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. 

Ticket Prices

• $30   Adult  1-Night Pass

• $25   Adult  1-Night Pass  (Early Bird - Purchase before November 1)

• $45   Adult  2-Night Gold Pass

• Children 17 & under are FREE

2026 Participating Historic Buildings

Final List TBD

1. California’s First Theater – Corner of Scott and Pacific Streets (1845–47)
A redwood and adobe boarding house that became California’s first venue for paid theatrical performances. Today, it preserves the early spirit of Monterey’s cultural life.

2. Casa Abrego – 582 Abrego Street (1836)
Built by Don Jose Abrego, this adobe once served as a general store and later as a gathering place for the community. It now hosts special events and holiday programs.

3. Casa Amesti – 535 Polk Street (1830s)
One of Monterey’s grandest adobes, Casa Amesti was built for José Amesti, a prominent Basque merchant. Restored with exquisite detail, it features elegant period furnishings and architecture.

4. Casa Gutierrez – 590 Calle Principal (1841)
Home of Joaquin Gutierrez, an official of the Custom House, this adobe now features exhibits highlighting early California art and family life.

5. Casa Serrano – 412 Pacific Street (1843)
A classic Mexican-era residence showcasing local art collections and historical furnishings. The gardens and interior reflect Monterey’s rich cultural heritage.

6. Casa Soberanes – 336 Pacific Street (1842)
Known as “The House of the Blue Gate,” this adobe displays a mix of Mexican and early American furnishings, evoking 19th-century Monterey traditions.

7. Colton Hall – 570 Pacific Street (1849)
Originally a public school, Colton Hall was the site of California’s first Constitutional Convention in 1849. It now serves as a museum interpreting Monterey’s civic history.

8. Cooper-Molera Adobe – Corner of Munras Avenue and Pearl Street (1832)
Once home to sea captain John Bautista Rogers Cooper, this historic site blends California’s Mexican and early American eras through gardens, exhibits, and a restored barn complex.

9. Custom House – 1 Custom House Plaza (1827)
The oldest government building in California, the Custom House was where the U.S. flag was first raised over California in 1846. It now interprets Monterey’s maritime and trade history.

10. First Brick House – Heritage Harbor (1847)
California’s first fired-brick home, built by Mexican artisans. It offers a glimpse into 19th-century domestic life, complete with kitchen displays and historical furnishings.

11. Gabriel de la Torre Adobe – 509 Hartnell Street
Originally a private residence and later the first Federal Courthouse in Monterey, this adobe now serves as headquarters of the Big Sur Land Trust.

12. Governor Alvarado Adobe – 535 Pacific Street (1830s)
Built by and home to Juan Bautista Alvarado, governor of Alta California. The adobe reflects the political and cultural significance of Monterey during the Mexican period.

13. Lara-Soto Adobe – 460 Pierce Street (1840s)
Once owned by writer John Steinbeck, this adobe features exhibits relating to his time in Monterey and early Californian architecture.

14. Larkin House – 510 Calle Principal (1835)
Built by Thomas O. Larkin, U.S. Consul to Mexico, the Larkin House introduced the Monterey Colonial architectural style. Its collection showcases period furniture and artifacts.

15. Mayo Hayes O’Donnell Library – 155 Van Buren Street (1876)
A former Protestant church now housing a specialized research library devoted to local and California history.

16. Monterey Museum of Art – 559 Pacific Street
Housed in a historic structure, the museum features California and regional art, connecting Monterey’s artistic past with its vibrant present.

17. Old Fisherman’s Wharf – #1 Fisherman’s Wharf (1845)
Originally built for passenger and freight service, it’s now one of Monterey’s most popular attractions, filled with restaurants, shops, and whale-watching excursions.

18. Old Whaling Station – Heritage Harbor (1847)
Constructed by David Wight, it once served as headquarters for Monterey’s whaling operations. Visitors can see the famous whale bone pathway and historic rooms.

19. Pacheco Adobe – 602 Abrego Street (1840)
Built as a summer home for the Pacheco family, it later became Monterey’s first hospital. Restored to its original form, it now stands as a preserved landmark.

20. Pacific House – 10 Custom House Plaza (1847)
Constructed for the U.S. military, this adobe later served many roles—from courthouse to tavern—and today presents exhibits on Monterey’s diverse past.

21. Robert Louis Stevenson House – 530 Houston Street (1830s)
The Scottish author lived here briefly in 1879. The site now displays his memorabilia and explores his literary legacy in California.

22. Royal Presidio Chapel / San Carlos Cathedral – 500 Church Street (1794)
California’s oldest stone building and still an active parish, the cathedral features Spanish colonial architecture and historic religious artifacts.

23. Stanton Center – 5 Custom House Plaza
An extension of the Monterey State Historic Park museums, featuring exhibits and serving as a key check-in and will-call location during special events.