www.montereycountynow.com NOVEMBER 20-26, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 33 Send ideas to montereycountynow.com/events HOT PICKS Saturday, and during Christmas week the event takes place daily (except Dec. 25, when the elves are otherwise occupied). Join in the warm, fuzzy vibes, drink a hot chocolate, eat a tamale, and start working on your wishlist. [SR] 5-9pm Fridays-Sundays, Nov. 22-Dec. 28. Monterey County Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey. $20/general admission; $25/general admission Saturdays; $10/children 6-12; free/children 5 and under. (831) 372-5863, winterwonderfestmonterey.com. ROMANTIC SOUNDS Monterey Symphony presents two musical pieces of European romanticism—Symphony No. 9 by Austrian composer and organist Anton Bruckner (1924-1896) and a piano concerto by Norwegian composer and pianist Edvard Hagerup Grieg (1843-1907). Bruckner, who dedicated the piece “to the beloved God,” left his ninth symphony unfinished; some parts got lost and the piece had to be reconstructed. Grieg brought the music of Norway to fame, using its folk music in his compositions. The concerto features soloist Orion Weiss; Jayce Ogren is music director and conductor. The concert opens with Jonathan Bailey Holland’s “Dream Elegy.” [AP] 7:30pm Saturday, Nov. 22; 3pm Sunday, Nov. 23. Sunset Center, San Carlos and 9th, Carmel. $50-$90; $12/student, teacher, military. (831) 646-8511, montereysymphony.org. Monday, Nov. 24 FALL FEST Spending time with family is a great way to start the Thanksgiving break. This Monday community members of all ages are welcome at El Gabilan Library, which hosts its annual fall family festival. Kids and adults are invited to enjoy a fun afternoon and participate in a range of activities including playing games, making crafts, dancing and more. If you’d like, browse the stacks for great books to read over the holiday. [CJ] 1-3pm Monday, Nov. 24. El Gabilan Library, 1400 N. Main St., Salinas. Free. (831) 7587302, library.salinas.gov. Thursday, Nov. 27 TRACK TIME A timed lap around WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca of 22 minutes may seem painfully slow. But keep in mind that is walking—at a pretty good clip—around the famed 2.238mile track. Also keep in mind that the victory goes to someone in need. On Thanksgiving morning, Laguna Seca hosts the annual Turkey Trot, with all proceeds going to Food Bank for Monterey County. And there is no need to walk fast. You can jog, push a stroller, walk a dog (on a leash), stroll or even try to run (just keep in mind there are some steep bits). It’s a good workout before the big meal, and for a good cause. [DF] 7-11am Thursday, Nov. 27. WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, 1021 Highway 68, Salinas. $10 (cash/check) or nonperishable food items. (831) 242-8201, weathertechraceway.com. Hot Picks by Sloan Campi, Erik Chalhoub, Dave Faries, Celia Jiménez, Pam Marino, Agata Popęda, Katie Rodriguez and Sara Rubin. Race at your own pace (or that of your child or dog) during the Turkey Trot at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on Thanksgiving morning. KAREN LOUTZENHEISER HolidayParade of Lights JİNGLE & GLOW JİNGLE & GLOW THANK YOU TO OUR ANNUAL SPONSORS NUG Inc Moonflower Dentistry Mechanics Bank Chamber of Commerce THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2025 6:00PM - 8:00PM LİGHTHOUSE AVENUE, PACIFIC GROVE RAİN OR SHİNE Chamber of Commerc e ENTRY APPLICATION www.christiansciencemonterey.org Please join us for our Thursday, November 27 at 10:00 am Christian Science Church 780 Abrego St., Monterey Thanksgiving Service Psalms 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. All are welcome!
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