Light Up the Holidays in Downtown Santa Monica

November 27, 2017 9:00 AM
by Jennifer Taylor

Downtown Santa Monica is your home for the holidays with a full slate of winter festivities, including the return of everyone’s favorite outdoor ice-skating rink, the official City of Santa Monica tree lighting ceremony, and the unveiling of new, totally immersive holiday-themed art installations from Australian duo DABSMYLA that will transform the Third Street Promenade into a scene straight out of a Dr. Seuss tale.

Produced by Downtown Santa Monica, Inc., these December events cover the full range of holiday cheer. Many of the events are free, and all are family friendly.

Ice Skating in Santa Monica

November 1, 2017–January 15, 2018 @ Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue

Every holiday season, Downtown Santa Monica brings a little ice to our beachside community, transforming the corner of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue into the winter wonderland known as “ICE at Santa Monica,” an 8,000-square-foot ice-skating rink.

Skate rental and all-day admission: $15 Locker rentals: $5

General Hours of Operation

Monday–Thursday: 2 p.m.–10 p.m.

Friday: 2 p.m.–Midnight

Saturday: 10 a.m.–Midnight

Sunday: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.

For more information and holiday hours, call 310.260.1199 or visit santamonica.com.

Official City of Santa Monica Holiday Tree Lighting

Thursday, November 30, 6 p.m. @ Third Street Promenade

Join Santa and City officials as they light the Official City of Santa Monica Holiday Tree on the world-famous Third Street Promenade. Sing classic Christmas carols with some of Santa Monica’s most talented vocalists, while the little ones get creative with custom coloring books created by DABSMYLA that feature Downtown Santa Monica’s exciting new holiday decorations.

Menorah Lightings

Sundown, December 12–Sundown, December 19 @ Third Street Promenade

Join local synagogues and community groups to celebrate the Festival of Lights this Hanukkah on the world-famous Third Street Promenade. Lighting the menorah will begin shortly after sundown each evening. Shalom!

Authored By

Jennifer Taylor
Economic Development Manager