Each December, Carmel-by-the-Sea transforms into a glittering wonderland. Twinkling lights drape shopfronts and wind through tree branches, casting a soft, festive glow. The air carries a hint of ocean salt and woodsmoke, and the cozy hum of wine tasting rooms mingles with the laughter of holiday shoppers exploring the town’s one-of-a-kind boutiques. On Ocean Avenue, a Christmas tree anchors the magic.
With its mild year-round climate, December is one of the best times to visit Carmel. The season invites slow strolls through charming lanes, warm drinks by a firepit, and moments spent discovering treasures, whether a handmade ornament, a new favorite vintage, or a dish that defines holiday indulgence.
The holiday season officially begins on December 5, when the town gathers for Holidays in the Park, a heartwarming celebration held at Devendorf Park at the top of Ocean Avenue between Junipero and Mission Streets. From 3 to 7 p.m., locals and visitors come together for one of Carmel’s most beloved traditions — a joyful afternoon filled with community, cheer, and a touch of sparkle.
The event features the City Holiday Tree and Menorah lighting, marking Santa Claus’ grand entrance aboard a fire truck. The celebration also includes a traditional Menorah lighting ceremony, complete with gelt, dreidel spinning, and song before the tree is illuminated for all to see. The festivities continue as the crowd drifts toward Carmel Plaza to shop, sip, and savor. Visitors can enjoy small bites, festive drinks, face painting, kids’ crafts, and visits with Santa and Martin the Magical Elf.
Throughout December, the town’s storybook setting continues to dazzle with experiences for every kind of traveler. Lights and decorations illuminate every street, reflecting off glass storefronts and cobblestone walkways. The whimsical Comstock cottages — already charming year-round — are dressed in ribbons and garlands, making them look as though they’ve been plucked from the pages of a holiday storybook.
Visitors can browse boutiques for one-of-a-kind gifts at favorites like Somewhere in Carmel, House of Cardoon, Carmel Bay Company, Earth Cura Apothecary, and Hamilton Hat Shop. Those looking to splurge can head to luxury outposts such as Bottega Veneta, Cartier, and Jenni Kayne.
The cheer extends to the stage at Sunset Center, where festive performances light up December nights. Audiences can enjoy The Christmas Ballet or the Monterey Peninsula Ballet Theatre’s classic production of The Nutcracker, which brings more than 120 dancers to the stage for its 2025 performance.
No trip to Carmel would be complete without indulging in its celebrated food and wine scene. The village boasts 18 walkable wine tasting rooms. And with more than 60 restaurants, Carmel’s dining scene serves up everything from elegant coastal cuisine to seasonal comfort foods. Many restaurants feature special holiday menus, inviting guests to linger over festive flavors, candlelight, and conversation.
As the year winds down, Carmel-by-the-Sea offers the perfect place to pause, celebrate, and reconnect — a destination that feels both magical and intimate, where every storefront window tells a story and every twinkle of light feels like an invitation to slow down and savor the moment. Learn more at carmelcalifornia.com.
