The holidays are here in Santa Monica!
November 30, 2023 12:28 PM
by Lauren Howland
It’s that time of year! The holiday season is off to a roaring start in Santa Monica with a packed day of celebrations throughout the city this Saturday, Dec. 2, followed by nightly menorah lightings for Hanukkah from Thursday, Dec. 7, through Thursday, Dec. 14. See below for a round-up of events and get ready to ring in the holiday season.
Saturday, Dec. 2
17th Street & Michigan Avenue Ribbon Cutting
1610 Colorado Avenue (Metro E line parking lot), 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
This isn’t a holiday event, but it’s definitely a joyous occasion – join the city in celebrating the completion of the Safe Streets for 17th Street and Michigan Avenue project! Enjoy donuts, local musicians and performers, remarks from the mayor, giveaways and bike rides along the project.
Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run
Ocean View Park to Pacific Avenue & Windward Avenue, 7:30 – 11 a.m.
The Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run is a holiday tradition that has been taking place for more than 40 years and attracts thousands of runners from all over the world. It features a 5K and a 10K run that start at Ocean View Park on Barnard Way and wind through the streets of Santa Monica and Venice. (Heads up that there will be some road closures on race day.)
Pico Holiday Celebration
Virginia Avenue Park, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Head to the Pico Farmers Market for the Pico Holiday Celebration featuring tree lighting, free sweets and hot chocolate, gingerbread cookie decorating and the opportunity to add a wish to the Gratitude Tree. Local nonprofits will also share health and wellness information and several artisans will sell their wares. And don’t be surprised if a visitor bearing seasonal treats stops by…
Candy Cane Drive
Various times & locations
Santa and his police officer and firefighter helpers will distribute good cheer and thousands of candy canes as part of this year’s 31st Annual Candy Cane Drive. Look and listen for the lights and sirens of the public safety vehicles – and parents, have your cameras ready.
Scheduled stops:
10–10:45 a.m. Douglas Park (2400 California Avenue)
11-11:30 a.m. Christine Reed Park (California Avenue & 7th Street)
1:30–2:15 p.m. Virginia Avenue Park (2200 Virginia Avenue)
2:30–3:15 p.m. Clover Park (Ocean Park & 25th Street)
Holiday Conscious Market
1351 3rd Street Promenade, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Shop for unique gifts while supporting local businesses at this artisanal Downtown Santa Monica pop-up market featuring more than 40 local vendors, with a focus on elevated and sustainable brands. And bring your fur babies for FREE photos with Santa!
Montana Avenue Holiday Walk
Montana Avenue from 7th to 17th Streets, 4 – 8 p.m.
Enjoy 11 blocks of holiday cheer, sales and great food, along with visits from Santa, carolers, a klezmer band, face painting and more!
Hanukkah in Santa Monica
Nightly menorah lightings
Dec. 7-14
1400 block of Third Street Promenade, sundown
Celebrate the Festival of Lights this Hanukkah with the community tradition of nightly menorah lightings on the Third Street Promenade. The lighting ceremonies begin at sundown.
The final lighting ceremony will take place on Thursday, Dec. 14, at Ice at Santa Monica during the 4 p.m. session, with the actual lighting happening at 4:45 p.m.
Header photo courtesy of Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.
Authored By
Lauren Howland
Communications and public information manager