Take a break from the usual holiday hustle and bustle, and enjoy the season with a trip to charming Monterey, where there is surely something to put even the biggest Scrooge in the holiday spirit!
Click here to browse the opportunities to Stay 2 Nights and Get the 3rd Night Free at one of these hotel:
Bernardus Lodge
Blue Lagoon Inn
Casa Munras
Del Monte Pines
Monterey Downtown Travelodge
Monterey Plaza Hotel
Munras Lodge
Celebrate a Wild Christmas with a Nighttime Flashlight Tour of the Animals at Wild Things in Salinas (Dec. 8, 14-16, 21-23, 26-27). Refreshments will be served after tour. There will even be a special appearance by “The Big Guy” himself, as well as the opportunity to have your photo taken with real, live reindeer! For more information call 831-455-1901 or visit www.wildthingsinc.com.
One of the most charming customs brought to California by Spanish and Mexican settlers is La Posada, recreating the search by Mary and Joseph for lodgings on the eve of the Christ Child's birth. Seaside presents its own version, as the procession winds through town to the Oldemeyer Center (Dec. 15). For more information call 831-899-6805 or visit www.ci.seaside.ca.us.
Brighten up your holidays with Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club’s Brighten the Harbor (Dec. 16). Boats decorated with Christmas lights parade from the Coast Guard Pier to Lover's Point and back. A judging of boats will follow at the Yacht Club. For more information call 831-372-9686 or visit www.mpyc.org.
Debuting in March 1994, Smuin Ballet has quickly established itself as one of the country’s most unique and entertaining ballet troupes. Their Christmas Ballet, which will be performed at the Sunset Center (Dec. 28-29), has been instilling the holiday spirit in audiences of all ages for over a decade. Revel in the magical look and feel of this beloved holiday treat, featuring decor and special effects by Douglas Schmidt, costumes by Sandra Woodall, lighting by Michael Oesch and choreography by Michael Smuin and others. For more information call 831-620-2040 or visit www.sunsetcenter.org.
Ring in the New Year through a celebration of the arts. First Night Monterey (Dec. 31) is an affordable, alcohol-free family celebration. This year’s event, themed “Passport to the Arts,” will feature everything from folk to rock performances, special children’s projects, a teen alley, a big band dance venue, and much more in the 30 featured venues both indoors and out throughout historic downtown Monterey. For more information call 831-373-4778 or visit www.firstnightmonterey.org.
HOLIDAY PACKAGES | ||
HOTELS Come to the Horizon Inn & Ocean View Lodge for a night of romance. The “Romance Package” includes a 1 night stay with champagne, Lula’s chocolates and 2 souvenir glasses with a continental breakfast. Rates starting at $150.00 plus tax. For reservations call 831.624.5327 or visit www.horizoninncarmel.com. This season, plan a memorable getaway and enjoy a complimentary $25 resort credit at Hyatt Regency Monterey. Warm, inviting colors and fireplaces throughout make you fell relaxed and at home while the many exciting activities at our Monterey resort beckon you to come and explore. Escape to the beauty of the Monterey Peninsula while yyou enjoy complete access to our full list of amenities – including two heated outdoor pools with whirlpools, tennis courts, bike rentals, and more. Available now through January 2, 2008, this remarkable winter offer includes: Overnight stay in a beautifully appointed guestroom and complimentary $25 resort credit for use during your stay. For reservations and further information, please visit www.monterey.hyatt.com, and select Special Offers. Enjoy a stay at the La Playa Hotel at their special winter rates: Ocean/Garden View Rooms at $195 and Village View Rooms at $165 plus tax. Based on availability through March 1, 2008. Individual, new reservations only. To make a reservation call 800.582.8900 or visit www.laplayahotel.com. Escape to Carmel Valley and the Los Laureles Lodge. This Dinner, Stay and Wine tasting Package includes a two night stay, dinner for two at Los laurels Lodge, dinner for two at Wills Fargo, and wine tasting at Chateau Julien, Bernardus, Parsonage and Heller Estates Tasting Rooms in the Carmel Valley Village. Rates starting at $310. For reservations call 831.659.2233 or visit www.loslaureles.com. Enhance your stay at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa. Enjoy deluxe accommodations along with a $50 Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa Gift Card that can be used towards the Vista Blue Spa, Schooner’s Bistro on the Bay, or our award-winning Duck Club Grill. With rates starting at just $199* it is the perfect time to escape for the holidys. Package includes: For reservations call 831.645.4060 or visit www.montereyplazahotel.com. *Certain restrictions and black-out dates may apply. Based on availability. Packages are per room, per night, based on double occupancy, and do not include taxes or gratuities. Packages are not available for groups. |  | RESTAURANTS Receive a complimetary PuPu (appetizer) at the Hulas Island Grill and Tiki Room when you mention the Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau through the month of December. For more information, or reservations of 6 or more, call 831.655.4852 or visit www.hulastiki.com. ACTIVITIES Take 15% off any wine tasting or sightseeing tour of Monterey County (half or full day) for groups of 2-7 with Ag Venture Tours See website for current prices. Offer expires January 30, 2008, based on availability. To make a reservation please call 831.761.8463 or visit www.agventuretours.com Purchase three First Night Monterey buttons and get a fourth button free!!! Plus, get a souvenir poster. Your button is your ticket to a community celebration of the arts on New Year’s Eve in historic downtown Monterey – with full access to more than 50 performers and groups presenting live music ranging from folk to classical at 30 different venues. And much more! To place your order today call the Arts Council at 831.622.9060 or visit www.artsofmontereycounty.org Get one extra hour of adventure at the Land Rover Experience Driving School at Quail Lodge! Book a Two-Hour Off-Road Lesson during December or January and we will add a third hour for free! (Valid only at the LREDS at Quail Lodge, depending on availability). Call 831.620.8854 to make your reservation or visit www.landroverusa.com/drivingschools for more information. During December and January receive 20% off per person on Monterey Bay Whale Watch's daily trips to observe gray whales, dolphins and other sealife. Mention this is comments on our secure online reservation form at www.gowhales.com or call 831.375.4658 for more information. Travel to many famous movie sites located on the Monterey Peninsula and hear behind the scenes stories about the making of the movies and famous movie stars with Monterey Movie Tours. Get 50% off the second tour when you book two tours. (Not valid with other offers.) For more information, or to make reservations, call 831.372.6278 or visit www.montereymovietours.com Let Randy Tunnell Photography take a family or company portrait with any beautiful Monterey location as a backdrop. Your group can be photographed at the beach, Fishermman’s Wharf, at a vineyard, or anywhere you like. A full group, as well as smaller “break out” groups and couples can be made at the same time. Be sure to mention the MCCVB offer and save $50, reducing the price from $395 to $345, during the months of December 2007 and January 2008. With this offer you will receive a hi-res CD with all images and the first color 8x10 print with imprint of your logo and /or the info you wish. For more information call 831.649.3101 or visit www.randytunnellphotography.com |
