the streets of of Monterey during the Christmas holiday season. The Cultural Arts Commission has invited local artists and students from the Youth Arts Collection to create new angels to join the ones that have hung for over half a century. The angels can be found this holiday season in many areas of historic downtown Monterey, as well as Custom House and Pacific House on Custom House Plaza in Monterey.

 

Monterey State Historic Park House Tours
State Park Monterey Historic
Step into the past on the "Monterey Walking Path of History"
Date: Every Su, Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri and Sa
Admission Fees: Free

Monterey State Historic Park is a collection of significant historic houses and buildings interspersed throughout Old Monterey. The inside of the Stevenson House, Larkin House, Cooper-Molera Adobe, and Casa Soberanes can ONLY be viewed with a State Park Guide.  Guided Walking Tours begin at the Pacific House Museum in Custom House Plaza - a great way to start your discovery of Monterey.

Step into the past on the "Monterey Walking Path of History" and view the site where Spanish explorers first landed in Monterey in 1602. See one of the nation's last remaining whalebone sidewalks. Walk the same streets that famed author Robert Louis Stevenson walked in 1879. Explore this two-mile path and discover some of California's most historic homes, buildings and beautiful gardens along the way.

 

Gardens are open daily: May - Sept: 9am-5pm;  Oct - April: 10am-4pm

Five Guided Tours, daily except Thursday:
Cooper-Molera Adobe, 525 Polk Street, 12 & 3pm
Casa Soberanes 336 Pacific Street, 11:30am & 3pm
Larkin House, 510 Calle Principal, 10am & 12pm
Stevenson House, 530 Houston Street Open 1:30-4pmSunday to Wednesday and 1-4pm Saturday, tours daily 2pm
Walking Tours of Old Monterey at 10:30am, beginning at the Pacific House Museum, Custom House Plaza, near Fisherman's Wharf.

Smuin Ballet
Smuin Ballet
Amagical treat for audiences of all ages
Date: Every day (Dec 4-Dec 5)

Smuin Ballet - Holiday Program
Do you love the endlessly beautiful Classical Christmas portion of The Christmas Ballet? Or do you delight in the charming, humorous and sexy Cool Christmas? Whichever your preference, we have the traditional standards that you love along with new choreography from Amy Seiwert, Robert Sund and others. The Christmas Ballet is a magical treat for audiences of all ages.

Friday, December 4, 8 pm; Saturday, December 5, 2 pm, 8 pm

Santa's Workshop & Charity Gift Wrap
Del Monte Center
Bring the whole family to visit Santa
Date: Every day (Nov 27-Dec 24)
Ages: All

Bring the whole family to visit Santa at his beautiful workshop at Del Monte Shopping Center where he can be found on many special designated "Santa Days" from November 23rd through December 24th, 2007. The not-to-be-missed Santa's Workshop is built in the Arts and Crafts style, and features a fireplace and real hardwood floors. All kids  can give Santa their wish list, have a photo taken with him, and receive a free candy cane.

Attached to Santa's Workshop is the "Gift Wrap Pavilion" where several local non-profit organizations will gift-wrap Del Monte Shopping Center shoppers' gift items for a donation to the organization helping that day.

 

Santa's schedule can be found at www.delmontecenter.com

For more information on store listings, movie times, weekend entertainment and special events, please call 1-888-I-SHOP-DM (888-474-6736) or visit www.DelMonteCenter.com.

Baby And Toddler Storytime in Seaside
Monterey County Free Libraries
Date: Every Fri (Jun 30-Dec 31) at 11:00am
Admission Fees: Free

Join us for stories and fun every Friday at 11am. Please call 899-2055 for more information.

Carmel Walks!
Pine Inn
Walking tour of charming Carmel
Date: Every Tues, Wed, Th, Fri and Sa from 10:00am to 12:00pm

Carmel Walks

Discover the special charms of Carmel-by-the-Sea on a 2-hour guided walking tour thru secret pathways, hidden courtyards, award-winning gardens, and by enchanting fairytale cottages... the homes, haunts, and history of famous artists, writers, and movie stars.
Learn about the spirit, characters, and customs that make Carmel unique.

 

Reservations recommended. $25, Private group tours available on request.
Tuesdays - Saturdays 10am to noon; additional tour at 2pm on Saturdays

Each walk is an extraordinary adventure featuring such sites as:

* The original fairytale cottages and home of Carmel's
"Builder of Dreams," Hugh Comstock.
* Homes and haunts of bohemian artists and writers.
* Edward Weston's photo studio and the photographic legacy of Carmel.
* 1914 Golf House - historic clubhouse of the Carmel golf course.
* Architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright, Charles S. Greene, Julia Morgan and Bernard Maybeck.
* Feminist Mary Austin's home and treehouse site.
* Why Clint named his pub the "Hog's Breath Inn."
* Doris Day's dog digs and special K-9 tax forms.
* Plein-Aire painters and local artists.
* Poet Robinson Jeffers' log cabin.
* The oldest art gallery in Carmel.
* Famous movie locations.
* Special off-beat places and unique spots and more!

 

Tour of Tor House and Hawk Tower
Tor House
Visit remarkable Tor House and climb Hawk Tower
Date: Every Fri and Sa at 10:00am
Admission Fees: $2-$7

Tour of Tor House and Hawk Tower
     A visit to the extraordinary home of Robinson Jeffers, Carmel's most famous poet, is a very special experience. Open for docent-led tours throughout the year on Fridays and Saturdays. Tours are conducted hourly, with the first tour at 10am and the final tour at 3pm. Reservations should be made in advance by phone or email.

     Requests by email must be received at least one week in advance and are only assured if you receive a confirming email. Please provide alternate dates and/or times if possible. thf@torhouse.org
     Tour Tor House ... climb Hawk Tower, reminiscent of ancient Irish stone towers. Stroll through an English cottage garden rich in color, texture and fragrance. Experience the atmosphere that inspired some of America's finest poetry. Step back in time and follow the romance of Carmel's poet.
     Docent-led tours of Tor House, Hawk Tower and the old-world gardens are conducted hourly every Friday and Saturday. The first tour begins at 10 a.m. and the final tour at 3 p.m. Each tour is limited to a maximum of six people. For safety reasons, children under 12 years of age are not allowed.

Holiday Open House
Carmel Plaza Retailers
Live music, fun foods, holiday giveaways
Date: 12/04/2009

Holiday Open House
Carmel Plaza will host its annual holiday open house immediately following the City of Carmel's tree lighting with festivities for all ages. Live music, fun foods, holiday giveaways from Carmel Plaza Retailers and complimentary wine sponsored by Robert Mondavi Private Selection. Starts at 5:30p.m

First Friday Art Walk
Old Town Salinas
Live Music, Art Openings, Dance Performances, Light Refreshments, Special Promotions
Date: The 1st Fri of every month from 5:00pm to 8:00pm

First Fridays Art Walk in Oldtown
Held the First Friday of Each Month

Take a taste of Oldtown culture every month by strolling the First Fridays Art Walk. Experience art of all shapes, sizes and mediums, live entertainment and light refreshments throughout Oldtown. Organized by Artistas Unidos, First Fridays has become a fast nightlife favorite. For a First Fridays map and more information, visit the Artistas Unidos website.100 - 300 Blocks Main Street
Monterey & Salinas Streets
Chinatown
Railway Express ~ Train Station
Central Avenue

 

 

Wild Things Holiday Tours
Wild Things
A walk on the wild side with the holiday nighttime flashlight tour
Date: Every day (Dec 1-Dec 24)

Wild Things Holiday Tours 

This Christmas, take a walk on the wild side with the holiday nighttime flashlight tour of Wild Things Wild Animal Park. Meet real, live reindeer - Santa's added his sleigh-pulling friends to the menagerie at Wild Things; so you can view them along with the kangaroos, hyenas, lions, tigers, elephants and other animals. Rumor has it that Santa himself will be dropping by. Don't miss him! Reservations required. Warm refreshments and candy canes served after the tour. Photos available with live reindeer!

Monterey Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
City of Monterey
Date: 12/04/2009
Ages: All

Enjoy live music, caroling, and watch the town's tree lighting outside of Colton Hall in downtown Monterey.

Annual Fall Show at Youth Arts Collective
Youth Arts Collective
Amazing creative expression by teens!
Date: Every day (Nov 6-Dec 11)
Admission Fees: Free to attend; donations appreciated

Annual Fall Show at Youth Arts Collective

The dozens of young artists, aged 14-22, of this non-profit after-school arts studio give as good as they get in this annual and sprawling exhibition/fundraiser that floods the spacious space with all manner and direction of creative expression. It opens with a two-day reception that morphs in and out of party mode, but stays filled with positive energy you can feel just walking in until it closes in January. The wine, food and music are just candy sprinkles atop the hopeful chorus of voices this youthful art represents. Donations are appreciated; but you'll appreciate the artistic expression exponentially more. [WR]

 

· Fri, Nov 06, 5-9pm

· Sat, Nov 07, noon-4pm

· Fri, Nov 27

· Fri, Dec 11

regular hours: 3-7pm Fri, noon-4pm Sat