9th Annual Christmas on the Wharf Returns December 5–21, 2025

Santa Visits, Live Entertainment, and New Enchanting Holiday Displays at Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf

Here is the schedule and background information about the entertainers.

November 28, 2025 . Monterey, CA — Fisherman’s Wharf Association is pleased to announce the FREE 9th Annual Christmas on the Wharf celebration, returning to historic Old Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey, California, which is celebrating its 180th Anniversary in 2025. This beloved holiday tradition attracts locals and visitors from across the state, nation, and around the world. The event will span three festive weekends, Friday, December 5th through Sunday, December 21st, 2025, with dazzling decorations on display all month long.

This year's Christmas on the Wharf promises to delight with a brand new enchanted holiday display, showcasing an old-fashioned wooden under the sea display, the Wharf's towering 23-foot Christmas tree, a dazzling cascading ceiling of lights, a quaint Santa house and whimsical holiday inflatables.

Families and friends are invited to stroll the Wharf, take in the sparkling marine views, and watch playful sea lions, otters, and other wildlife. Visitors can enjoy the festivities, then get their steps in after delicious holiday meals at one of the Wharf’s many restaurants.

Event Highlights

Live Entertainment & Holiday Performances

Christmas on the Wharf will offer free weekend entertainment, including holiday choirs, dancers, singers, and bands. Scheduled performers include:

• The Dance Center’s Musical Performance Troupe – Saturday, December 6 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
• Joint Services Choir - Saturday, December 6 - 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
• Katherine Lavin – Sunday, December 7 – 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
• Pacific Pop n’ Jazz – Sunday, December 7 – 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
• Saxophonia – Sunday, December 7 – 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
• Salinas High Folklorico Dancers - Saturday, December 13 - 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm
• DiFranco Dance Project - Saturday, December 13 - 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
• Joint Services Choir - Saturday, December 13 - 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
• Nā Haumāna - Saturday, December 20 - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
• Carmel Presbyterian Church Choir – Saturday, December 20 – 2:00 pm
• Jingle Jammers from U Jam Fitness – Sunday, December 21– 2:00 pm
• Peninsula Harmony Company (vintage costumes) – On Six Friday and Saturday evenings on December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 -- from 6 pm – 7 pm 

Visitors are welcome to bring a folding chair and enjoy the special performances. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome.

Entertainment schedule will be continuously updated on the Christmas on the Wharf event page at www.MontereyWharf.com.

Groups interested in performing holiday-themed entertainment may contact [email protected].

Here is the schedule and background information about the entertainers.

Santa Visits & Holiday Memories

Santa Claus will be welcoming everyone at his festive Santa House on the Wharf. Kids and families can enjoy free Meet-and-Greets and photo opportunities with Santa and his elves.

Santa Visit Schedule:

• Fridays: December 5, 12, 19 | 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Saturdays: December 6, 13, 20 | 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Sundays: December 7, 14, 21 | 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

A Toy Drop for the Salvation Army—Monterey Peninsula Corps will be located at Santa’s House. Guests may also donate at the Salvation Army red kettle located at the head of the Wharf. It’s easy to pick out and purchase some toys for donation at the nearby Wharf gift shops.

Special Community Events

• Holiday Safety Afternoon:
  Saturday, December 6 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the front of the Wharf
  Representatives from the Monterey Police Department and Monterey Fire Department will be on site with safety tips, giveaways, and a fire engine display.
• Brighten the Harbor Lighted Boat Parade:
  Co-hosted by Fisherman’s Wharf Association
  Sunday, December 7 | 5:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  Brightly lit boats will pass by Old Fisherman’s Wharf at approximately 5:30 p.m. and again as they return. Many participating boats keep their lights illuminated throughout the holiday season.
• On Saturday and Sunday, December 12th and 13^th from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, the Wharf will be a featured stop during Christmas in the Adobes throughout Downtown Monterey.
• Ice Skating by the Bay will also be open nearby throughout December in the Custom House Plaza from November 21-January 4.

Delicious Treats & Holiday Shopping

Each weekend, guests can purchase hot cocoa, seasonal coffee drinks, and cookies at Wharf merchants including Dock Side Fish Market near the front of the Wharf and the new Kafe Toribashi at the end of the Wharf.
 

Old Fisherman’s Grotto will sell hot cocoa and cookies to benefit The Salvation Army.

The Wharf’s candy shops, Carousel Candies, Candy World, and Wharf Chocolate Factory—will offer festive holiday treats throughout December.

Visitors can also enjoy:

• Christmas shopping with unique gift items and stocking stuffers
• Whale watching, sailing, fishing, and glass-bottom boat rides
• Indoor and outdoor dining
• One-of-a-kind scenic photo opportunities

Event Dates & Location

Holiday Decorations Displayed Daily:
December 1, 2025 – January 5, 2026

Christmas on the Wharf Weekends:
December 5–21, 2025 (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays)

Location:
Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey, CA
(GPS address: 201 Washington Street)
Parking is available in the nearby Waterfront parking lot. Parking may be prepaid using the ParkMobile app or at on-site pay stations.

More Information:
Website: www.MontereyWharf.com
Phone: 831-238-0777
Email: [email protected]

About Fisherman’s Wharf Association

Fisherman’s Wharf Association represents merchants and activities located on Monterey’s historic Old Fisherman’s Wharf, one of California’s most iconic and scenic waterfront destinations. The Wharf is open 365 days a year and offers dining, shopping, boat trips and unforgettable Monterey Bay experiences.

Come experience one of the Monterey Peninsula’s most magical holiday traditions and create unforgettable memories at the 9th Annual Christmas on the Wharf.