Pacific Grove is a beautiful destination to escape to for holiday adventures and fun. This charming Victorian town by the sea offers fun and exciting holiday events that cater to the entire family and bring the holiday cheer a little closer with the activities you and your family can attend. Let us help you plan the most stunning Christmas in Pacific Grove CA with this super useful holiday guide!
Always remember to double-check dates, opening times, and weather conditions before traveling.
Best Things to do during Christmas in Pacific Grove CA
Candy Cane Lane Pacific Grove
- Address: 1081 Morse Dr, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 (down to Platt Park)
- Date: First Saturday in December through December 31, 5-10 PM
Candy Cane Lane is a neighborhood-sponsored event in Pacific Grove, CA (similar Miracle on 34th Street in the Hampden neighborhood of Baltimore). These neighbors love the holidays like no other neighborhood on the Monterey Peninsula. Locals use their own money to decorate the street and Platt Park, bringing joy to people across the county (and beyond). Donations are accepted to help with the decor, but it is free to walk by people’s houses all decked out for the holiday season.
If you drive, please be mindful that there are lots of kids walking around with their parents, but everyone is distracted by the lights and displays. Parking is limited, but walking really is the best way to see it all.
Christmas at the Inns
- Address: Pacific Grove, CA 93950 (locations change every year)
- Date: two weekdays in early December
Christmas is the perfect time to visit 10 bed and breakfast inns in Pacific Grove, CA. Each offers live music and holiday treats. While children under age 12 are welcome (and they do not require a ticket), this is more of a grown up adventure, so maybe grab a sitter for the night. Tickets are $20 per person, good for both nights. Locals can get a peek at some of the B&Bs in their community, while guests will love soaking up the decadent Victorian-era decor and welcoming charm that each innkeeper brings to the season.
Tree Lighting and Santa Party
- Address: Jewell Park; Central Ave
- Date: Monday after Thanksgiving
Looking for Pacific Grove Christmas lights? Over at Jewell Park, everyone’s favorite family activity will be back. School bands and choruses will perform holiday classics, followed by caroling and kids’ activities. The family can visit Santa and enjoy the tree lighting, which typically happens around 5:30 pm. The event starts at 4:30 pm, and you can check Pacific Grove’s website for more information.
Pacific Grove Parade of Lights
- Address: Lighthouse Ave
- Date: 1st Thursday in December
Locals and visitors can enjoy a Pacific Grove parade of lights down Lighthouse Avenue. Everyone will be greeted with dazzling lights, a marching band, and a lot of festive cheer. Viewers are recommended to bundle up and bring their hot cocoa while enjoying the parade. After the parade, everyone can enjoy the Victorian shopping area filled with bakeries and boutiques, all of which stay open late for holiday fun.
Stillwell Holiday Fun in the Park
- Address: Caledonia Park in Pacific Grove
- Date: 1st Saturday in December
Head over to Caledonia Park and enjoy games and activities with the entire family. The park will be filled with holiday music, refreshments, a petting zoo, carriage and even fire truck rides. Anyone can take a moment and take a photo with Santa. This popular Pacific Grove Christmas event is from 10 am to 4 pm.
First Friday Celebration
- Address: Downtown Pacific Grove
- Date: 1st Friday in December
Every year the businesses in downtown Pacific Grove decide to stay open late and hold special events for the visitors and locals of Pacific Grove. This event happens on the first Friday of December, where everyone is welcome to shop and enjoy numerous entertainers located downtown to help get into the holiday spirit.
Winterdance at St. Mary’s
- Address: 146 12th Street
- Date: 3rd Saturday in December
St. Mary’s is hosting their Winterdance. The dance revives holiday traditions, including Winterdance Celtic Christmas Celebration and Irish Dancers. Your family will be greeted with holiday music with a Nordic twist, plus there will be numerous performances with exotic instruments. There are two shows, one at 3:30 pm and the other at 7:30 pm. You can buy advanced tickets online or wait and purchase tickets at the door.
Pacific Grove fills their beautiful parks and downtown with holiday cheer for the entire family. You won’t regret heading out to this delightful little town and enjoying the holiday cheer with the locals and your family.