The holidays
Tree lightings, light displays, visits with Santa, holiday markets, Nutcracker and carol performances, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa celebrations in Carmel-by-the-Sea, updated every day.
Annual events, checked against each organizer's own page. Confirm details there before you go.
Saturday, November 21
The city's long-running juried craft fair, held the Saturday before Thanksgiving, with local makers selling handmade gifts, wreaths, ceramics and treats.
Sunset Center North Lot (per the city's vendor notice)
City of Carmel-by-the-Sea: 2026 Events →Friday, December 4
The city's annual holiday tree lighting in Devendorf Park. In past years it included Santa arriving by fire truck and a menorah lighting.
Devendorf Park, Ocean Avenue at Junipero
City of Carmel-by-the-Sea: 2026 Events →Friday, December 11 · 7 p.m. (also Dec 12 at 7 p.m. and Dec 13 at 2 p.m.)
Monterey Peninsula Ballet Theatre's annual Nutcracker at Sunset Center, with three performances over one December weekend.
Sunset Center, San Carlos Street at 9th Avenue
Sunset Center: The Nutcracker →A Sunday afternoon in early December (December 7 in 2025); the society lists its next tour as December 6, 2-6 p.m. · this year's date not yet announced
Carmel Heritage Society's ticketed, self-guided walking tour of holiday-decorated historic inns, with wine and food tastings.
Historic inns and boutique hotels around Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel Heritage Society: Tickets →No holiday events for 2026 are on Carmel-by-the-Sea’s local calendars yet. They appear here as organizers post them; you can also share one.
Light displays, drive-throughs and tree-lighting ceremonies.
Photos with Santa, breakfasts and letters to the North Pole.
Shop local makers for the holidays.
Ballet, choirs, concerts and holiday theater.
Menorah lightings and celebrations across traditions.
Crafts, story times and holiday fun for kids.
Everything else on local calendars this season.
Add your event to the Carmel-by-the-Sea calendar. Staff review every submission before publication.
Christmas Day is Friday, December 25, 2026.
This page lists upcoming holiday events in Carmel-by-the-Sea from local calendars, including libraries, the city, venues and organizers. It updates every day as calendars post new dates.
The “Holiday lights and tree lightings” section lists public light displays and tree-lighting events on local calendars, with dates and links to each organizer.
Use the "Share an event" form. Include the date, time, place and the organizer’s link; a person reviews it before it appears.