Who’s ready to see Christmas lights in Pacific Grove, one of the most beautiful destinations to escape to for holiday adventures and fun.

This charming Victorian town by the sea offers festive holiday events that cater to the entire family, making it easy to enjoy a night out filled with merriment and entertainment.

Let us help you plan the most stunning holiday with the best things to do in Pacific Grove at Christmas with this super useful holiday guide to the holidays in California!

Best Things to do in Pacific Grove CA at Christmas

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
Website

Candy Cane Lane is a neighborhood-sponsored event in Pacific Grove, CA (similar to Miracle on 34th Street in 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 in Christmas lights, holiday decor and a fair amount of tinsel.

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
Website

Christmas is the perfect time to visit 10 bed and breakfasts and 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 babysitter 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 Christmas decor and welcoming charm that each innkeeper brings to the holiday season.

Tickets do sell out, so buy as soon as they are released.

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, with the event starting at 4:30pm.

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 Christmas lights, a marching band, and a lot of festive cheer.

Viewers are encouraged to bundle up and bring their own hot cocoa to sip 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 rides, and even fire truck rides. Everyone is encouraged to take a moment to snag 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
Website

St. Mary’s Winterdance 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. T

here 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 all of the things to do in Pacific Grove, CA this Christmas with the locals and your family.

7 Best Things to do in Pacific Grove CA this Christmas (2023)

Best Things to do in Pacific Grove CA at Christmas

Candy Cane Lane Pacific Grove

Christmas at the Inns

Tree Lighting and Santa Party

Pacific Grove Parade of Lights

Stillwell Holiday Fun in the Park

First Friday Celebration

Winterdance at St. Mary’s

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Keryn Means

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