Where you can celebrate the holidays for free around the Central Coast
CENTRAL COAST, Calif. (KION-TV) - The holiday season is upon us and holiday festivities are scheduled for communities in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties.
Here's a look at some of the free local events happening throughout 2024 holiday season:
Friday, Nov. 29 - Cannery Row Tree Lighting - Monterey
Cannery Row is set to kick off the holiday season in Monterey with the 30th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting. The festive family event includes entertainment for all ages, and the arrival of Santa Claus.
The tree lighting at Steinbeck Plaza is scheduled for 5:45 p.m. and people can meet Santa on the second floor of 685 Cannery Row for free photos.
Saturday, Nov. 30 - Lights On Celebration Parade - Hollister
The Hollister Downtown Association is hosting the 34th annual Lights on Celebration Parade. The parade starts at 5:30 p.m. and will be held on San Benito Street this ear.
This year's theme is The Characters of Christmas complete with exciting displays. The association is encouraging the community to bring canned food or toys to donate which will be collected at the Hollister Downtown Association office at 535 San Benito Street.
Sunday, Dec. 1 - Salinas Holiday Parade of Lights - Salinas
The Salinas Holiday Parade of Lights returns to downtown Salinas bringing a fun holiday-themed lighted parade to the delight of local families.
It all comes after parade organizers previously announced the parade would be canceled for 2024, but then reversed the decision working make the parade possible again.
The parade runs for 6-8 p.m. starting at the Acacia & S. Main St. at 6:00 pm and travels up Main Street towards the heart of Downtown at the Salinas City Center at 1 Main Street.
Thursday, Dec. 5 - Holiday Parade of Lights - Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove's Lighthouse Avenue will be taken over by the Holiday Parade of Lights. The event will feature holiday floats, dance teams, marching bands, equestrian groups, and of course, Santa Claus.
The event runs rain or shine starting at 6 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 7 - Downtown Santa Cruz Parade - Santa Cruz
Downtown Santa Cruz kicks off the holiday season with their celebration tradition highlighting local school, youth-based organizations and local nonprofits. Organizers say the event draws 1,200 participants and over 3,000 spectators.
The event runs 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. throughout Downtown Santa Cruz.
Saturday, Dec 7 - Lighted Boat Parade - Santa Cruz Harbor
Also happening Saturday, Dec, 7 in Santa Cruz is the Lighted Boat Parade in the Santa Cruz Harbor. Organizers say the parade features 50 beautifully decorated power and sailboats parading through the Santa Cruz Harbor.
The event runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Limited viewing is available from the Murray Street bridge, from the East Harbor launch ramp, and from a variety of harbor paths.
Sunday, Dec. 8 - Brighten the Harbor Boat Parade - Monterey Harbor
Lighted boats will be taking over the Monterey Harbor for the holidays. The event, co-hosted by the Fisherman's Wharf Association, will feature beautiful lights on boats that will pass by Old Fisherman's Wharf at 5:30 p.m. and return to pass by on their way back.
The event will run along the Monterey Coast from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Organizers add, if sea conditions are not favorable on December 8, the event will be postponed until December 15.
Do you have a Central Coast holiday event we should know about? Send it our way to newstips@kion546.com.
