Rooted in Monterey Weekly

Rooted in Monterey Weekly

Monterey County Events | December 19–21

Winter on the Central Coast has a quieter rhythm — cooler mornings, clearer skies, and more excuses to explore parts of the county you don’t always get to during the busy season.

If you’re looking to get out this weekend, here are some great things happening across Monterey County — from the coast to the valley.

MEETUP OF THE WEEK

This weekend is less about one big meetup and more about showing up locally. If you’re attending any of the events below, keep an eye out — and say hello if you spot me. Rooted in Monterey is all about turning familiar places into familiar faces.

BUSINESS OF THE WEEK

Monterey County Restaurant Week is happening now and spans the entire county — from coastal favorites to Salinas Valley standouts.

It’s one of the best ways to support local restaurants while discovering places you may not normally try. Prix-fixe menus, seasonal ingredients, and a great excuse to eat local this week.

EVENTS THIS WEEKEND 

1. • Winter Wonderfest — Monterey
     A walk-through holiday lights + food + local vendors at the fairgrounds.
     👉 https://www.seemonterey.com/event/winter-wonderfest-monterey/ See Monterey County, CA

   • Ice Skating by the Bay — Seaside
     Seasonal ice skating at Custom House Plaza right near the water.
     👉 https://www.seemonterey.com/events/ See Monterey County, CA

   • Holiday Lights at Beach Boardwalk — Capitola / Beachboardwalk (nearby classic winter lights & rides)
     Festive lights, rides, photos with Santa & more at the boardwalk winter setup.
     👉 https://beachboardwalk.com/winter-wonderland/ Santa Cruz Boardwalk

   • Monarch Grove Sanctuary Viewing — Pacific Grove
     Peak season for watching monarch butterflies overwinter in their native sanctuary.
     👉 https://www.pacificgrove.org/monarch-grove-sanctuary (site for sanctuary info) Lighthouse Lodge & Cottages

   • Holiday Tree & Menorah Lighting — Carmel-by-the-Sea
     Seasonal downtown tradition with music, tree lighting, and festive atmosphere.
     👉 https://whatsupmonterey.com/events/holiday-events/ WhatsUpMonterey.com

   • Old Town Holiday Stroll — Salinas
     Lights, shopping, local small business specials and seasonal energy downtown.
     👉 https://salinasvalleytribune.com/events-calendar/ Salinas Valley Tribune

   • Holiday Sip & Shop — Gonzales
     Local shops open late with seasonal specials and holiday gifts.
     👉 https://salinasvalleytribune.com/events-calendar/ Salinas Valley Tribune

   • Winter Wine Weekend — Soledad
     Local tasting rooms open with seasonal pours and Salinas Valley wine offerings.
     👉 https://salinasvalleytribune.com/events-calendar/ Salinas Valley Tribune

   • Christmas in the Adobes — Monterey State Historic Park
     Historic buildings decorated for the holidays with local music & tours.
     👉 https://www.seemonterey.com/events/christmas/ See Monterey County, CA

   • Holiday Craft Fair — Castroville
     Local artisans, handmade gifts, and small business makers.
     👉 https://salinasvalleytribune.com/events-calendar/ Salinas Valley Tribune

LOCAL NEWS

Several cities across Monterey County continue to advance mixed-use and housing projects aimed at increasing residential options while supporting walkable downtowns. These long-term investments shape how — and where — our communities grow.

If you’re curious how upcoming development could affect your neighborhood, I’m always happy to talk it through.

ROOTED IN MONTEREY — REAL ESTATE SNAPSHOT

Heading into the end of the year, here’s what locals are watching:

• New Listings: Fresh inventory across the county

• Price Adjustments: Opportunities for buyers paying attention

• Open Houses: Weekend tours happening county-wide

• Market Trends: What homes are actually selling for right now

Questions? Text 831-230-8671 or visit www.linawilliams.com.

ROOTED IN MONTEREY — WEATHER CHECK

Cool mornings, mild afternoons, and mostly clear conditions county-wide. An excellent weekend for farmers' markets, downtown strolls, and coastal walks — just bring layers.

Have a great weekend!

Lina Williams | Realtor® DRE #02038799
Real Broker, LLC
📱 831-230-8671
🌊 www.linawilliams.com

P.S. Hosting a community event or own a local business you’d like featured? Reply to this email — this newsletter grows best when it reflects the whole county.