SUB HEAD: SMDP's Weekly Guide to Food & Entertainment Goings-On In & Around Town includes Christmas and New Years restaurant offerings, New Years parties, Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar, and much more!
Ring in the New Year - East Coast Countdown Celebration: Enjoy a family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration in Downtown Santa Monica, concluding with an "East Coast Countdown" to accommodate earlier bedtimes. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm downtownsm.com/events-calendar/8958/ring-in-the-new-year--east-coast-countdown-celebration
55th Annual Santa Monica Playhouse New Year's Eve Musical Revue: The long-running, one-night-only musical comedy revue rings in the New Year with an upbeat, family-friendly musical show. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 6 & 9:30 p.m. www.santamonicaplayhouse.com/new-years-evemusical-revue.html
New Year’s Eve shows at The Crow: Join an absolutely stacked lineup featuring stand-up comics, dazzling drag artists, and (yes) real, actual clowns for a two-hour burst of pure, symbolic joy. Pull My Finger: Family-Friendly Comedy Show is Wednesday, Dec. 31,, 5p.m. and New Year's Eve Cabaret & Comedy Show is Wednesday, Dec. 31, 8p.m., 2525 Michigan Ave. crowcomedy.com
The Bungalow Santa Monica - New Years Eve Spectacular: Keep a glass in hand from their premium open bar while the room fills with music and a little mystery. DJ Steve 1Der keeps the groove alive all night long. Classic Big Top touches drift through the space and bring the celebration to life in true Bungalow style. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 101 Wilshire Blvd. https://www.tixr.com/groups/thebungalowsm/events/the-bungalow-santa-monica-new-years-eve-spectacular-163448
New Year's Eve MASSIVE Beach House Music Festival: Ring in 2026 with a large-scale music festival, featuring house music and dancing right in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 8p.m., 1212 3rd Street Promenade https://www.eventbrite.com/e/massive-nye-beach-house-music-festival-tickets-1970765777492
New Year's Eve Santa Monica Pub Crawl: Participate in a festive NYE bar crawl, which includes VIP entry and exclusive drink specials at some of Santa Monica's most famous destinations. Wednesday, Dec. 31 eventbrite.com/e/santa-monica-new-years-eve-pub-crawl-party-2026-tickets-1145215493369
New Years Eve at Hotel Casa del Mar: Dance your way into 2026 by the sea with a lavish Roaring ’20s–themed New Year’s Eve celebration. General Admission tickets are $225 per person plus tax and gratuity, and include three premium drink tickets, passed appetizers, late-night bites, a midnight champagne toast, and a festive balloon drop. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 9p.m., 1910 Ocean Way eventbrite.com/e/the-new-years-party-of-the-century-at-hotel-casa-del-mar-tickets-1974534400545
Bodega Wine Bar’s New Year’s Eve: No cover bash at 814 Broadway, 8p.m. - 1:30a.m. with a live DJ, drink specials, Jell-O shots and good vibes all night. instagram.com/bodegasantamonica
Champagne at the Stroke of Twelve at The Georgian Room: Enjoy an evening of live musical entertainment, flowing glasses, and celebratory moments that carry us from dinner to the dance floor, and for those staying late, into the new year. They are offering an early seating from 5:30 - 8p.m. and a late seating starting at 8p.m. 1415 Ocean Ave. https://resy.com/cities/santa-monica-ca/venues/the-georgian-room/events/nye-2026-at-the-georgian-room-2025-12-31
ONGOING: Ice at Santa Monica (through Jan. 19); “Two Bit Circus” Pop-Up; Museum of Illusions;
What to Eat & Drink?
Christmas Morning Brunch at Fitoor: The festive brunch features abundant buffet stations including Burmese Khow Suey, Chaat, Frankie & Dips, Dosa, Mains, and Desserts, ensuring guests head into the holiday fully satisfied. $105/person.
Jameson's Pub All You Can Eat Christmas: You get your choice of turkey, ham, or prime rib with all the fixin's for $19.99 per person while getting to watch all the games. 2702 Main St. santamonica.jamesonsirishpub.com
Christmas Dinner at Orla by Michael Mina: On Christmas Day, enjoy menu items that combine the best flavors of the California Coast and the Mediterranean Sea that honors Chef Michael Mina’s Egyptian and Greek Heritage, such as Spiced Turkey Confit, Butternut Squash Risotto, with Pumpkin Pie and Passion Fruit Labneh Cheesecake. 1700 Ocean Ave. https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=1352833&restref=1352833&experienceId=550735
Christmas Day at The Penthouse at Huntley: Celebrate with a special three-course prix-fixe menu while enjoying panoramic ocean views and signature cocktails.1111 2nd St. penthouserestaurant.com
Christmas at 1 Pico at Shutters on the Beach: Enjoy Italian-inspired seasonal fare in a relaxed ocean-view setting. 1 Pico Blvd. shuttersonthebeach.com/dining/1-pico
Christmas at Terrazza at Hotel Casa del Mar: Enjoy dishes such as glazed ham, grilled branzino, or stuffed conchiglioni, all paired with festive decor and ocean vistas. 1910 Ocean Way hotelcasadelmar.com/dining/terrazza
New Years Eve at Cosetta: Enjoy a four or five course menu of classical italian elegance — plus caviar, truffles, and hanukkah brisket. 3150 Ocean Park Blvd. cosettala.com/nyebash
New Year’s Eve at Orla by Michael Mina: Celebrate with a four-course meal while overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Orla by Michael Mina. Diners can enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired menu, enjoy live music, followed by a nightcap in the lobby. Sip on complimentary champagne and receive festive party favors when the clock strikes 12. 6pm - 12am; First Seating: $125 per person plus Tax & Gratuity, Second Seating: $175 per person plus Tax & Gratuity. Schedule your reservation HERE.
NYE at Pasjoli: Ring in the New Year with an elegant multi-course French tasting menu, festive holiday flavors, standout cocktails and wines, and a celebratory midnight toast — the perfect upscale NYE. They are offering an early 3-course menu and a late 5-course menu. More details here.
New Years' Eve at Xuntos: For New Year's Eve ("nochevieja") Spanish-style, Xuntos is pulling out all the stops with a celebratory Tapas Tasting feast showcasing seasonal, premium ingredients. Think shellfish, seafood, jamón, caviar y buenos tiempos para todos! Let’s raise a glass together to a maravillosa 2026! 516 Santa Monica Blvd. opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?experienceId=597478&restref=1316665&rid=1316665
Cosetta's New Year's Day Hawaiian BBQ: Enjoy an all you can eat buffet, hula hoops hoedown, 24oz Mai Tai, and more. Thursday, Jan 1, 3150 Ocean Park Blvd. https://www.cosettala.com/nydbbq
Further Afield: Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar: This limited-time "Black Irish" cream liqueur pop- includes over-the-top glittery decor, holiday-themed cocktails, and plenty of photo ops for the "Queen of Christmas" fans. Now through December 28, 8440 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood mariahsholidaybar.com
Looking Ahead: LA Art Show (1/7-11); DineLA Restaurant Week (1/23 – 2/6); SaMo Symphony Annual MLK Concert (1/17); Frieze LA Art Show (2/26 - 3/1)
If there’s something you think is worth highlighting, you can reach out directly to me at sean@smdp.com. Here are my past columns and let me know if you have any feedback on Around Town: Christmas and New Years Food & Events