• December 7 -- Holiday Spectacular at Chateau Julien
  Celebration: A cappella choir echoes magnificently throughout the Chai during this annual performance of acoustic perfection. The awe-inspiring event continues with a holiday wine tasting and gift reception amongst the sparkling18-foot Douglas fir in the beautifully decorated Great Hall. 8940 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel, CA
  Fee: $60.00Time: 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Phone Number: (831) 624.2600

• December 12 - 27 -- Christmas Tours at Wild Things
  Celebration: Tour dates are December 12, 13, 19-21, 26 & 27.Guides will conduct tours by flashlight through the facility, beautifully decorated with Christmas lights, to give the public a chance to see wild animals at play during their natural waking hours. A surprise visit by Santa and his reindeer is the highlight of the tour. 400 River Road, Salinas
  Fee: $15-$20Time: 6:30 p.m. Phone Number: (831) 455.1901 ext 3

Ongoing Events

• Ongoing -- Steinbeck Film Festival
  Museums & Exhibitions: The Steinbeck Film Festival honoring the life of John Steinbeck is an ongoing event at the Maritime Museum in Monterey. There are monthly showings and quarterly walking tours. Contact the museum for specific information. Maritime Museum, 5 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA
  Fee: Call for information.Time: Call for information. Phone Number: (831) 375.9180

• Ongoing -- Carmel Walks
  Historic: Discover the special charms of Carmel on a 2-hour guided walking tour thru secret pathways, hidden courtyards, award-winning gardens, and by enchanting fairytale cottages...the homes, haunts, and history of famous artists, writers, and movie stars. Learn about the spirit, characters, and customs that make Carmel unique.(Private group tours available upon request.) Meet in the courtyard of "The Pine Inn" on Lincoln Street at Ocean Avenue, Carmel, CA
  Fee: $15.00Time: Sat. 10 a.m. & 2 p.m., Tue. - Fri. 10a.m. Phone Number: (831) 642.2700 Reservations

• October 1 - December 31 -- Half-Price Wine Night
  Celebration: Starting Sunday, October 1, 2006, Montrio Bistro will offer customers a 50 percent discount on all bottles from its extensive wine list every Sunday night (allocated wines not included). Reservations are strongly recommended. 414 Calle Principal, Monterey
  Fee: VariesTime: 4:30 p.m. - 10 p.m., every Sunday Phone Number: (831) 648.8880

• Sundays Year-round -- Everyone's Harvest Farmer's Market
  Family Fun: Fresh produce, baked and ethnic foods, cooking demonstrations, live music, and crafts. Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Marina Transit Station, 280 Reservation Road.
  Fee: FreeTime: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Phone Number: (831) 384.6961

• First Sunday of the Month -- First Sundays at La Mirada
  Museums & Exhibitions: "First Sunday" is an ongoing series which highlights classical music and art. While taking in La Mirada's lovely surroundings, visitors may also enjoy light refreshments. Museum docents are on hand to answer questions and interpret the exhibitions. Monterey Museum of Art at La Mirada.
  Fee: FreeTime: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Phone Number: (831) 372.3689

• Each Tuesday -- Old Monterey Market Place
  Family Fun: Year 'Round, Rain or Shine (except holidays). Largest farmer's market in Central California. Fresh produce and flowers, baker's alley, arts/crafts, jewelry, clothing, and collectibles. In downtown Old Monterey.
  Fee: No Admission FeeTime: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. (ends @ 7 p.m. in Winter) Phone Number: (831) 655.8070

• Wednesdays -- Tarpy's Wine-Down Wednesdays
  Wine Education: Join us every week through April as we showcase a different Monterey County winery each week. All wines from the featured winery on the Tarpy's wine list will be half off. Also try our weekly three-course pre-fixe menu specially designed to complement the week's wines. 2999 Monterey Salinas Hwy., Monterey, CA.
  Fee: FreeTime: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Phone Number: (831) 647.1444

• Ongoing Wednesdays -- Jazz Fiesta
  Live Music: It's all about the chips, salsa and jazz every Wednesday after work at El Palomar Restaurant with Dennis Murphy and friends. Smooth jazz gives away CDs and concert tickets. A Sandy Shore Production.
  Fee: FreeTime: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Phone Number: (831) 649.1223

• Ongoing Wednesdays -- Focus on local Monterey County Wines
  Wine or Food Education: Cepage Wine Bar carries the largest selection of local and international wines by the glass on the Central Coast. Your wine bar host is sommelier, winemaker, wine-educator Dylan Sheldon. Stop by for some fun, some education, and some great wines! Rancho Cellars, Carmel, CA
  Fee: Varies...by the glass, taste or flight.Time: 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. Phone Number: (831) 625.5646

• Every first Wednesday of the month -- World of Wine Series at Chateau Julien
  Wine Education: Join Chateau Julien Viticulturist & Winemaker Marta Kraftzeck as she explores the unique flavors of wine regions throughout the world during monthly wine tasting sessions at the Wine Estate. Call for information on a complete listing of the featured wine regions. 8940 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel, CA
  Fee: $30 per personTime: 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Phone Number: (831) 624.2600

• Ongoing Wednesday - Saturday -- Jazz Concert
  Live Music: Featuring The Martin Headman Trio. At the Terrace Lounge at The Lodge at Pebble Beach. *Gate fees waived when attending the jazz concerts.
  Fee: Free*Time: 7 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. Phone Number: (831) 624.3811

• Ongoing Thursdays -- Historic Garden League Tours
  Historic: Docent-led tours of historic gardens, including Doud House, as featured in House Beautiful. Reservations are encouraged. Tours begin at picket fence 210 Olivier Street, Monterey, CA
  Fee: $3.50 per personTime: 10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. Phone Number: (831) 649.3364

• Ongoing Thursdays -- Farmer's Market
  Family Fun: Fresh produce and flowers every Thursday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Monterey Peninsula College's lower parking lot.
  Fee: FreeTime: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. Phone Number: (831) 728.5060

• Thursdays -- Monterey Salsa at Wave Street Studios
  Recreation: Dance Salsa at Wave Street Studios. Upscale atmosphere. Good dancers. Great music. Amazing dance floor! $10 cover, all ages welcome. Dress to impress. See you on the dance floor! 774 Wave Street (across from the Whaling Station in Cannery Row), Monterey, CA
  Fee: $10Time: 9 p.m. - 12 a.m. Phone Number: (831) 224.2427

• Ongoing Fridays -- Jazz Raw Bar
  Live Music: Jazz & Blues in the Cypress Lounge of the Embassy Suites with Dennis Murphy and Friends. Raw Bar features peel & eat shrimp, oysters on the half shell and cracked crab. Full Bar with drink specials. A Sandy Shore Production at Embassy Suites Monterey Bay.
  Fee: No Admission FeeTime: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Phone Number:

• Ongoing Fridays & Saturdays -- Tor House and Hawk Tower Tours
  Historic: Now a National Historic Landmark, Tor House and Hawk Tower are open for tours throughout the year. A visit to Jeffers' extraordinary home is a special experience. Carmel, CA
  Fee: Call for information.Time: Call for information. Phone Number: (831) 624.1831

• Ongoing Saturdays -- Jazz Series
  Live Music: There's nothing like an evening in the intimate surroundings of the Jazz and Blues Company venue. Several times each month you'll hear some of the nation's best jazz and blues talent, live. At 236 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel, CA
  Fee: Most Concerts $25.00Time: 7:30 p.m. Phone Number: (831) 624.6432

• Every Third Tuesday -- Bagpipe Nights
  Performing Arts: The Monterey Celtic Arts Academy (MCAA) will hold its third monthly Bagpipe Nights at the Music Building at York School at 9501 York Road, the third Tuesday night of the month. Join award-winning bagpipe instructor Michel d'Avenas as he talks about the bagpipe and performs many tunes.
  Fee: No Admission FeeTime: 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. Phone Number: (831) 633.4444

• First Friday of every month -- Frist Fridays Art Walk Oldtown Salinas
  Celebration: Experience the work of local artists, listen to live music, visit historic homes, and taste great food at over 40 venues during this family-friendly event. Kids create art at one of several art tables from 5-7pm in historic Oldtown Salinas.
  Fee: FreeTime: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Phone Number: (831) 758.9126

• July 24 - December 31 -- Forge in the Forest-Wine Tasting
  Wine Education: Every Fourth Thursday of Every Month. Come and join the friends of The Forge for their upcoming wine tasting featuring wines from the locally California grown grapes of various California Vineyards. Light hors d'oeuvres and live music will enhance the beautiful ambiance as you learn about the various grapes and winemaker's history. The Forge in the Forest SW Corner of 5th & Junipero Carmel-by-the-Sea
  Fee: $20.00 Per PersonTime: 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Phone Number: Tamara Swanson (831) 624.RSVP (7787)

• Ongoing - Third Thursday -- Third Thursday at Monterey Museum of Art
  Museums & Exhibitions: The gallery invites the public to enjoy live local music, wine, and hors d'oeuvres.
  Fee: Call for information.Time: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Phone Number: (831) 372.5477

• First Saturday of the Month -- Purrrfect Projects Tours at Wild Things
  Family Fun: On the First Saturday of Every Month, Wild Things invites kids and families to join us at 11:30am to participate in creating a fun arts and crafts project prior to our daily tour. Craft projects are typically aimed at age groups between 4 and 11 years. Fees include admission to the daily tour. 400 River Road, Salinas
  Fee: Kids $20(incl craft) - Adults $15Time: 11:30 a.m. Phone Number: (831) 455.1901 ext 3

• TBA -- Annual Holiday Parade of Lights
  Family Fun: Join Pacific Grove in the Annual Holiday Parade of Lights. Holiday-themed floats are the centerpiece of this illuminated parade, with marching bands, dance teams, equestrian groups and - of course - Santa Claus. Late night shopping, horse-drawn wagon rides, and photo-ops with Santa follow.
  Fee: FreeTime: Call for information Phone Number: (831) 373.3304

• TBA -- Trees of Life
  Holiday, Benefit: Light up the night sky by naming a light on the Hospice Foundation Trees of Life (Dec. 11 in Monterey and Dec. 12 in Salinas). These symbolically named lights shining together form the 30-40 foot tall Trees of Life. These lights are each dedicated in someone's name and will be switched on as the celebration's finale, lighting the night sky in support of the Hospice Foundation. Each Tree of Life light dedication represents a minimum suggested donation of $25 to Hospice Foundation where every dollar goes directly to support local programs.
  Fee: FreeTime: 5:30 p.m. Phone Number: (831) 333.9023

• TBA -- 43rd Annual Wine Tasting, Art Show & Silent Auction
  Benefit: Join us for the Windy Acres for Preschoolers 43nd Annual Wine Tasting, Art Show and Silent Auction. Featuring local wineries and artists. Complimentary wine glass and hors d'oeuvres. Windy Acres for Preschoolers is a non-profit corporation offering quality early childhood education. Greenfield Memorial Building, Greenfield, CA.
  Fee: $20 DonationTime: 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Phone Number: (831)678.0328

• TBA -- 8th Annual Monterey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival
  Festival, Live Music: The festival features the best cowboy poets and balladeers in a three-day weekend event that also showcases western artists and gear makers.
  Fee: VariesTime: Varies Phone Number: (800) 722.9652

• TBA -- Scheid Vineyards Holiday Open House
  Holiday, Celebration: Enjoy crafting holiday grapevine wreaths, nibbling on wonderful appetizers and holiday shopping!! Don't forget the wine for Santa. Please, bring your children; Santa will fly in for photos!! 305 Hilltown Road, Salinas, CA
  Fee: FreeTime: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Phone Number: (888) 478.4946

• TBA -- Lighted Boat Parade
  Celebration, Family Fun: The Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club invites all the community members to participate in the 2007 Lighted Boat Parade. Boats decorated with Christmas lights parade from the Monterey Harbor area, up to the Lovers Point and end with a two-lap tour of the outer harbor, weather permitting.
  Fee: FreeTime: Parade begins at 5:30p.m. Phone Number: (831) 372.9686

• TBA -- Christmas in the Adobes
  Holiday, Celebration: Evening candlelit walking tours of historic Monterey and the adobes. Participating buildings are decorated with period ornamentation. Refreshments and entertainment.
  Fee: FreeTime: 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Phone Number: (831) 649.7111

• TBA -- Holiday Family Performance & Silent Auction
  Family Fun, Performing Arts: Join SpectorDance for the annual holiday celebration with a silent auction and performance. Get your gifts for the holiday or give yourself a gift while supporting SpectorDance. Bring the family to see a fabulous and diverse performance. SpectorDance Performance Space, 3343 Paul Davis Dr., Marina
  Fee: $20 adult, $12 children under 12 & seniors, $15 students 13 - 17Time: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Phone Number: (831) 384.1050

• TBA -- 11th Annual Truffle Dinner at Marinus
  Dining: Indulge in an evening inspired by France's black and Italy's white truffles. Marinus Restaurant at Bernardus Lodge, 415 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA.
  Fee: $500 per person, plus tax & gratuityTime: Cocktail reception begins at 6:30p.m. Phone Number: (888) 648.9463

• TBA -- First Night Monterey
  Festival, Family Fun: First Night Monterey presents a family New Year's Eve in Downtown Monterey with a celebration of the arts, music, dance, poetry and exhibits. More than one hundred perfromances and Visual Art activities. There are over 30 sites throughout the downtown area for patrons who wear the First Night Monterey 2007 button. Entertainment includes a twilight parade, creative street performers and a Grand Finale at the Custom House Plaza Stage.
  Fee: $15 after December 18, $20 day of eventTime: Call for Information Phone Number: (831) 373.4778

• TBA -- Winter Solstice Celebration
  Holiday, Celebration: Celebrate the shortest day of the year with a wild boar barbeque, live music and more. Bring a yule log for the fire! Fernwood Resort, Big Sur, CA
  Fee: Call for informationTime: Call for information Phone Number: (831) 667.2422

• TBA -- Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
  Holiday, Family Fun: Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in front of Colton Hall. Carolers, music, refreshments and a visit from Santa. Monterey, CA
  Fee: FreeTime: 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Phone Number: (831) 646.5648