Christmas in the Adobes: A Celebration of Heritage, Architecture, and Community
Each December, as evening settles over Old Monterey, the historic district takes on a warm, dignified glow. Soft luminarias line the walkways. Doors of early-California adobes open to the public. And for two nights, visitors are invited to explore some of the most culturally significant buildings on the West Coast.
This is Christmas in the Adobes—a long-standing tradition that honors Monterey’s architectural heritage and the layered history that shaped the region. This year, our team is proud to help sponsor this event — not only because it supports preservation efforts, but because it reflects the values that define this community: respect for history, appreciation for the arts, and a genuine spirit of connection.
A Rare Tour Through Monterey’s Architectural Legacy
Monterey’s adobes are architectural landmarks—elegant in their simplicity, rich in texture, and rooted firmly in the practical ingenuity of early California. Built primarily in the early 19th century, these structures embody a blend of Spanish, Mexican, and Indigenous building traditions. Thick adobe walls, timbered ceilings, interior courtyards, and handcrafted finishes speak to a time when architecture was shaped by environment and culture in equal measure.
All images courtesy of the Monterey State Historic Park Association, the Monterey History and Art Association, and oldmonterey.org.
Christmas in the Adobes offers a rare opportunity to step inside these buildings and appreciate their artistry firsthand.
Visitors move through rooms that once housed governors, writers, merchants, and early settlers. Many of the interiors remain remarkably intact, revealing layers of history in the details—polished floorboards, hand-troweled plaster, original fireplaces, and preserved furnishings. When lit for evening tours, the craftsmanship becomes even more apparent: the play of shadow on textured walls, the warmth of natural materials, the thoughtful proportions of each space.
It’s an experience that feels less like a tour and more like a quiet study of Monterey’s architectural DNA.
Where Art and History Meet
Although the event takes place during the holiday season, its focus is not on spectacle but on heritage. Each adobe tells its own story through design, artifacts, and the people who once animated its rooms. Volunteers, historians, musicians, and local cultural groups lend richness to the experience, offering context and interpretation as visitors move from one site to the next.
The result is a thoughtful blend of architecture, history, and living culture.
Some adobes feature period décor that reflects early-California holiday traditions. Others host live music—classical guitar, choral pieces, or traditional Mexican instrumentation. A few include demonstrations of craftsmanship or historical interpretation, illuminating how these homes functioned more than 150 years ago.
Rather than feeling nostalgic, the event feels contemplative—an opportunity to reconnect with the cultural foundation of Monterey and appreciate the artistry that continues to define the region.
A Community Gathering in the Heart of Old Monterey
Perhaps the most meaningful aspect of Christmas in the Adobes is the way it brings people together. The event draws longtime residents, new arrivals, history enthusiasts, and visitors from across the Central Coast. It encourages people to slow down, walk the historic streets, and appreciate the character of this place not as tourists, but as participants in a shared community story.
Neighbors greet one another along the luminaria-lit routes. Families return year after year as part of their own traditions. Couples wander between venues, exploring corners of Old Monterey they may never have noticed before.
In a region known for natural beauty, Christmas in the Adobes is a reminder of Monterey’s cultural beauty as well—its long narrative of art, diplomacy, trade, and creativity, all preserved within these centuries-old walls.
Preservation With Purpose
Beyond its cultural value, Christmas in the Adobes directly supports preservation efforts managed by Monterey State Historic Park. Proceeds fund restoration projects, educational programs for local students, and ongoing maintenance of these irreplaceable structures. In that sense, attending the event is both an experience and an act of stewardship. Each ticket helps ensure that the architectural landmarks at the heart of Monterey remain protected for future generations—an investment in history that extends far beyond the holiday season.
For our team, supporting this event is not just sponsorship; it’s a commitment to the identity and continuity of the communities we serve.
An Invitation to Experience Monterey’s Heritage
Whether you’re deeply familiar with Monterey’s past or discovering it for the first time, Christmas in the Adobes offers an insightful, beautifully curated look at the region’s early architecture and cultural roots. It is one of the most distinguished annual events on the Peninsula—subtle, historic, and inviting in a way that resonates with adults who appreciate authenticity and craft.
We hope you’ll join us this year as we walk through the adobes, support preservation efforts, and celebrate the community that makes Monterey such a remarkable place to call home.
Event Details
Dates:
Friday, December 12, 2025
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time:
5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (both evenings)
Location:
Historic Old Monterey
Participating sites include more than 20 adobes, museums, and heritage buildings throughout the Monterey State Historic Park district. Guests may begin their tour at any participating location after picking up their event wristband.
Ticket Information:
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Adult One-Night Pass: $30
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Two-Night Gold Pass: $45
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Children 17 & under: Free with adult admission
Full Details:
For more information on ticket purchase locations, online ticket will call, and a full list of participating adobes, please visit:
