District Blog

The New Monterey Business Association congratulates the winners of our 2025 Lighthouse District Holiday Display Contest. We had so many good entries this year that we awarded a winner and runner-up in each category!

**Best Holiday Display with Lighting**
InSight Eyewear
490 Lighthouse Ave

Honorable Mention
Carpets & Floors, Inc.
471 Lighthouse Ave

**Best Holiday Display, Minimally Lit**
On The Beach Surf Shop
693 Lighthouse Ave

Honorable Mention
The Leather Company
638 Lighthouse Ave

We encourage residents and visitors to come down to Lighthouse Avenue in New Monterey and view the many creative, amusing, and beautiful holiday displays in the windows of shops and restaurants. See some photos here.

International Market and Deli strives to work with ethical companies and distributors to source our delicious food from around the world. We stock all sorts of wonderful products that give you a taste of home or a taste of something completely new and we research everything we sell to see exactly where it's coming from and how that company does business.

If you've been reading the news, you'll know there's been some turmoil in the import business recently. When you see changes on our shelves, rest assured we're doing our best to stock the finest products at the best prices available. We're a small family business, and we want to support longtime family-owned businesses that manufacture and/or import quality foods. Before we put something on our shelves, we learn where the supplies are coming from and who owns the company.

We invite you to visit us at 580 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey and browse the store. If you have any questions, please call us at 831-375-9451 and ask to speak with the owner, Gloria. We're an old-fashioned market that takes pride in providing personal service to our community.

On The Beach's Snow Tech Shop is now open and ready to rock this 2025 / 2026 Snow Season. Bring in your snowboard or skis to get them ready for the slopes. We're located at 693 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

InSight Eyewear is really excited for our newest collection of frames to come in. We are now carrying Ray-Ban Meta glasses and are able to place prescription lenses in the frames. Stop in to see the styles and try on a pair for yourself. We're located at 490 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

Rosebuds Kids Co. has a bright and cheerful selection of holiday clothing for infants, toddlers, and children up to size 10-12. Come and check them out! We're located at 535 Foam Street in Monterey and open Tuesday - Friday, 9am-4pm, and Saturday, 10am-4pm.

About Rosebuds Kids Co.

Rosebuds Kids Co. is a children's resale shop chock full of clothing, toys, and accessories. Operated by the owner, Greta, a mom and veteran, the boutique is built from equal parts love, practicality, and community. Don't worry if you have kids and a stroller in tow - our building has dedicated parking.

Malinka European Mini Market offers a wealth of traditional holiday treats and a beautiful selection of wooden Christmas ornaments and decorations from Europe. We invite you to visit us this season at 484 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

European Holiday Treats

Malinka has a wonderful selection of sweet holiday delights on our shelves, including stollen, gingerbread, marzipan, fruit cake, and chocolates, and drink mixes, all imported from Europe. Come stock up!

Christmas Ornaments & Decorations

Malinka also carries a selection of charming wooden tree ornaments and holiday decorations from Germany, built to be enjoyed for years to come.

These include an assortment of tree ornaments, handcrafted gnomes from Christian Ulbricht, small nativity scenes, and Weihnachtspyramide, traditional German Christmas pyramids that bring gentle light and cheer to the home.

About Malinka

Malinka European Mini Market, locally owned and operated by Natalia, carries popular brands from across Europe and beyond. It may be a "mini" market, but it's chock full of merchandise, stocking all top European food favorites of Monterey residents.

This holiday season, buy a ukulele for a loved one at Carmel Valley Guitar. These instruments, made by Olive Ukulele, are reasonably priced and great for kids and budding musicians of all ages. We're open Tuesday - Saturday, 10am-6pm.

About Carmel Valley Guitar

Carmel Valley Guitar, locally owned by a master luthier named Bernie, is a cozy, welcoming guitar shop designed to inspire creativity and exploration. Whether you're a seasoned professional musician, an aspiring player, or a curious newcomer, there will be something for you here.

Holiday dresses are now in stock at Fashion Trade Boutique! Look great for all your upcoming events, whether it's a holiday party or a formal New Year's Eve celebration. We have short and long dresses in a variety of striking styles. Let us help you look fabulous. Visit us at 554 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

About Fashion Trade

Fashion Trade is a small boutique filled to the brim with vintage and consignment clothing and accessories for women and men. It's owned by Kim, a veteran and active member of the community who has an amazing eye for style and a warm welcome for every visitor to her shop.

Just in time for the holidays, Monterey Hostel is now a designated drop off site for the Food Bank for Monterey County.

Neighbors can bring canned and dry goods to the hostel at 778 Hawthorne Street any day between 9am and 8pm. Anyone who drops off a donation can pick up a free Monterey Hostel water bottle sticker as a thank you!

Come make a donation anytime from now through Christmas. It's a great time to support local families in need.

About Monterey Hostel

The nonprofit Monterey Hostel offers overnight lodging for school groups, families, and adventure travelers. The newly renovated hostel has 13 rooms with space to host around 50 overnight guests.

Give the gift of locally made art! During the holidays, Play Full Ground is selling artist Mai Ryuno's Happy Monterey Sardine Pillows and a selection of Monterey Bay themed art prints online.

Sardine Pillows

A symbol of the Monterey Bay, the colorful, cotton Happy Monterey Sardine pillows will liven up any space! These are limited edition, Mai Ryuno originals - each is individually designed, cut, and sewn and is apx. 36"x12". Purchase pillows online and pick them up at Play Full Ground by appointment.

Art Prints

Play Full Ground also has a limited number of art prints by Emily Underwood and Tim Nixon available at the studio and online. Each depicts Monterey sardines and other Monterey Bay ocean life. Pick up by appointment at the studio.

Proceeds Benefit Play Full Ground

All retail sales will directly support Play Full Ground and its innovative educational programming. Play Full Ground is located at 550 Lighthouse Avenue, Suite E in Monterey.