Crowds show up to Monterey Christmas tree lighting despite chilly temps

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION) Chilly weather hitting the Central Coast on Friday did not stop crowds of people from showing up at 25th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Cannery Row in Monterey.

On a cold night, there are certain foods that are perfect go-tos to stay warm and toasty.

"It's a lot colder than SoCal," said Garrett Lee and Stacey Tsuboi, who were visiting from Long Beach. "Yes, it's a little chilly, yes."

For restaurants like Louie Linguini's, it is the perfect time to serve up those warm specialties.

"Down here we sell clam chowder. We sell cups, bowls, bread bowls and tonight, we sell hot chocolate which has been pretty popular," said Julia Ponce, a hostess at Louie Linguini's.

Most people who came out for the lighting ceremony took to bundling up with their favorite jackets, beanies and throw-on blankets. Even dogs got into the Christmas spirit while staying warm too.

"I'm wearing a sweater, long coat. I got my hat and my gloves," said Myrna Martinez, a Monterey Peninsula resident. "You get to bundle up and it's Christmas. And it's always nice when it's cold on Christmas."

There is still time to catch the Christmas tree. It is at the Steinbeck Plaza on Cannery Row and it will be up all month.