Twenty of Monterey’s historic buildings will be lit by candlelight as part of the 24th annual Christmas in the Adobes celebration on December 6 and 8, from 5 to 9 p.m. Along with the hundreds of candlelights, called “luminarias,” there will be a variety of musical entertainment, refreshments, and decorations to get everyone in the holiday spirit. New on the program this year is the Alvarado Adobe, next to Colton Hall. Each building will have staff, docents, and volunteers on hand to tell about the unique aspects of the buildings and share stories of their former occupants.
This is the only time of the year that many of these nineteenth century buildings are open to the public and open in the evening. Most of the historic buildings are in close proximity to each other so that visitors are able to walk, using a self-guided brochure, to any or all of the historic houses.
The entertainment and decorations match the history of the building. The Custom House, California’s oldest public building, will be the site of a fandango because these lively Spanish dances were actually held in this same building as far back as 1827, when it was built. Casa Soberanes, a home that typifies the Mexican era, will offer musical entertainment from the 1840s, as well as Mexican hot chocolate. For those wanting to know more about the life of
John Steinbeck, the Lara-Soto Adobe is the place to see. Visitors will travel back in time when they visit the Stevenson House and meet a living history re-enactor portraying the famous writer, Robert Louis Stevenson.
Other historic buildings scheduled are: the Larkin House with musician Robert McNamara; the Monterey Museum of Art, Monterey County’s premier cultural centers; Old Whaling Station; Casa Serrano; Casa Amesti and Cooper-Molera Adobe, National Trust properties; House of the Four Winds; Casa Abrego; Merritt House Inn; Colton Hall, one of Monterey’s premier historical sites; California's First Theatre; Mayo Hayes O'Donnell Library; and Pacific House Museum.
For holiday shopping, you will find many items to choose from at the Cooper-Museum Store and Casa del Oro and Picket Fence stores. For those seeking Santa, you’ll find him and Mrs. Claus at the House of the Four Winds.
Christmas in the Adobes is sponsored by California State Parks in association with Old Monterey Preservation Society. Tickets, which go on sale October 15, are $17 for adults if purchased by November 14, and $20 after. Children’s tickets (6-17 years old) are $2. Tickets are limited. Free parking is included with your ticket. For more information call (831) 649-7118.
Tickets go on sale October 15.
