Best Christmas Dinners in Monterey County

WhatsUpMonterey Christmas Events Roundup has us feeling grateful as it's full of ways to get the most out of life in Monterey County throughout the holiday.

Experiencing Christmas in beautiful Monterey County, California can be a pure joy for anyone. If you want to enjoy a fantastic Monterey Christmas experience, there are quite a few dinner options available to people in the area. Checkout our picks:

CHRISTMAS EVE LUNCH AND DINNERS

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Elegant Anton & Michel, a sophisticated American eatery that's full of beautiful fireplaces and fountains will host a classic dinner that's full of timeless favorites. It also includes some irresistible seasonal specials from 3pm to 9pm.

If you want to experience an extensive tasting menu that comes with a four-course dinner, you should head straight to Aubergine at L'Auberge Carmel. Wine pairing is optional but highly recommended. Starting at 5pm-9pm. $175 per person and $110 extra with wine pairing.

Celebrate the holidays at Terry’s Restaurant + Lounge at Cypress Inn — a beloved Carmel tradition. On Christmas Eve (Wednesday, December 24), enjoy regular dinner service with festive touches from 5:00–8:30 p.m. while Debbie Davis performs classic holiday music in the Living Room from 6:00–8:00 p.m. On Christmas Day (Thursday, December 25), celebrate with a prix-fixe holiday menu served from 1:00–8:00 p.m. ($95 per person, $45 for children 12 and under). The David Morwood Band returns to the Living Room with live music from 6:00–9:00 p.m., creating an unforgettable Christmas atmosphere in the heart of Carmel.

Carmel Highlands

Enjoy an amazing three course Christmas Dinner with a view of the Pacific Ocean at Pacific's Edge Restaurant at the Highlands Inn.

Carmel Valley

Celebrate Christmas Eve with a festive three-course tasting menu at Valley Kitchen inside Bernardus Lodge & Spa. Dinner will be served from 5–9 p.m. Seasonal entrées may include Herb-Crusted Prime Rib with rosemary jus, Yukon Gold mash, and roasted winter vegetables, or Seared Wild Pacific Salmon with fennel-orange relish, parsnip purée, and sautéed greens. Optional wine pairings will also be available to enhance your holiday experience.

Monterey

Start the holiday tradition of Christmas at Estéban Restaurant located at the historic Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa. Savor four exquisite dishes including gem lettuce hearts with persimmons & basil dressing, seared scallops with chorizo and piquillo pepper relish, chicken fricassee with roasted fingerling potatoes, and traditional buche de Noel. $40 per person. Children’s menu and signature tapas are available.

Jacks Restaurant at Portola Hotel & Spa

Christmas Eve Cioppino Special
Wednesday, December 24, 2025 | Holiday Hours 4pm to 10pm

Gather at Jacks Monterey this Christmas Eve and enjoy Jacks’ Monterey Bay Cioppino special. Indulge in fresh caught halibut, calamari, mussels and more, served with fresh baked garlic bread. While dining under the trees in the holiday-themed atrium, enjoy the sound of holiday carolers from 5pm to 8pm.

Reservations & Pricing: $48.95 per person (excludes 20% gratuity and tax). Jacks full dinner menu and children’s menu will also be available.

Christmas Dinner Celebration
Thursday, December 25, 2025 | Holiday Hours 3pm to 8pm

Spend Christmas Day at Jacks Monterey inside the Portola Hotel & Spa. Enjoy a festive three-course menu served in Jacks’ elegantly decorated, tree-lined atrium, complete with award-winning wine pairings and a joyful holiday ambiance.

First Course: Red & Golden Beet Salad or Lobster Bisque
Second Course: Choice of 12oz Prime Rib (+$10), Deistel Turkey, Fresh Caught Halibut, or Garden Power Bowl (V)
Third Course: Pecan Pie or Passion Fruit Crème Brulee

Reservations & Pricing: $65 per person (Prime Rib entrée add $10 per entrée). Price excludes 20% gratuity and tax.

Pacific Grove

Fandango will serve dinner on Christmas Day from 3pm - 8pm. Choose from the standard menu or their special Christmas add-ons like Roast Tom Turkey. Lunch and dinner will also be served on Christmas Eve from 11am - 2:30pm and 5pm - 9pm.