36 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com Send ideas to montereycountynow.com/events HOT PICKS Sunday, Nov. 30 SING ALONG Earth, Wind and Fire said it best: “If you sing a song today/ You will make a better way.” I Cantori di Carmel gives us all a chance to sing a song that is sure to lift our spirits at the start of the holiday season through the return of the Messiah Sing-Along. This holiday tradition brings the community together to belt out the iconic Handel’s Messiah, including the famous “Hallelujah” chorus, led by the I Cantori di Carmel singers and musicians. The event begins with holiday drinks and includes a meet-and-greet with Santa. Holiday attire is encouraged, everything from ugly Christmas sweaters to Santa hats. This sing-along is sure to make your day, if not your holiday season. [PM] 3-6pm Sunday, Nov. 30. Asilomar Conference Grounds, 800 Asilomar Drive, Pacific Grove. $25; $10/children under 18. (831) 6448012, icantori.org. Monday, Dec. 1 STRING ALONG There’s something about a string ensemble. Without the trill of woodwinds or the power of brass, the strings resonate—soaring or rumbling, rising and plummeting with so much depth. The Monterey Peninsula College String Ensemble provides a demonstration of this in a program featuring soloist Olivia Bartle with Haydn’s “Cello Concerto #1,” followed by the full orchestra performing Max Bruch’s “Serenade on Swedish Fold Melodies” and Alan Hebert’s “The Orchestra and the Orchard,” as well as a piece by some guy named Beethoven called “String Quartet in C Minor Opus 18 #4.” Catchy title, that one, by a composer that maybe you’ve heard of. [DF] 7:30pm Monday, Dec. 1. First Presbyterian Church of Monterey, 501 Eldorado St., Monterey. $10; $5/students, military. (831) 373-3031, mpc.edu. Tuesday, Dec. 2 SANTA PAWS Was your dog naughty or nice this year? If we’re being honest, we know you don’t care—even the naughty pooches can expect a visit from Santa. The season for pups gets started at the Tuesday night dog bar at Carmel Mission Inn, where there is live music by singer/songwriter FRESHoUR, prize drawings and free pet photos with Santa Paws himself. You can shop for holiday gifts (probably for humans, but maybe your canine companion would prefer a beautiful handmade wooden water bowl, we’re not judging) from 10 artisan booths, and purchase food and drink from Shearwater Tavern. Donations to support the nonprofit Animal Friends Rescue Project are encouraged to truly get in on the holiday spirit. [SR] 5-7pm Tuesday, Dec. 2. Carmel Mission Inn, 3665 Rio Road, Carmel. Free. (831) 3330722, animalfriendsrescue.org. Hot Picks by Sloan Campi, Erik Chalhoub, Dave Faries, Celia Jiménez, Pam Marino, Agata Popęda, Katie Rodriguez and Sara Rubin. If you can’t decide whether you want to be among the trees or get your Christmas shopping done, the Harvest Fair at Big Sur Grange might be the best of two worlds you wouldn’t expect to collide. (See details on p. 34.) JENNY BUCKLAND CHRISTMAS IN THE ADOBES December 12–13, 2025 | 5 - 9PM For two enchanting nights, the city’s historic adobes glow with the warmth of brightly lit luminarias, adding holiday décor, festive music and refreshments to the mix. Guests will stroll through over twenty historic sites, many of which are open exclusively for this event, and experience the stories of California’s earliest days. The 41 Annual st Monterey State Historic Park Association and California State Parks invite community members and visitors alike to step back in time for a beloved holiday tradition. Info & tickets available at www.MSHPA.org Tickets on Sale Now! *Early Bird discount before Nov. 1 $3599 NEW FLAVOR! $ 999 Quality feed & pet supplies • DIY dog & cat vaccines • Premium hay at great prices Low cost vaccination clinic for dogs & cats. Microchipping. Prescription flea/tick medication. Open every Saturday 1:30pm-4:30pm. 101 W. 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LAUREL DR, SALINAS · (831)443-6161 Quality feed & pet supplies · DIY dog & cat vaccines · Premium hay at great prices Any purchase of Any purchase of Any purchase of EXPIRES 11-19-25. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER DISCOUNTS OR OFFERS. LIMIT 1 COUPON PER CUSTOMER. NOT VALID ON HAY, SHAVINGS, SERESTO, MAX BULLY, SPORTSTRAIL, OR ROUDYBUSH. MUST PRESENT ENTIRE PHYSICAL COUPON AT TIME OF PURCHASE. COUPON MUST COME DIRECTLY FROM THE MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY. REPRINTS OR PHOTOCOPIES NOT VALID. HAPPY THANKSGIVING German Car Specialist Full service garage with over 40 years local experience. 249 Dela Vina Ave • Monterey 831.373.5355 • www.ccrepairmonterey.com Certified Monterey Bay Green Business
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