All this weekend Santa will be at the Wharf making a list and checking it over. Each day the vendors will be offering special bargains and holiday treats.

Monterey kicks of the season with its tree lighting at the historic Colton Hall site. Always a lot of fun with singing and festivity. http://oldmonterey.org

Come on over to the Museum of Art. It's across the street from Colton Hall. You can meet the artists and the curators from the museum. Ask how decisions are made, admire their work, and get some culture vulture points.  http://montereyart.org

Like the name says, it is every First Friday. What changes is the nature of the activities and their focus. You get to come and see what is going on in the music and art scene in the area. All along Lighthouse and the adjacent streets. pacific Grove is filled with charming shops and businesses. […]

In the tradition of bringing folks to the center of town, Pacific Grove is rolling out the carpet for everyone. Come out and see the artists, musicians and interesting folks that make up America's Last Hometown. Info at 831-655-9775

It's that time of year again. Monterey Peninsula Ballet Theatre is presenting their "Nutcracker" for the public. The young and seasoned professional dancers have been hard at it while the rest of us worry about so many other things. Here is the result of their hard work.http://MPBalletTheatre.org

The women's vocal group is bringing their unusual style and influences to the area once again and putting on a show unlike anything you've seen before. (Unless you already have enjoyed their music.) The Eastern European influences in their music become obvious quickly. This is a concert one should not miss. http://kitka.org

St. Dunstan's Church in Carmel Valley is sponsoring a Christmas fundraiser based on the goods sold at Madrigal's in Carmel. Come by for lots of good deals on lovely collectible and seasonal merchandise available only at this site and time. http://stdcv.org

For a full week anyone who lives in one of the 939-- zip codes can enter the Aquarium for free. It's their locals appreciation week. So get over there and see this fabulous jewel that you probably haven't been to see in a long while. http://montereybayaquarium.org

Author Todd Cook will be talking about the colorful part of the area's history and encouraging purchase of his book. There will be some period artifacts available for viewing also.  This is a great opportunity for those pirate fans in the family. http://monterey.org/library