Oh, What Fun!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nCelebrate the holidays as the locals do at the 37th annual Christmas in the Adobes<\/strong><\/a> (Dec. 10-11), when Monterey\u2019s historic adobes open their doors and deck their halls for an evening of history, entertainment and family-friendly fun. Once a year, visitors are invited to step inside these 19th century clay adobes for a rare glimpse at early Spanish and Mexican settlers\u2019 homes. Each adobe offers a different experience, too, like dance lessons, live music and storytelling, making it an exciting and unpredictable tradition. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIn Pacific Grove, <\/strong>a classic American town at the tip of Monterey\u2019s peninsula, pull up a chair for the Parade of Lights<\/strong><\/a> (Dec. 2). This annual community event puts on quite a show with dazzling holiday floats, marching bands, dancers, equestrian groups and, of course, Santa Claus. Enjoy the family-friendly festivities, then pop into the area\u2019s boutique shops for unique local treasures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMonterey County\u2019s historic sites are often dressed for the occasion, too. Check out the holiday tree and ice skating rink at Old Fisherman\u2019s Wharf,<\/strong> or take part in Colton Hall<\/strong>\u2019s annual tree lighting ceremony.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSip & Savor<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSonoma and Napa Valley are renowned destinations for California wine lovers, but Monterey holds its own with award-winning chardonnay and pinot noir made with grapes from the Santa Lucia Highlands. During your holiday, explore the best of Monterey\u2019s burgeoning wine scene without the crowds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Cannery Row<\/strong>, A Taste of Monterey<\/strong><\/a> offers gorgeous panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Monterey Bay alongside local wines from over 95 wineries, plus an on-site wine market. Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette<\/strong><\/a>, a casual neighborhood gem at The Sanctuary Beach Resort<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>(an Independent Collection resort!), also offers an impressive selection of California-grown chardonnays and cabernet sauvignons, perfect for pairing with the restaurant\u2019s wood-fired seafood. In Pebble Beach<\/strong>, Stave Wine Cellar<\/strong><\/a> is an intimate, upscale spot with certified sommeliers pouring hard-to-find wines from around the world. For even more variety, check out <\/strong>The Wine House<\/strong><\/a>, a family-owned locals hangout in Carmel Valley<\/strong> featuring not one, but two<\/em> tasting rooms by local winemakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSerious wine enthusiasts should plan their Monterey holiday around Big Sur Wine & Food Festival<\/strong><\/a> (Nov. 4-6). This annual festival and fundraiser takes place almost entirely outdoors amid Big Sur\u2019s breathtaking landscapes. Think cliffside sommelier dinners and hikes through redwood forests (with wine in hand, of course). Unique experiences like the \u201cMagical Mystery Tour\u201d surprise guests with trips to undisclosed locations, while this year\u2019s \u201cMatsa Lelima\u201d event showcases traditional cuisine of Monterey County\u2019s native Esselen Tribe, prepared by tribe members themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\nPerhaps you\u2019re more of a foodie than a wine-o. Fear not, as Monterey boasts some of the region\u2019s best restaurants! During the holidays, why not indulge in a prix fixe feast? Your choices are seemingly endless, from award-winning restaurants with James Beard-winning chefs, to family-owned eateries overlooking the ocean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette<\/strong><\/a>, savor a multi-course Thanksgiving menu with holiday-inspired dishes like butternut squash bisque and local turkey stuffed with Santa Cruz apples and sage. And for Christmas, dig into Big Sur-salted prime rib, French-style lobster, and vegan pumpkin risotto. <\/p>\n\n\n\nChill Out(side)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFrom November through January, temperatures in Monterey rarely dip below 45 degrees. The central coast\u2019s famous fog also lightens up during winter, affording travelers some of the clearest, most spectacular views of the year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take advantage of Monterey\u2019s perfectly chilled weather and get outdoors<\/a>! Go for a hike through Jacks Peak County Park <\/strong>or Point Lobos State Reserve<\/strong>, bike along the Monterey Recreation Trail<\/strong>, or hit the links at the world-famous Pebble Beach<\/strong> golf course<\/strong><\/a>, one of the best public courses in America. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/li><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhale watching<\/strong> in Monterey Bay is especially great during winter months, when gray whales begin to migrate north. Join a whale watching cruise to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures along with oceanic friends like dolphins, sea otters, harbor seals, and sea lions. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThough technically<\/em> an indoor and outdoor space, the Monterey Bay Aquarium<\/strong><\/a> is one of the best aquariums in the world and an absolute must-see for all ages. With a state-of-the-art facility on Monterey\u2019s National Marine Sanctuary, the aquarium offers a spectacular journey through the ocean\u2019s fascinating habitats and aquatic creatures. Get up-close to penguins and sharks, marvel at giant jellyfish, and watch for humpback whales on the ocean view deck.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAbove the sea, Monterey\u2019s skies also witness a fascinating migration: monarch butterflies. Visit the Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary<\/strong><\/a> during winter, when flurries of orange and black descend upon Pacific Grove, also known as \u201cButterfly Town, USA.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nCarmel-by-the-Sea<\/strong> and Cannery Row<\/strong> are delightful, European-style towns perfectly suited for afternoon strolls. During peak summer season, the towns are jam-packed with curious tourists. But during winter months, travelers are free to explore over 100 antique shops, art galleries, breweries, boutiques, and top-rated restaurants at their leisure.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThree…Two…One…<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nMonterey might not be a party epicenter like its famous California neighbors, but there are plenty of exciting events to ring in the New Year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Families traveling with children can\u2019t miss First Night Monterey<\/strong><\/a> (Dec. 31), an annual, alcohol-free celebration with a day-long lineup of live music and theatrical performances, public art installations, and tons of hands-on activities for all ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Pacific Grove, <\/strong>a classic American town at the tip of Monterey\u2019s peninsula, pull up a chair for the Parade of Lights<\/strong><\/a> (Dec. 2). This annual community event puts on quite a show with dazzling holiday floats, marching bands, dancers, equestrian groups and, of course, Santa Claus. Enjoy the family-friendly festivities, then pop into the area\u2019s boutique shops for unique local treasures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Monterey County\u2019s historic sites are often dressed for the occasion, too. Check out the holiday tree and ice skating rink at Old Fisherman\u2019s Wharf,<\/strong> or take part in Colton Hall<\/strong>\u2019s annual tree lighting ceremony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sonoma and Napa Valley are renowned destinations for California wine lovers, but Monterey holds its own with award-winning chardonnay and pinot noir made with grapes from the Santa Lucia Highlands. During your holiday, explore the best of Monterey\u2019s burgeoning wine scene without the crowds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n On Cannery Row<\/strong>, A Taste of Monterey<\/strong><\/a> offers gorgeous panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Monterey Bay alongside local wines from over 95 wineries, plus an on-site wine market. Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette<\/strong><\/a>, a casual neighborhood gem at The Sanctuary Beach Resort<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>(an Independent Collection resort!), also offers an impressive selection of California-grown chardonnays and cabernet sauvignons, perfect for pairing with the restaurant\u2019s wood-fired seafood. In Pebble Beach<\/strong>, Stave Wine Cellar<\/strong><\/a> is an intimate, upscale spot with certified sommeliers pouring hard-to-find wines from around the world. For even more variety, check out <\/strong>The Wine House<\/strong><\/a>, a family-owned locals hangout in Carmel Valley<\/strong> featuring not one, but two<\/em> tasting rooms by local winemakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Serious wine enthusiasts should plan their Monterey holiday around Big Sur Wine & Food Festival<\/strong><\/a> (Nov. 4-6). This annual festival and fundraiser takes place almost entirely outdoors amid Big Sur\u2019s breathtaking landscapes. Think cliffside sommelier dinners and hikes through redwood forests (with wine in hand, of course). Unique experiences like the \u201cMagical Mystery Tour\u201d surprise guests with trips to undisclosed locations, while this year\u2019s \u201cMatsa Lelima\u201d event showcases traditional cuisine of Monterey County\u2019s native Esselen Tribe, prepared by tribe members themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps you\u2019re more of a foodie than a wine-o. Fear not, as Monterey boasts some of the region\u2019s best restaurants! During the holidays, why not indulge in a prix fixe feast? Your choices are seemingly endless, from award-winning restaurants with James Beard-winning chefs, to family-owned eateries overlooking the ocean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette<\/strong><\/a>, savor a multi-course Thanksgiving menu with holiday-inspired dishes like butternut squash bisque and local turkey stuffed with Santa Cruz apples and sage. And for Christmas, dig into Big Sur-salted prime rib, French-style lobster, and vegan pumpkin risotto. <\/p>\n\n\n\n From November through January, temperatures in Monterey rarely dip below 45 degrees. The central coast\u2019s famous fog also lightens up during winter, affording travelers some of the clearest, most spectacular views of the year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Take advantage of Monterey\u2019s perfectly chilled weather and get outdoors<\/a>! Go for a hike through Jacks Peak County Park <\/strong>or Point Lobos State Reserve<\/strong>, bike along the Monterey Recreation Trail<\/strong>, or hit the links at the world-famous Pebble Beach<\/strong> golf course<\/strong><\/a>, one of the best public courses in America. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whale watching<\/strong> in Monterey Bay is especially great during winter months, when gray whales begin to migrate north. Join a whale watching cruise to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures along with oceanic friends like dolphins, sea otters, harbor seals, and sea lions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Though technically<\/em> an indoor and outdoor space, the Monterey Bay Aquarium<\/strong><\/a> is one of the best aquariums in the world and an absolute must-see for all ages. With a state-of-the-art facility on Monterey\u2019s National Marine Sanctuary, the aquarium offers a spectacular journey through the ocean\u2019s fascinating habitats and aquatic creatures. Get up-close to penguins and sharks, marvel at giant jellyfish, and watch for humpback whales on the ocean view deck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Above the sea, Monterey\u2019s skies also witness a fascinating migration: monarch butterflies. Visit the Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary<\/strong><\/a> during winter, when flurries of orange and black descend upon Pacific Grove, also known as \u201cButterfly Town, USA.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Carmel-by-the-Sea<\/strong> and Cannery Row<\/strong> are delightful, European-style towns perfectly suited for afternoon strolls. During peak summer season, the towns are jam-packed with curious tourists. But during winter months, travelers are free to explore over 100 antique shops, art galleries, breweries, boutiques, and top-rated restaurants at their leisure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Monterey might not be a party epicenter like its famous California neighbors, but there are plenty of exciting events to ring in the New Year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Families traveling with children can\u2019t miss First Night Monterey<\/strong><\/a> (Dec. 31), an annual, alcohol-free celebration with a day-long lineup of live music and theatrical performances, public art installations, and tons of hands-on activities for all ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.independentcollection.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/iStock-478234710-1024x678.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.independentcollection.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/brian-mcgowan-qwSrwHantvY-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nSip & Savor<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.independentcollection.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/SWR-Wood-Grilled-Oysters_forweb-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nChill Out(side)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.independentcollection.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/jeffrey-eisen-y-d3fXnhu-o-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\")
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<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThree…Two…One…<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.independentcollection.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/iStock-1199893093-1024x683.jpg\")
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