A West Coast Christmas Delight: Celebrating in Monterey and Las Vegas

As the holiday season twinkles to life, the West Coast becomes a tapestry of festive cheer and merry gatherings. From the tranquil beauty of Monterey to the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas, the region embraces the yuletide spirit in its unique, dazzling ways.

Monterey: A Coastal Christmas Wonderland

Monterey enchants visitors with its scenic beauty and laid-back charm, especially during Christmas. The community here celebrates the holidays with a blend of tradition and coastal flair.

Cannery Row Lights: The iconic Cannery Row transforms into a shimmering spectacle during Christmas. The streets, lined with historical buildings, are adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, casting a magical glow over the Pacific.

Wharf Walk: The Old Fisherman’s Wharf embraces the season with open arms. Stroll along the waterfront, where shops and restaurants offer seasonal delights, from freshly baked treats to local artisan crafts, making it the perfect spot for holiday shopping.

Monterey Christmas Tree Lighting: The city gathers for the annual tree lighting ceremony, a heartwarming tradition that marks the official start of the holiday season. Families, locals, and visitors come together to witness the illumination of a towering Christmas tree, accompanied by caroling and festive performances.

Journey to The Inn at Spanish Bay: The Inn at Spanish Bay is a not-so-secret gem tucked away on the captivating Monterey Peninsula. Within its welcoming confines lies a lobby adorned with a marvelously crafted gingerbread display—an edible masterpiece that captures the imagination.

Crafting these displays is no mere task—an adventure spanning 2.5 weeks. Over 75 pounds of powdered sugar, a whopping 200 egg whites, 20 pounds of flour, and 18 pounds of marshmallows. But beyond the ingredients lies the secret ingredient: boundless love poured into the confectionery concoction by a team of seven devoted bakers.

Las Vegas: Where Christmas Meets Glitz

Contrasting the serene coastal celebrations, Las Vegas, the Entertainment Capital of the World, adds its signature extravagance to the festive season. In 2023, the city promises a spectacular lineup of events and activities to make your Christmas unforgettable.

Magical Winter Lights at The Strip: The famous Las Vegas Strip transforms into a wonderland adorned with millions of lights and extravagant decorations. Hotels and casinos compete to create the most breathtaking displays. 

Glittering Lights Event: What happens when you blend festive joy, a charitable cause, and over 5 million sparkling lights? In Vegas, it’s known as the Glittering Lights—an extraordinary drive-through spectacle boasting a 2.5-mile route illuminated by an array of stunning light exhibits. Hosted by the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, this drive-through extravaganza has been a holiday tradition in Sin City for over two decades, supporting Speedway Children’s Charities. You can witness this display from November 9 to January 7. 

Holiday Shows and Performances: Vegas stages come alive with special holiday-themed shows. From Cirque du Soleil’s mesmerizing performances to classic Christmas concerts by renowned artists, there’s no shortage of entertainment to suit every taste.

Some of the upcoming shows to watch out for include:

Ice Skating and Winter Activities: Embrace the wintry spirit in the heart of the desert! Outdoor ice skating rinks pop up across the city, allowing visitors to glide under the Vegas skyline. Some venues also offer snow tubing and other winter-themed activities, creating a surreal winter wonderland experience.

Also, don’t forget to check out the Cosmopolitan Hotel. They transform their Boulevard Pool into a charming ice rink, inviting you to twirl and skate to the delightful melodies of holiday tunes while enjoying the backdrop of the iconic Vegas strip.

New Year’s Eve Extravaganza: While not exactly Christmas, Las Vegas ends the year with an unforgettable bang! As the countdown to the New Year begins, the Strip hosts one of the most extravagant celebrations worldwide, with fireworks, live performances, and parties that last until dawn.

Embrace the Festive Spirit With a GoCar! 

Explore the West Coast’s Christmas wonders in style with a GoCar. Uncover the magic of Monterey’s coastal charm or immerse yourself in the dazzling lights of Las Vegas. Book your GoCar experience now and embark on a holiday journey like no other!