Ring in the Holidays in Santa Monica

November 21, 2018 2:25 PM
by Miranda Iglesias

Santa Monica is your home for the holidays with an array of winter festivities, including the return of the favorite outdoor ice-skating rink and two tree-lighting ceremonies.

These community events are part of the ‘Tis the Season to Buy Local holiday campaign which kicks off with Small Business Saturday on November 24.  The holiday events are organized by our business improvement districts and merchants association (members of the Buy Local SM Committee) and are all free and open to everyone. Buy Local Santa Monica as created in 2009 as a partnership between the City of Santa Monica and the Santa Monica business community to support our local businesses and strengthen our thriving community by raising awareness of the economic, environmental and community benefits of thinking local first.

For a full list of events and more info: www.BuyLocalSM.com.


Ice Skating in Santa Monica

NOVEMBER 3, 2018 – JANUARY 21, 2019

Every holiday season Downtown Santa Monica brings a little ice skating to our beachside community, transforming the corner of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue into the winter wonderland. For more info visit downtownsm.com.


Wonderland by the Water

NOVEMBER 19, 2018 – JANUARY 2, 2019

The Pier is getting in the holiday spirit with the magical Wonderland Windows showcasing “Seadragons Village” in the historic Merry-Go-Round building. In collaboration with LA artist Myriad Slits, the Pier will be creating an unforgettable experience for locals and tourists alike, with programming and events all season long. For more info visit santamonicapier.org.


Third Street Promenade Merry & Bright Light Show

NOVEMBER 19, 2018 – JANUARY 21, 2019. Daily, every half hour from 5 - 10 P.M. 
1200 Block of the Promenade. 

For more info visit downtownsm.com/winterlit.


Small Business Saturday

NOVEMBER 24, 2018, 10 A.M. - 6 P.M.
Montana Avenue (7th-17th Street) 

For more info visit buylocalsantamonica.com/events.


Joy on Pico Merchant + Resident Mixer

NOVEMBER 28, 2018, 5:30 - 7:30 P.M.
Elks Lodge, 1040 Pico Blvd. 

Get to you know your neighbors! Giveaways, cash bar, live entertainment and local food! For more info, visit buylocalsantamonica.com/events.


Official City of Santa Monica Tree Lighting

NOVEMBER 30, 2018, 6 - 9 P.M. 
1200 Block of Third Street Promenade.


For more info visit downtownsm.com/winterlit.


Holiday of Lights on Main Street

DECEMBER 1, 2018, 5 - 9 P.M.

Celebrate the festivities with not one, but TWO tree lightings, starting at the California Heritage Museum (2616 Main Street), then join Santa for a short candlelight walk to the world-famous Shopping Cart Tree at Edgemar Center (2437 Main Street). Enjoy holiday carols, street-wide parties and art installations hosted by Main Street businesses. For more info, visit mainstreetsm.com.


Menorah Lightings

DECEMBER 2 - 10, 2018, 6 P.M.
1300 Block of the Promenade

For more info visit downtownsm.com/winterlit.


Tree of Life/Holiday Open House

DECEMBER 7, 2018, 4 - 6 P.M.
Woodlawn Cemetary

Ring in the holiday season at Woodlawn Cemetery by decorating our 11-foot Tree of Life, located in the Mausoleum lobby, with ornaments provided by the Cemetery that can be personalized in memory of loved ones. This annual event also features live musical performances, photos with Santa and light refreshments. It also kicks off our annual drive for the Toys for Tots Foundation, so bring your toy donations! This event is free of charge. For more info, visit www.smgov.net/Cemetery.


Montana Avenue Holiday Walk

DECEMBER 8, 2018, 4 - 8 P.M.

Our Annual Holiday Walk has moved to Saturday with more sales, music, celebrations, snacks, and fun for ALL! For more info visit, montanaave.com.


Holiday Celebration with the Pico Improvement Organization

DECEMBER 8, 2018, 9:30 A.M. - 1 P.M.
Virginia Avenue Park (Pico @ 23rd St)

PIO takeover of the musical stage at the Pico Farmers Market. Holiday music from local performers and a special morning for all. For more info visit, buylocalsantamonica.com/events.

Authored By

Miranda Iglesias
Public Information Coordinator