21+ Thrilling Things to do in Santa Monica at Christmas

Venice and Santa Monica are bustling with unique holiday events and activities that you must do if you’re in the area. While this part of LA doesn’t offer snow-covered trees and freezing temperatures, you can still get into the winter spirit some of my favorite things to do in Santa Monica at Christmas.

Our list of fun and incredible things to do in Venice and Santa Monica, which includes tree lightings, ice skating, and holiday performances, is perfect for family holiday fun; the hard part is picking where you want to go first.

Things to do in Santa Monica at Christmas — *credit Kristina Sado*

Christmas in Santa Monica

Santa Monica Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

Address: 1300 Block of Thurd Street Promenade (between Santa Monica Blvd and Arizona Ave)
Date: Thursday before Thanksgiving, 6pm-8pm

Kick off the holidays before Thanksgiving as Santa makes an early appearance at the annual Santa Monica Holiday Tree Lighting. Enjoy FREE live performances by the Westside Ballet, Samohi Choir, Lincoln Middle School’s Madrigals, and SMC Emeritus Concert Band.

After the lighting, Santa will make it snow and take free photos with anyone eager to meet the big guy himself.

Miracle on Main Street

Address: California Heritage Museum, 2612 Main St, Santa Monica CA
Dates: Second Saturday in December, 3 pm to 7 pm
Website

On the second Saturday in December, meet on the lawn of the California Heritage Museum for a fun and festive event. There will be face painting, Santa Claus, and a candlelight walk to the Edgemar Shopping Cart Tree.

The street will also be lined with numerous holiday parties you will not want to miss. Check their website for a timeline of all the events so you can make reservations accordingly.

Holiday Conscious Market + Pet Photos with Santa

Address: Third Street Promenade
Date: First Saturday in December, 9am-6pm

More than 40 local vendors and artists will be showing off their goods at one of our favorite pop-up holiday markets. Pets are welcome to take free photos with Santa from 11am-2pm, but they must stay on a leash.

Christmas at Loews Santa Monica

Address: Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, 1700 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica CA
Dates: various dates in December
Website

Christmas at the Loews Santa Monica has a little something for everyone. From a twist on afternoon tea to drag brunch and breakfast with Santa, there is sure to be something for you and your family and friends to enjoy every weekend throughout the holiday season.

Holiday Drag Brunch

Holiday Drag Brunch is a holiday version of the monthly Drag Me to Brunch performance. For one special Saturday in December, you can join RuPaul Queen and Host Naysha Lopez, along with top drag performers for a fabulous morning out.

Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast with Santa and his elves never tasted so good. Enjoy photos with Santa after you chow down on breakfast favorites, make reindeer antlers. Don’t worry parents- you get a complimentary mimosa for making your kids’ Christmas dreams come true.

Tea with a Twist

Tea with a Twist features our favorite- tea-infused cocktails– and of course sweet and savory bites to enjoy with each sip. Watch the Elemental Music & Choir—a Santa Monica non-profit working with more than 300 local up-and-coming young musicians.

More Christmas Events at Loews

Fire Pit Dining at Blue Streak with holiday cocktails, roast s’mores, and seasonal dishes.
Christmas Day Dining at Blue Streak restaurant. Reservations encouraged.
Live Holiday Music in the hotel lobby will feature acoustic evenings, jazz nights and a holiday DJ.
Seaside Cinema – Holiday Edition every Saturday (as well as select holidays) in December from 3-5 p.m.

Montana Avenue’s Annual Holiday Walk

Address: 1120 Montana Ave, Santa Monica CA
Date: First Saturday in December, 4pm-8pm
Website

Montana Avenue will be filled with holiday cheer this December. Stroll the street while enjoying carolers, face painting, live music, and fun shopping experiences.

The holiday party is 11 blocks and a great time to shop for gifts and enjoy time with your family.

Winterlit

Address: Third Street Promenade and Downtown Santa Monica
Date: Mid-November thru January
Website

Downtown Santa Monica is turned into a winter wonderland. Colorful lights, garland, decor, and more will line the streets and shopping center for all to enjoy.

While there, take a photo with Santa, enjoy the ice rink (more info below), and grab a bite to eat.

Holiday Cheer on the Pier

Address: Santa Monica Pier, 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica CA
Date: mid-December, 3 pm to 6 pm
Website

Friends and family can head to Santa Monica Pier for a fun night with entertainment, live music, local art installations, and discounts!

It’s the perfect place to unwind with friends during the holiday season and enjoy views of the Santa Monica beachfront.

Lunetta Holiday Party

Address: 2424 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica CA
Date: Second weekend in December, 5 pm to 8 pm

Lunetta will have with annual holiday party, which features a toy drive. Bring an unwrapped gift, and in exchange, you can enjoy a cocktail or an item from their “golden hour” menu on the house.

Make reservations online to secure your spot at this wildly popular event.

Seaside Cinema

Address: Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, 1700 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica CA
Date: Mid-November thru January
Website

Head into Seaside Cinema, where you can enjoy timeless holiday classics and munchies to help put you in the holiday spirit. There will be movies, including Elf, Polar Express, and Mickey’s Magical Christmas, throughout the month, and you can check their website for the schedule.

Ice at Santa Monica

Address: 1324 5th Street, Santa Monica, CA (Third Street Promenade- corner of 5th Street and Arizona Avenue)
Dates: open through January 15th
Website

Lace up your skates, or rent a pair at the rink, and enjoy a spin around the only ice skating rink in Santa Monica.

It doesn’t matter what you choose to do; your family will have an incredible time at these festive events throughout Venice and Santa Monica.

Hanukkah in Santa Monica

Third Street Promenade

Address: 1400 block of Third Street Promenade (located between Santa Monica Blvd. and Broadway).
Dates: 8 nights of Hanukkah at sundown

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with your neighbors and visitors with nightly menorah lightings. The final lighting ceremony will take place at Ice at Santa Monica.

Menorah Lighting at Loews Hotel in Santa Monica

Address: Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, 1700 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica CA
Dates: 8 nights of Hanukkah
Website

Menorah Lighting in the lobby at nightfall throughout Hanukkah, featuring for the hotel’s resident Rabi and a special treat for all who attend.

Christmas tree all lit up for the holidays in Santa Monica — *credit Kristina Sado*

Christmas at Santa Monica Place

Holiday Performances

Address: Santa Monica Place, 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica CA
Date: The month of December
Website

Throughout December, the Santa Monica Beach Belles will be dancing to fun holiday music for all to enjoy. With the dancers, you can enjoy live DJ performances on the weekends, where everyone can dance. Check their website for all dates and hours the dancers will be out.

Pet Night with Santa

Address: Santa Monica Place, 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica CA
Date: mid-December
Website

Dress your pup up and get ready for a stunning photo with Santa. Santa Monica Place will hold a special pet night for photos with Santa, and you can donate to the Humane Society of the United States.

Dogs and cats are the only animals allowed at the event, and you must pre-book your reservation on their website.

Pet photos with Santa in Santa Monica California

Christmas in Venice CA

Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run

Address: 1501 Main St #205, Venice CA
Date: Second week of December
Website

The annual Santa Monica-Venice Christmas run is LA’s largest holiday running event, and all proceeds go to a fantastic cause. The run will have a 5k and 10k option, allowing you to walk or run the course down the iconic Venice Boardwalk and finish at the Venice Pavilion.

There will also be a kid’s 1k fun run that starts and ends at the Venice Pavilion.

Annual Holiday Lighting of the Venice Sign

Address: Pacific Ave and Windward Ave, 1501 Main St #205 Venice CA
Date: First OR Second Saturday in December, 6:15 pm to 9 pm

Gather the family for this festive holiday lighting of the Venice Sign. This beloved tradition continues in Venice with special guests, as everyone witnesses the Venice Sign change into cheerful holiday colors.

The lighting event begins at 6:15 pm and goes until 9 pm.

Venice Canals Christmas Lights and Holiday Boat Parade

Address: Eastern and Carroll Canals, Venice CA
Date: First Saturday in December, 3:30 pm

The Venice Canals is a lovely neighborhood in Venice that is filled with beautiful Christmas lights during the season and a wooden bridge that is perfect for strolling along.

For the entire month of December, your family can stroll through the area and get in the festive mood.

You can also attend the Venice Canals Holiday Boat Parade, a tradition since 1983. The parade begins at 3:30 pm, where you can watch beautifully decorated boats float along the canal. Bring some hot cocoa and pretend it’s cold out while you watch the show.