INVITATION TO THE HOLIDAYS

The holiday season is the perfect time to enjoy picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea. Concept Carmel readers save up to 20% off Le Petit Pali at 8^th Ave & Le Petit Pali at Ocean Ave’s best available rates for stays between Nov. 1 - Dec. 31, 2025.* Use code CONCEPTCARMEL25 when booking. 

*Offer subject to availability. Black-out dates and additional terms & conditions may apply.

Book your holiday bash at Pelio’s stunning Carmel Valley tasting room with 10% off private parties up to 40 guests when you mention Concept Carmel. (Available Monday through Friday, from 6 to 9 p.m., Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, excluding Nov. 27 and Dec. 25. Contact morgan@pelioestatewines.com to reserve.) Plus, receive 20% off bottle purchases when you mention Concept Carmel in person, or use code CONCEPTCARMEL20 online (offer valid Nov. 1 to Dec. 31).

Score one-of-a-kind treasures, archival designs, and the perfect presents for even your most hard-to-shop-for friends at Owl & Kittycat in downtown Carmel. Concept Carmel readers receive 20% off in-store purchases when mentioning Concept Carmel at checkout. Offer valid once per customer from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31.

Give the gift of good scents. Concept Carmel readers enjoy 20% off Soleia Lane’s gorgeous candles, home fragrances, hand creams and hand washes. Consciously crafted in Monterey, scents like By the Sea, In the Valley, and Pebble will lend a taste of home to your gift list. Use code CC20 at checkout at soleialane.com. Offer valid until Dec. 31.

What if a cookie could change someone’s life? AMI CARMEL founder Annee Martin’s goal is to remind us that kindness can be as small as a cookie, but can leave a lasting impact. She’s inviting the community to be a part of her forthcoming cookie cookbook by submitting a favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe and the story behind it — a moment of kindness, a meaningful memory, or a tribute to someone who left a lasting impact. Email kindnesscookieproject@gmail.com by Dec. 31 for consideration.

Throughout November and December, Maligne will offer Sunday "Industry Nights" with festive food and drink specials open to all! Including $3 oysters, $15 martinis, and featured a la carte dining. Visit restaurantmaligne.com for reservations.

Receive 20% off site-wide at SALTED STONES for the fine jewelry and everyday essentials your gift list is dreaming of. Use code HAPPYHOLIDAYS20 at checkout. Offer valid through Jan. 1, 2026.

Two things can be true: the holidays can be a time of love, joy, and connection—and also stress, loneliness, and burnout. Give the gift of self-care with personalized sessions designed to restore balance this holiday season. Book an on-demand private session for yourself or your group and feel held and grounded with gentle somatic practices and nervous system support.

Join Chez Noir’s Wine Club for a monthly curation of its favorite bottles from talented winemakers across the globe. Club members gain access to an exclusive selection of Chez Noir’s wines, as well as detailed tasting notes and pairing suggestions. It’s the perfect gift to give (and receive), just in time for your holiday table.

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Through its Adopt-A-Family program, Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County helps more than 350 children and families navigating a challenging season and struggling to put food on the table. Sponsor a child to provide them with clothing, books, and a gift from their own wish list. Rooted in community and delivered with care, every gift honors the families’ dignity and celebrates each child’s unique identity.

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Win big while giving back. Carmel’s newest vintage shop Modfruit is raffling a “Fireside Picnic”-themed basket featuring cozy must-haves like a vintage throw blanket, loose leaf tea from its Barnyard neighbor Gold Leaf Spice & Teas, vinyl record, vintage puzzle, hand-poured candle, and more. $5 per entry or $20 for five entries with all proceeds benefiting the Food Bank for Monterey County.

Join Oystertown and The Yolk Marketplace on Nov. 12 for “How to Host A Holiday House Party,” and master the art of effortless entertaining just in time for the holidays ($125 per person). Can’t make it? Host your own holiday gathering at Oystertown and let them take care of the oysters, wine, and vibes, or order Oyster stuffing to take home for Thanksgiving. Also look for their festive Fisherman's Feast on Dec. 24, and New Year’s Eve bash on Dec. 31. Call 831-312-8150 for all reservations.

From Nov. 14-16 Lenox Hill Design will join with neighboring Angelina boutique for a holiday-ready sale. Perfect for people wanting to add a few home decor pieces before family visits. Find deals up to 50%. AND, bring your receipt from Angelina to receive an extra 10% off at Lenox Hill or vice versa. (T&E apply.)

MARCHÉ is more than just a marketplace; it’s an immersive celebration of creativity, collaboration, and connection with a vibrant community. Join MARCHÉ at The Bridge Yard, a stunning, historic space on the San Francisco Bay, for an elevated holiday shopping event that brings together 70+ women-owned and women-led brands.

Carmel Valley's beloved home decor store debuts its holiday collection at this annual party — and it's not to be missed. With gift-worthy goods to please every person on your list, from French vintage finds to pantry provisions to original paintings by Gwynneth Alldis.

Monterey Beach Hotel’s new Reset Lab experience—an al fresco wellness space with Scandinavian-inspired barrel saunas and cold plunges, plus access to the hotel’s heated pool and jacuzzi—is offering Concept Carmel readers exclusive access with a special holiday rate of $35/day through the end of 2025. Book directly with the hotel’s front desk on the day of your visit. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Enjoy an elegant, thoughtfully crafted three-course meal highlighting the best of MEarth's garden. Two stellar local chefs lead the menu: Ben Spungin of Alta Bakery and Cella Restaurant, and Ron Mendoza of Ad Astra Bread Co., with signature drinks by Analuisa Bejar of Sunny Bakery Cafe. All proceeds directly support MEarth’s outdoor education, food donation, and community programming.

Join Tejido Collective for its inaugural vintage and small-batch holiday market. Discover pieces with a past, chosen with care. Including vintage watches and tees from Wally’s, jewelry from Strike the Set, womenswear from Velveteen Tangerine, home goods from Cass Clutch, and cowboy boots, barn coats, and vintage Levi’s from Tejido Collective. Sip cold beer from Other Brother while you shop and receive one-on-one styling and fit help. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mission Street, between 5th & 6th.

This holiday season, the Monterey County Fairgrounds will transform into a dazzling Winter Faire & Light Experience filled with twinkling tunnels, festive food, holiday shopping, hot cocoa, and family fun (including visits from Santa every Saturday). Book your tickets now.

Join Monica Graham Fine Art in celebrating local artist Diesel Ledbetter’s first solo show, “Out West.” Ledbetter is known for his evocative creations that capture the essence of the American West. His works often include intricate details, mixed media, vibrant colors, drawing inspiration from nature, animals and the culture of the region. View the collection ahead of the holidays for the art lovers in your life. Nov. 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Monica Graham Fine Art. 

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Solstice at The Village Big Sur warmly invites you for a special Thanksgiving Dinner featuring a delicious three-course spread with all the time-honored traditions, served family style. $120 for adults, $60 for children ages 3-12, children 3 and under are free. Reservations required. Find the full menu and more info at the booking link.

Celebrate the holidays with joy and ease. First, join the Portola Hotel & Spa for a gourmet Thanksgiving celebration at their Annual Thanksgiving Buffet, then grab the kids for Breakfast with Santa, complete with carolers and cookie decorating on Nov. 30. And Rock the Yacht at the hotel’s nautical New Year’s Eve party, where live music from The Money Band and laid-back luxury will carry you into 2026. Enjoy a decadent buffet, open bar, and photo booth by The Vintage PhotoBox™ to capture your best themed looks.

The team behind Stationæry presents a joyful weekend winter market: Say Yes Mama (located at the future home of Mammone & Mama's Boy, its new restaurant & deli concept). Featuring fashion, home, gifts, and seasonal delights, it includes three permanent partners — Wally’s with women’s vintage and a portrait try-on booth, House of Cardoon with a shoppable design lounge, and Corral Wine Co. with complimentary bubbles — plus a rotating list of surprise vendors. It's sure to be filled with all the special extras that will make mama say yes. Fridays-Sundays from Nov 28-Jan. 18. Dolores 1 NE of 5th, Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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Stokes Adobe's beloved Holiday Market returns Nov. 29 from 12 - 5 p.m., featuring local brands like Vanessa Cowdrey, Maria Schoettler, Valley Botanicals, Current and Copper, Meninas, and more women-owned businesses. Shop, sip, support, and celebrate the season. For more info follow @stokesadobe on Instagram.

This season, the spirit of the holidays comes alive at Asilomar with a full month of festive celebrations—from twinkling lights and cozy fireside gatherings, to music and coastal cheer. Starting with the tree lighting on Nov. 29 and ending with Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 21. View the full calendar at instagram.com/visitasilomar.

Prepare to be transported to a winter wonderland as PacRep Theatre and the Garner-Whitt School of Dramatic Arts (SoDA) perform the winter tradition, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Musical. This classic holiday extravaganza, adapted from the beloved 1960s animated film, will dazzle audiences at the enchanting Outdoor Forest Theater in Carmel-by-the-Sea with weekend matinees from November 29 through December 21, 2025.

This holiday season, I Cantori di Carmel performs some of the most iconic works in the choral repertoire. Handel’s Messiah comes to Carmel, Salinas, and Santa Cruz with special performances Dec. 13 and 14 at Carmel Mission Basilica. Visit I Cantori di Carmel for tickets.

This holiday season, Field + Form offers a seasonal art series specifically focused on gathering inner light as we head into the darker months of winter. Sign up for a lantern-making workshop on Nov. 30, textile workshop using embroidery and collage on Dec. 7, or beeswax luminary workshop on Dec. 14. $95 per person with materials included. All workshops hosted at Henry Miller Library in Big Sur with a percentage of sales donated to Housing for School Kids.

Chefs Philip Wojtowicz of Oystertown and Adam Silverstein of Silverstein’s Delicatessen will create delicious eats featuring the best East Coast bagels, here on the West Coast. Keep the good food and good vibes going at this exclusive pop-up, Sunday, Nov. 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Oystertown.

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Concept Carmel readers receive 25% off of all Sugarfina & Sea Coast Sweets for the month of December at Sea Shack Candy Co. Mention Concept of Carmel at checkout.

Help Olivia & Daisy Books support CASA Monterey this holiday season. Select an anonymized “reader tag” with a local child’s age and interests from the shop’s Giving Tree, then purchase a book chosen specially for that child. (Bonus: You can even include a handwritten note or bookplate.) All books will be wrapped by Olivia & Daisy and delivered to CASA for distribution by Dec. 23.

Celebrate the holidays with your furry friends at Carmel Mission Inn's Santa Paws & Christmas Market. Get complimentary pictures with Santa, shop local artisans, enjoy live music, raffles, food, and drinks while raising money for the Animal Friends Rescue Project. Bring a gift from the AFRP Christmas Wish List to receive a free raffle entry. 5 to 7 p.m.

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The holidays will be as colorful as your kiddos when you shop the Little Holiday Children’s Gift Pop-Up at House of Cardoon. Score all the special stocking stuffers, unique gifts, and one-of-a-kind finds from brands like Meri Meri, Ooly, and House of Cardoon’s own curated collection, all in one magical place. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. San Carlos Street, between 5th & 6th.

Experience the collaboration of Foray and Billecart-Salmon Champagne through a curated four-course tasting menu paired with wines from Billecart-Salmon at this special seasonal prix fixe dinner ($300).

Hand-make your loved one’s holiday gift or craft your own seasonal scent. Join Valley Botanicals for a Botanical Candle Making workshop at The Wine House on Thursday, Dec. 4. Learn the basics of creating your own soy wax candle, then personalize it with pressed botanicals and natural scents. A complimentary glass of wine will be provided.

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Concept Carmel readers receive 10% off in-store purchases at the Carmel Plaza location of Lula's Chocolates on Dec. 5 (in honor of the Tree and Menorah Lighting). Mention "Concept Carmel" at checkout.

After the annual City Holiday Tree and Menorah Lighting Celebration at Devendorf Park, head over to Carmel Plaza for its Holiday Open House. Shop, mingle, and enjoy festive small bites, warm drinks, face painting, kids activities, and visits with Santa and Martin the Magical Elf.

Shop fine jewelry and everyday essentials from Salted Stones, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Somewhere's Ocean Ave shop. Plus, pick up the most gorgeously giftable sweaters, tees, and accessories designed by Somewhere's arsenal of artists. Ocean Ave between Lincoln and Monte Verde.

Join designer Natalie Borton and vintage expert Karla Reed for a holiday pop-up at Tejido. Enjoy small bites and festive drinks while shopping Reed's vintage collection and the latest from NBD—you're sure to find the perfect pieces for everyone on your gift list.

Celebrate the beauty of the holiday season with an amazing group of local makers, artists, and food vendors at the stunning Coast Gallery in Big Sur. Enjoy live music from Wayward Jerry / Pfeiffer Beach Hotel, festive decor, good eats, and a great crowd. Hosted by Silverstein's Delicatessen. Saturday, Dec. 6 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Toast to Other Brother Beer’s 6th annual winter market, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shop local goods from Monterey and Santa Cruz County artists, makers, and vendors, and enjoy Other Brother’s seasonal beers and lunch menu. Follow @otherbrotherbeer on Instagram for updates.

Join Gallery Nila for an evening of creative alchemy and winter celebration. Create a seasonal bloom bouquet with Lauren Walsh, a personalized tea blend with Sophie Gates, and a custom skincare mask with Lilac & Dahlia, plus receive a tarot reading from psychic Pheroze Karai. Concept Carmel readers also receive an exclusive gift set featuring a Gallery Nila candle, crystal from Pheroze Karai, and mask making bowl and fan brush.Tickets $130-140 per person.

Join The Vague Collection to celebrate shopping small this holiday season with two exclusive pop-up events—Dec. 11 and 18 from 4 to 7 p.m.—featuring locally owned small businesses, artisans, wine, and more. Sip and shop with additional holiday surprises.

Join Holman Ranch for its fifth annual Holiday Party. Enjoy small bites from Chef Hollie Jackson paired with estate-grown wines—and learn the inspiration and techniques behind each bite. Guests leave with recipe cards to recreate the festive delights at their own holiday tables.

This early evening walking tour of Monterey’s historic adobes — all adorned in holiday décor—surprises and delights, with candle-lit luminarias leading the way. Enjoy festive music and entertainment, hear the stories of Monterey’s earliest buildings and savor the warm spirit of community at this family-favorite event benefitting the Monterey State Historic Park’s educational programs for elementary students.

Join Chef John Harry on Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec.r 14 for a pizza pop up at Lafler Canyon Cafe at (the former) Coast Gallery. The menu will feature a variety of Sicilian style pizzas, ice creams, and Lucy’s famous coffee, under the redwoods in this cozy cafe. Follow for menu updates.

Meet the Makers at this festive holiday market on Dec. 13 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. in Merrill Hall at Asilomar. Open to the public. Parking is available on property or on nearby streets. Shop goods from Soleia Lane, Salted Stones, The Quail & Olive, Starks Studio, and many more.

It’s time for Stationaery’s most festive event of the year: Feast of the Seven Fishes. Join them in celebrating this Italian Christmas tradition with three nights featuring a special à la carte seafood menu, plus optional wine pairings. Dressing to the nines encouraged! Dec. 18-20 from 5:30-9 p.m. Dinner reservations recommended.

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Last minute shopper? We won’t tell (and neither will they). Visit Olivia & Daisy Books for a Secret Night Shop on Dec. 22 from 7-9 p.m. Grab a cocktail and snack on seasonal bites from Mirth Kitchen while checking off your last-minute list with gorgeous complimentary gift wrap and other fun surprises.

Join Oystertown on Christmas Eve for its Fisherman’s Feast — a festive, 5-course prix fixe culinary celebration featuring oysters and seafood favorites, plus a decadent dessert. $115 per personLimited seating between 5:30 & 7:30 pmCall 831-312-8150 to reserve your spot

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