Christmas in the Adobes

Return to the days of Alta California and see Monterey’s historic adobes splendidly decorated for the season with welcoming, candle-lit luminarias at each entrance! Enjoy festive music, living history portrayers, and the warm spirit of this year’s annual celebration that has become a family favorite during the holidays.

Over a dozen adobes located throughout Monterey’s historic downtown open their doors for the festivities from 5 pm until 9 pm. 

Early Bird Prices

$27.64 Early Bird Adult (Friday)

$27.64 Early Bird Adult (Saturday)

Regular Prices

$48.79 Adult, Two-Night Gold Pass

$32.93 Adult (Friday)

$32.93 Adult (Saturday)

NOTE: Children (17 & Under) Free

23 Historic Adobes in Monterey

1. Pacific House - 10 Custom House Plaza (1847)
Built as a barracks and storehouse for the American military, this adobe has served as a courthouse, pub, newspaper office, church, and more. Now, it houses a museum interpreting Monterey history.

2. Custom House - 1 Custom House Plaza (1827)
The oldest government building in California, this landmark is a setting for traditional Mexican “fandango” events and features a gift shop.

3. Stanton Center - 5 Custom House Plaza
Primary will-call location with a collection of angels by Erica Franke, featuring examples from different eras.

4. Old Fisherman's Wharf - #1 Fisherman's Wharf (1845)
Built for regular passenger and freight service, today it’s a vibrant spot with restaurants, shops, whale watching, fishing trips, and harbor cruises.

5. First Brick House - Heritage Harbor (1847)
California’s first fired brick home, showcasing historical family life and Maria “Mama” Garcia’s kitchen.

6. Old Whaling Station - Heritage Harbor (1847)
Built by David Wight, it served as HQ for the Old Monterey Whaling Company and was later a residence and inn.

7. Mayo Hayes O’Donnell Library - 155 Van Buren Street (1876)
Originally a Protestant church, now a research library focused on local, county, and California history.

8. California’s First Theater - Corner of Scott and Pacific Streets (1845-47)
A redwood and adobe boarding house hosting California’s first paid theatrical performances.

9. Casa Soberanes - 336 Pacific Street (1842)
“The House of the Blue Gate,” known for holiday traditions and 19th-century furnishings.

10. Merritt House - 386 Pacific Street (1830)
Initially built as a private residence, it now operates as a hotel and is preserved as a historical landmark.

11. Casa Serrano - 412 Pacific Street (1843)
Mexican-era home housing art from prominent local artists, with performances by the “Old Town Ensemble.”

12. Lara-Soto Adobe - 460 Pierce Street (1840s)
Once owned by John Steinbeck, it now houses artifacts from his life, presented by the National Steinbeck Center.

13. Colton Hall - 570 Pacific Street (1849)
First served as a schoolhouse, later the site of California’s Constitutional Convention.

14. Larkin House - 510 Calle Principal (1835)
Home of American Consul Thomas O. Larkin and an example of Monterey Colonial architecture.

15. House of Four Winds - 540 Calle Principal (1830s)
Known for Monterey’s first weather vane and once served as Monterey County’s first Hall of Records.

16. Monterey Museum of Art - 559 Pacific Street
Hosts various exhibitions and the interactive “Iluminado” art installation for community reflection and creativity.

17. Casa Gutierrez - 590 Calle Principal (1841)
Home of Custom House Official Joaquin Gutierrez, featuring galleries of early California artwork.

18. Gabriel de la Torre Adobe - 509 Hartnell St.
Historic site of the first Federal Courthouse in Monterey, now headquarters of the Big Sur Land Trust.

19. Cooper-Molera Adobe - Corner of Munras and Pearl (1832)
Home of John Bautista Rogers Cooper, featuring family heirlooms and interpretive exhibits.

20. Robert Louis Stevenson House - 530 Houston Street (1830s)
Where Robert Louis Stevenson stayed in 1879; showcases a renowned collection of his belongings and Bohemian artwork.

21. Casa Abrego - 582 Abrego Street (1836)
Built by Don Jose Abrego, this adobe was once a general store, now a women’s club hosting holiday music.

22. Pacheco Adobe - 602 Abrego Street (1840)
Originally built as a family summer home, it later became Monterey’s first hospital and has been restored as a historical landmark.

23. Royal Presidio Chapel/San Carlos Cathedral - 500 Church Street (1794)