Illustration of Santa and Mrs. Claus handing wrapped gifts to children in a cozy community hall (Holidays in the Park - Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony)

Holidays in the Park - Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony

Visitors gather in Devendorf Park for the holiday tree lighting and a menorah lighting ceremony featuring dreidel spinning, singing, and gelt. Santa Claus makes an appearance arriving aboard a fire truck, accompanied by live music from the Del Monte Brass. The celebration continues at Carmel Plaza with warm drinks, small bites, face painting, and visits with Santa and Martin the Magical Elf.

Map It Details Official site

🎄 If you like this, try:

Illustration of a dog in a scarf sitting on Santa's knee for a photo while its owner laughs (City of Marina Annual Holiday Tree Lighting) City of Marina Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Illustration of Christmas activities in Monterey 23 Christmas activities in Monterey
Advertisement

See more other Christmas activities near Carmel-by-the-Sea

Illustration of a dog in a scarf sitting on Santa's knee for a photo while its owner laughs (Pacific Grove's Holiday Parade of Lights) Pacific Grove's Holiday Parade of Lights Pacific Grove · 5 mi Illustration of children decorating paper crowns and ornaments at a long table with a helper (First Night Monterey) First Night Monterey Monterey · 4 mi Illustration of two small figures in knitted hats and a snowman in a red scarf on a snowy street lined with lit houses (Streets of Bethlehem) Streets of Bethlehem Salinas · 16 mi Illustration of a holiday parade with a giant present float, a marching band and families waving (Salinas Holiday Parade of Lights) Salinas Holiday Parade of Lights Salinas · 17 mi Illustration of two small figures in winter hats and scarves with snowmen near red market stalls and a decorated tree in snow (10th Annual Christmas on the Wharf) 10th Annual Christmas on the Wharf Monterey · 4 mi

Plan Your Visit

Website / Tickets

carmelcalifornia.com

When

Hours

3:00 PM-7:00 PM; Santa arrives at 3:30 p.m.; Menorah lighting Ceremony 4-4:30 p.m.; Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony 4:30-5:30 p.m.; the tree is lit at 5:30 p.m. or very soon thereafter.

Ages

All ages

Food & Drink

After the tree lighting, Carmel Plaza offers small bites and festive warm drinks.

Going?

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
Devendorf Park · Ocean Avenue & Mission Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and family-friendly

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive in time for Santa's fire-truck arrival with the Del Monte Brass, since it opens the program before the menorah and tree lightings.
  • Bring the kids to the menorah lighting, where there's plenty of gelt along with dreidel spinning and singing for everyone to join.
  • Stay through the end of the tree lighting ceremony, because the Holiday Tree is lit at its close.
  • Walk over to Carmel Plaza once the tree is lit for small bites, warm drinks, face painting and visits with Santa and Martin the Magical Elf.
  • Dress warmly, because the ceremonies take place outdoors in Devendorf Park and run into a December evening.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Santa arrives by fire truck with the Del Monte Brass playing
  • Carmel Plaza Holiday Open House after the tree lighting, with small bites, warm drinks, face painting and visits with Santa and Martin the Magical Elf

Links & Contact

Run by City of Carmel-by-the-Sea

Website / Tickets Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during the celebration?

Santa arrives first, with the Del Monte Brass playing. A menorah lighting ceremony with gelt, dreidel spinning and singing comes next. The evening ends with the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Devendorf Park.

How does Santa arrive?

Santa rides in on a fire truck while the reindeer rest up for their big night.

What happens after the tree is lit?

Carmel Plaza hosts its Holiday Open House. You can shop and mingle, and there are visits with Santa and Martin the Magical Elf.

Is there food and drink?

Yes. After the tree lighting, Carmel Plaza serves small bites and warm holiday drinks.

Is there anything for kids?

Yes. Kids can spin dreidels and collect gelt at the menorah lighting. Carmel Plaza has face painting, kids' activities and visits with Santa and Martin the Magical Elf.

Browse Christmas in Monterey

Illustration of felt figures in red hats and sweaters sharing mugs of cocoa at a small table near decorated trees Parties7 events Illustration of felt figures in Santa hats giving wrapped presents to felt children beside a decorated Christmas tree Giving Opportunities1 event Illustration of a house and yard glowing with string lights beside a snowman at dusk Lights10 events Illustration of a snowy holiday market stall with snowmen in knit hats and scarves, pine trees and glowing string lights Markets17 events Illustration of felt snowman figures in red scarves and hats on a small snowy stage with red curtains and Christmas trees Shows13 events Illustration of a snowy town square with a lit Christmas tree, families in scarves and a snowman Unique & Unusual23 events MapNearby

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

✏️ Suggest a correction to this listing

Contributors & Updates

Event details verified: