Oh, the weather outside is frightful…oh wait, it’s not because this is Carmel.

So, in that case join us in the month of December for visions of sugar plums, dreidel spinning, music and plenty of good tidings! 

Holiday lights in Devendorf Park, the Ocean Avenue Medians, and around town will be lit starting Friday of Thanksgiving week. (See more below about the Holiday Tree Lighting.) 

City of Carmel Annual Tree and Menorah Lightings

Friday, December 5, 2025 in Devendorf Park and Ocean Ave.

3:30 p.m. Santa Claus will arrive via Fire Truck while the reindeer rest up for their big night and the Del Monte Brass will be there to add a festive air. 

4-4:30 p.m. Menorah lighting Ceremony with plenty of gelt and dreidel spinning and singing. 

4:30-5:30 p.m. Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony with MC Ben beesley and featuring performances by: Carmel Dance Center, River School Choir, Carmel High School Chamber Singers, I Cantori, Jo Todd, Myles Williams, and Debbie Davis. 

The Holiday Tree will be lit at 5:45 p.m. or very soon thereafter! 

Ocean Ave. between Junipero Ave. and Mission Street will be closed from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

Carmel Plaza’s Holiday Open House

Friday, December 5, 2025  from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Carmel Plaza 

After the festivities in the Park hop on over to the Carmel Plaza for live music and entertainment, delectable treats, in-store promotions, and children’s activities. 

And, if you missed your chance in see Santa in the Park and tell him all of your Christmas wishes never fear – he will be over at the Plaza too :) 

Sunset Center’s Annual Community Holiday Party

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at Sunset Center

Join us and other members of the community for an evening of festivities and good cheer! We will have live music in the lobby from our friends at I Cantori di Carmel. Holiday cookies will be complimentary and drinks (hot, cold, and alcoholic) will be available for purchase. Santa will be available for photos before the livestream, and our Christmas Tree will be free for photos after the livestream. We will once again be hosting a toy drive for Braxton’s Toys along with others in the City of Carmel—please consider bringing a new, unwrapped toy for local children in need!

• 3 PM - Doors open
• 3-4:30 PM - Santa will be in the lobby for photos; he heads back to the North Pole at 4:30
• 4 PM - Jazz at Lincoln Center: Big Band Holidays will begin streaming in our theater; feel free to come and go as you please
• 6 PM - That’s a wrap!

Ring in the holiday season with this beloved annual tradition, returning to Manhattan’s Rose Theater for its lucky number 13th year. Under the expert direction of Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra trombonist and arranger Chris Crenshaw, this holiday spectacular brings new life to classic tunes. Joining Crenshaw are two exceptional vocalists: Shenel Johns and Kate Kortum. Johns, celebrated for her rich, emotive voice, has captivated audiences with her dynamic performances and deep connection to jazz traditions. Kortum, a rising star in the jazz scene, brings a youthful vibrancy and fresh perspective to the stage.