Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz Holiday Events
Happy Holidays to all! We hope everybody has been enjoying a season of togetherness and love. While most of us feel enhanced joy during the holiday season, there are those among us who could use additional support. We encourage families to participate in activities that make one another feel closer and supported. Joe and I are so grateful to be living in such a calming, yet active area that makes this time of year so special. Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay offer some of the best surfing and beaches, as well as a diverse urban street ambiance. While it’s not the typical winter wonderland, it makes for an incredible opportunity for a change of scenery for those blanketed by snow. What better time to escape the frozen tundra and celebrate your loved ones. So many of our families make their trip out to the coast this time of year to find peace with your loved ones and experience the joy of spending time in our waters. Especially during this time of year, there is so much to celebrate with our family and friends. The following are some of the great holiday events that can be enjoyed on our beaches and in our state parks.
Monterey Bay
New Year’s Eve Party Countdown Party at Pacific’s Edge
December 31, 2022
New Year’s at Salt Wood
Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette Restaurant, 3295 Dunes Dr, Marina, CA
December 31-January 1, 2023
Family-Friendly New Year’s Party
Carmel Valley Ranch One Old Ranch Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93923
December 31, 2022
First Night Monterey
Downtown Monterey , Monterey, CA 93940
December 31, 2022
Ice Skating by the Bay
Located in Custom House Plaza, behind the Portola Hotel & Spa, Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA
Until January 1, 2023
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Winter Wonderland
Until January 1, 2023
State Parks First Day Hikes
January 1, 2023
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Natural Bridges State Beach
- The Forest of Nisene Marks
- Wilder Ranch State Park
Bruno’s Bar and Grill New Year’s Eve Party
December 31, 2022
New Year’s Eve at Chaminade Resort & Spa
December 31, 2022
California King Tides
Santa Cruz County Beaches
January 21-22
California Gray Whale Migration
Santa Cruz County Beaches
All of January
Festive decorations and shopping are all happening at the Santa Cruz Wharf and at Capitola Village! Reach out to us to see where we will be and find out more information about seasonal happenings. Happy New Year!