It’s that time of the year again; and everyone is in a festive mood. Here in Santa Monica, there’s plenty of great cheer to go around. With the spirit of sharing and giving growing with the holiday season, we can all look forward to some great events happening over the coming weeks. Here is a mini-guide for some of the best holiday-inspired events taking place in the upcoming weeks.
ICE at Santa Monica * 1324 5th Street
Once every year, Downtown Santa Monica transforms the corner of5th StreetandArizona Avenueinto ICE atSanta Monica. This year, ICE atSanta Monicawill be celebrating its 5th Anniversary, and the 8,000 square ft. rink by the beach will offer a little taste of winter to its visitors. All throughout the coming weeks until January 16, ICE atSanta Monicawill be holding lots of special events for the kids. Admission and Skate Rental: $12. ICE at Santa Monica 2011/12 Season runsNovember 11, 2011throughJanuary 16, 2012.
Marina Del Rey’s Holiday Boat Parade * 13589 Mindanao Way, Marina Del Rey
This Saturday, Dec. 10 at5:30pm, Marina Del Rey will host a spectacular parade, which will include fireworks, boats, and a Christmas carnival.
Holiday Pet Photos with Santa Claus * 395 Santa MonicaPlaza
Now here’s an exciting event for our furry friends, and for them to get them all dolled and dressed up for a special occasion. Santa Monica Placewill be offering holiday photo ops for pets to have their photos taken with Santa on Thurs., Dec. 8 at6pm. Cost for the photo is free.
Downtown Santa Monica & Third Street Promenade Holiday Events * Downtown Santa Monica & Third Street Promenade
Let us all make this holiday season a special one for the whole family. Come to Downtown Santa Monica and enjoy Winterlit.
- Chanukah Menorah Lighting – Tuesday, December 20-27 at sundown, located atThird Street Promenade Center Court
Arthur Christmas Events:
- Arthur Christmas Ice Skating Party – Sunday, November 20th from2pm-5pm, located at1324 5th St
- Arthur Christmas Craft Day - Monday, November 21st from3:30pm-5:30pm, located at Third Street Promenade atSanta Monica Blvd
- Arthur Christmas Ornament Decorating & Snow – Tuesday, November 22nd from3:30pm-5:30pm, located Third Street Promenade atArizona Ave
- Celebrate Arthur Christmas T-Shirt and Hat Decorating & Snow – Wednesday, November 23rd from3:30pm-5:30pm, located at Third Street Promenade atArizona Ave.
Santa Monica Place Holiday Events * Santa Monica Place
There will be nightly tree performances throughout the season for us to enjoy, as well as Santa Claus appearances, live music and dance performances and more!
- Tree Lighting and Santa Arrival – Saturday, November 19th starting at6pm
- Photos with Santa – November 20th through December 24th
- Breakfast with Santa – December 3rd through 10th
- Pet Photos with Santa Claus – Thursday, December 8th6pm-8pm
- Cookie Making & StoryTime with Mrs. Claus – Saturday, December 17th9:30am-10:30am
Santa Monica Nativity Scenes * Palisades Park
The 14 life-size Nativity Scenes exhibiting the events that took place during the birth of Christ will be displayed alongOcean AvenuebetweenArizona AvenueandSanta Monica BoulevardinSanta Monica.
OTHER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES TO LOOK FORWARD TO:
Twelve Days of Christmas at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
December 14-25, 2011 from 5pm to 7pm
1700 Ocean Ave | (310) 458-6700
Come and join us as we celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas,Santa Monicastyle. Visit the Fireside Lounge from5to7 pmto enjoy complimentary hot cider, holiday music, ornament making, “Rudolph Roll” sushi demonstrations, a special holiday menu and more.
3rd Annual SANTA Monica Pub Crawl
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Now becoming a yearly tradition, the 3rd Annual SANTA Monica Pub Crawl will be taking place onSaturday, December 17, 2011. Participating locations will be offering drink and food specials as part of the SANTA Monica Pub Crawl festivities. This year, crawlers will be asked to pay a $10 donation/entrance fee for a special wristband, which will grant them access to the drink and food specials at each official location, entrance to the Official After Party (to be announced) and enters them into a massive raffle to win dozens of amazing prizes. To avoid delays the night of the event, participants can collect their wristbands in advance by dropping off canned food items all throughout the month of December at the Westside Food Bank (1710 22nd St.Santa Monica,CA90404). SANTA Monica Pub Crawl participants MUST dress in Santa/Holiday attire so the streets ofSanta Monicawill be filled with merry cheer. The Pub Crawl will be including bars on Wilshire, 4thSt., Broadway,Main St, the Pier and the Third Street Promenade.
***Santa Monica plays host to a number of festive holiday events and activities during the winter season. For more Santa Monica activities, visit the Santa Monica Events Calendar.
