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1. Because Salinas Valley Comic Con Comes to Town

Forget dressing up as Santa or an elf… In Monterey in December the costumes are far more elaborate, thanks to the Salinas Valley Comic Con.
 
This annual celebration of comics, graphic novels, zines, gaming, pop culture and cosplay is a must for any self-respecting nerd!
 
The theme at this year’s event is ‘We Are Not Alone’, which reflects the community spirit of the Comic Con lifestyle. There’ll be a gaming room, artists’ alley, cosplay competitions, face-painting, a craft table for the kids, workshops  and a tonne of fascinating speakers – like Warner Brothers and Disney illustrator and animator James Burkes (Space Jam, the Iron Giant).
 

2. Because the Whales Come to Visit

December is one of the best times to go whale watching in Monterey – and you don’t even have to get on a boat! The whales can sometimes be spotted off the Monterey coast with the naked eye at this time of year, so keep your eyes peeled for gray whales, dolphins and migrating killer whales.
 

3. Because New Year’s Eve will be Magical

First Night Monterey is a 25-year-old tradition, a community celebration of the arts on New Year's Eve. Hailed as Monterey's most exciting, imaginative and uplifting cultural event, FNM is an affordable, alcohol-free family-friendly celebration.
 
This year’s theme is "Celebrating 25 Years of Magic!" and there’ll be nine full hours of entertainment in historic downtown Monterey to kick off 2018 in style. You can catch sets from the Black Irish Band, Dirty Cello, Mambo Tropical, Derek Bodkin’s Hovering Breadcat Folk Ensemble, The Proudest Monkeys, The Dave Holodiloff Band and FNM favorites, Samba Legal.
 
With its pleasant and stylish rooms, the Laurel Inn & Conference Center is the perfect accommodation option if you’re planning to experience a December getaway. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast, use the free high speed Wi-Fi, take a dip in the heated pool or enjoy a meal at the onsite Black Bear Diner.