11 Fantastic Christmas Things to Do in Carmel Ca (2023)

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Carmel is the perfect spot along the PCH to create lasting holiday memories with your friends and family in California. Unique opportunities will leave your family wanting to come back every year to spend the holidays by the sea and in lovely downtown

There are several things to do in Carmel, as well as nearby Pacific Grove and Monterey, so if you’re spending Christmas in Carmel CA, you’ve come to the right place.

What can you expect in Carmel this season? Tree lightings, a flying Santa, a performance of the Nutcracker Ballet, a brass Christmas concert and even a holiday fun run.

Ornament at the Pacific Ocean during Christmas in Carmel CA

Top Things to Do in CARMEL CA at Christmas

Carmel has a little bit of something for everyone, including your furry pal, that will help bring your entire family a little closer during the holidays.

Carmel Christmas Tree Lighting and Carmel PLaza Party

  • Address: Junipero Street and Ocean Ave
  • Date: 1st Friday in December

Head out to Carmel’s major crossroads, Juniper Street and Ocean Ave, where you and the entire family can enjoy the annual City Holiday Tree and Menorah Lighting Celebration. The event will have carolers and the Carmel Plaza Holiday Open House. The mayor always flips the switch to light the grand tree and the holiday seasoning throughout Carmel.

The Nutcracker  – The Ballet Theatre of Carmel

  • Address: Sunset Center, San Carlos St, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
  • Date: Third weekend in December
  • Website

For one special weekend in December, The Nutcracker Ballet is performed at the Sunset Center in Carmel-by-the-Sea. You can catch three performances, all of which feature 150 dancers’ interpretations of the holiday classic. Y

Go online to reserve your tickets to the ballet, one of the most traditional events in Carmel-By-The-Sea at Christmas.

Annual Inns of Distinction- Carmel Inn Holiday Tour 

  • Address: inn locations vary by year
  • Dates: 2nd week in December
  • Website

Carmel’s Heritage Society will host the Inns of Distinction Tour. Visitors can discover the finest inns and hotels in Carmel that are decorated in their finest holiday décor for the season. While enjoying your tour, you will be treated to light bites and local Monterey County Wines.

Santa Fly-In and Parade 

  • Address: Carmel Valley Airfield, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
  • Date: Second Saturday in December
  • Website

Christmas in Carmel CA also mean that Mr. and Mrs. Claus will appear at the Carmel Valley Airfield via helicopter to an annual event. The duo will board a vintage firetruck where they will be headed to Carmel Valley Community Youth Center Hall. There’s a parade that will commence with festive food and entertainment. Children can take a photo with Santa while visiting. The event is from 10:30 am until 2 pm.

King’s Brass Christmas Concert 

  • Address: Carmel Presbyterian Church 
  • Date: 3rd week in December
  • Website

The King’s Brass is returning once again to perform their belove Christmas Concert for the people of Carmel. The concert is free to the public, no tickets are needed, and it is held at the corner of Juniper and Ocean Ave, the same place where the Carmel Christmas Tree lighting occurs. You can get more information about the concert online. The show is held from 7 pm to 8:30 pm.

Carmel’s Dog Shop’s Photo with Santa Paws 

  • Address: Lincoln Street between Ocean and 7th
  • Dates: Every Sunday starting on Thanksgiving through Christmas

Fido needs to get in the holiday spirit too, and you can bring them to Carmel Dog Shop for a photo with Santa. Starting on Thanksgiving, your dog can dress up and get their picture taken with Santa for a $20 fee, and 100% of the proceeds are donated to Peace of Mind Dog Rescue. The event happens weekly from 11 am to 2 pm.

Rio Grill’s Resolution Run 

  • Address: 101 The, Crossroads Blvd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
  • Date: New Year’s Day (check for cancellation before you go)
  • Website

Rio Grill is holding their annual 5k, but it will be virtual this year. Any time on January 1, participants can complete a 5k (3.1 miles) or a 10k (6.2 miles) walk or run for their traditional race.

Typically, the race begins at Rio Grill in the Crossroads Shopping Village, where participants can enjoy views that include trails and water. You can register for either distance online, and your registration includes a t-shirt, digital bib, and opportunities to win prizes. One of the most traditional Carmel Christmas events, and certainly one you don’t want to miss.

The holiday season is the perfect time to explore new places and create lasting memories with your family. You will love your time around Christmas in Carmel especially when you spend the holiday season by the beach and enjoy a nice glass of wine.

The race has been cancelled in 2021, 2022 and 2023, so please double check that the event is still happening before you arrive.

More Christmas Events in Carmel-By-The-Sea

  • Smuin’s The Christmas Ballet at Sunset Center: First weekend in December
  • Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer the Musical at the Outdoor Forest Theater: Select dates in November and December
  • Carmel Art Walk: Second Saturday of the month
Carmel California

Need a Hotel in Carmel?

Find more great deals in Carmel/ Camel-by-the-Sea Hotels HERE or and Carmel vacation rentals in the interactive map below.

Holidays on Fourth in Long Beach at Christmas -nphoto by Keryn Means, a travel expert at TwistTravelMag.com

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Christmas Events in Carmel California

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