SMDP's Weekly Guide to Food & Entertainment Goings-On In & Around Town includes the Venice Winter Fest, a Winter Holiday Market for Dogs, Holiday Cheer on the Pier, Thanksgiving meals, and much more!
Holiday Cheer on the Pier: The SaMo Pier is bringing the holiday cheer this year with a month of programming sure to bring a smile to everyone in the family, including holiday performances, decking out the windows of the historic Merry Go-Round windows, and photos with Santa. Now - Dec. 18 https://www.santamonicapier.org/cheeronthepier/
La Soirée Los Angeles: The French American Chamber of Commerce California is bringing its legendary Year-End Gala, La Soirée, to Los Angeles for the very first time. Enjoy a night of French elegance, culinary delights, networking & music, ahead of the holiday season. Tickets include unlimited buffet, fine wines & entertainment. Thursday, Nov. 20, 6 - 11p.m., Expert Dojo, 395 Santa Monica Place https://luma.com/zw8phh9y
Venice Winter Fest: The Venice Winter Fest brings holiday cheer to the beach with live music, festive vendors, and family-friendly activities along Venice’s iconic boardwalk. Enjoy seasonal treats, local art, and plenty of entertainment as the community comes together to celebrate the season seaside. It's a laid-back, sun-soaked twist on winter fun in LA. Saturday, Nov. 22
Winter Holiday Market for Dogs: The event transforms Santa Monica Brew Works into a canine winter wonderland featuring photos with Santa Claus, a puppy ball pit, oversized nutcracker displays, pup cups, a dog cookie cart and a human cookie bar. A holiday bouquet-making station and beer tastings will also be available. FREE. Sunday, Nov. 23, 12 - 3 p.m., 1920 Colorado Ave. hitlivingfoundation.org/upcoming-events
Attention Thanksgiving Pie Lovers: NBC4 Highlights The Gourmandise School's Virtual Class: Pastry Chef Robyn Collins will lead a three-hour online pie-a-palooza, teaching people how to make apple and pumpkin pies and more. The "live virtual baking experience" is set for Monday, Nov. 24, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. https://www.nbclosangeles.com/the-scene/thanksgiving-pie-lovers-join-santa-monica-cooking-schools-virtual-class/3805814/
Author Talk: Tod Goldberg in Conversation with Liska Jacobs: The New York Times best-selling author Tod Goldberg discusses his newest novel, Only Way Out, a black comic thriller about bad people doing bad things to worse people, with Liska Jacobs (Eight Very Bad Nights). A book sale and signing follow. Monday, Nov. 24, 2025 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. https://www.santamonica.gov/events/4zy9b7fsjcvp1t99cww9r38e56/202511241800
A Talk Through Pier History: 🎠 Come to A Talk Through Pier History on Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 6pm inside the iconic Merry Go Round Building. It’s FREE and includes a VIP tour upstairs, a rare peek at the historic space where The Sting was filmed! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-talk-through-pier-history-tickets-1273134382209
Border Crisis: An absurdist comedy about an average American family suddenly finds themselves at the center of an international border dispute. Now through Dec. 13, City Garage Theatre, 2525 Michigan Ave. https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/city-garage/border-crisis
Santa Monica Turkey Trot: It’s time for the Turkey Trot 5k, 10k, 15k, or Half Marathon on Thanksgiving Day. Pick your speed and work up an appetite running along Santa Monica’s beautiful beach path. All finishers will receive a medal and goodie bag. Thursday, Nov. 27, 7:30a.m., 2000 Ocean Ave. https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/SantaMonica/SantaMonicaTurkeyTrotKKHalfMarathon
ONGOING: Ice at Santa Monica (through Jan. 19); “Two Bit Circus” Pop-Up; Museum of Illusions;
What to Eat & Drink?
Sidecar × The Apple Pan’s Apple Pan Pie Doughnut: This limited-edition flavor reimagines a timeless classic: Sidecar’s pillowy brioche bullseye dipped in vanilla glaze and filled with warm, real apple chunks reminiscent of a just-out-of-the-oven pie. Now through Thanksgiving. 631 Wilshire Blvd. instagram.com/sidecardoughnuts
Thanksgiving Wine Class at Divine Vintage: Explore festive wines and cheeses in a guided tasting to help you discover your perfect Thanksgiving pour. Thursday, Nov. 20, 6:30–8p.m..,1025 Montana Ave. https://www.divinevintage.com/products/thanksgiving-wine-class
Ina Bakes Pastry Pop-Up for a Cause: Join Ina Bakes—founded by two Santa Monica moms known for their creative custom desserts—for a sweet Sunday pop-up benefiting Operation Happy Nurse, a nonprofit supporting nurses’ mental health. Enjoy signature treats and seasonal pastries. Sunday, Nov. 23, 9a.m. –2p.m., 535 Rose Ave., Venice inabakes.com
Jikoni Pop-Up at Offhand Wine Bar: 🍖 Don’t miss out on their incredible AfriCali eats at their next pop-up with offerings like Short Rib Biryani, Veggie Biryani, Shrimp Jollof Arancini, Beef & Cheese Meat Pies, and Karakara Pie. No reservations. Just pull up, grab a glass, and eat and drink well. Sunday, Nov. 23, 4 - 9p.m., 3008 Santa Monica Blvd. https://www.instagram.com/p/DRK2b2NDdYz/
Thanksgiving by the Sea at Hotel Casa del Mar: Savor appetizers such as Baja Bluefin Crudo, Spiced Pumpkin Soup, and Truffled Corn & Sunchoke Succotash. For the main course, delight in Butternut Squash Risotto, Halibut Almondine, or a perfectly roasted New York Strip, among other seasonal selections. And to finish, indulge in an array of decadent desserts - the perfect sweet ending to a memorable seaside celebration. $125/person. 1910 Ocean Way instagram.com/hotelcasadelmar
Charcoal Venice Thanksgiving Dinner: $125/person includes starters like cabbage baked in the embers, lemon zest roasted beets, soup and salad options, choice of smoked turkey or prime rib, side like praline pecan yams, whipped potatoes, braised mushrooms, and seasonal pies. 425 Washington Blvd. charcoalvenice.com
Thanksgiving at Chelsea: Enjoy a menu comprised of classics from their dinner menu along with Thanksgiving additions. Serving in the restaurant from 3pm - 9pm, and offering thanksgiving to go packages from 11am-2pm. 2460 Wilshire Blvd. chelseasm.com/thanksgiving
Chez Jay Thanksgiving: They are offering "Comforting classics like butternut squash soup, a full Thanksgiving platter with all the fixings, seasonal pecan pie and more. Plus, timeless Chez Jay staples like the signature NY steak." 1657 Ocean Ave. https://resy.com/cities/santa-monica-ca/venues/chez-jay/events/chez-jays-thanksgiving-dinner-2025-11-27
Fia Classic Thanksgiving Dinner: $120/person includes a starter, choice of herb roasted turkey or New York strip roast, sides like brown butter sage stuffing and mashed potatoes, roasted Fall vegetables, and pumpkin and apple pie. 2454 Wilshire Blvd. fiarestaurant.com/visit
Jameson's Pub All You Can Eat Thanksgiving: 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 NFL Thanksgiving games. 2702 Main St. santamonica.jamesonsirishpub.com
Lunetta Thanksgiving: Enjoy a three-course Thanksgiving menu for $120/person with options like Maine diver sea scallops, roasted butternut squash ravioli, Maryland crab cakemaple herb turkey, braised osso buco, and desserts like pumpkin pie, dark chocolate ganache tart, and French apple pie.2420 Pico Blvd. lunettasm.com
Celebrate Thanksgiving at Meat On Ocean: The steakhouse will offer a choice of starter (New-England-style clam chowder or mixed organic greens), an entrée consisting of roasted Diestel Family Ranch turkey served with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, house-made sourdough apple-celery stuffing, traditional cranberry sauce and turkey gravy and a choice of dessert (pumpkin cheesecake with house-made whipped cream and nutmeg or old fashioned chocolate cake with house-made whipped cream and raspberry puree). $75 for adults and $26 for children. 1501 Ocean Ave. meatonocean.com
Papille Gustative Thanksgiving: Enjoy a celebratory feast that includes bread with truffle butter, braised short rib, salmon, butternut squash and scallop risotto, and a chocolate and berry cake. $69/person. 2823 Main St. papillegustativela.com/santa-monica-main-street-santa-monica-papille-gustative-events
Thanksgiving at Orla by Michael Mina: Celebrate the holiday at the Regent Hotel’s on-site fine dining restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean, while enjoying timeless holiday classics made with a California-twist. Menu offeringsinclude Urfa Spiced Shredded Turkey Leg with a Pine Nut Tabbouleh, Leek and Sweet Potato Stuffing with a Turmeric Butter Poached Turkey Breast, Burgundy Truffle Mashed Potatoes, and more. $65/Person for children and $135/Person for Adults. 1700 Ocean Ave. More details and reserve here.
Thanksgiving by the Sea at Sirena: This Thanksgiving, let Sirena treat you to a holiday feast that’s as indulgent as it is effortless. Our chefs have crafted a family-style feast that blends timeless tradition with elevated coastal favorites. Whether you're dining on our heated ocean-view terrace or inside our elegant dining room, you'll enjoy a celebration filled with warmth, flavor, and sophistication. 1415 Ocean Ave. https://www.thegeorgian.com/events-calendar.aspx
Thanksgiving Dinner at Water Grill: The holiday meal starts with a choice of clam chowder and mixed organic greens before an entrée of roasted Diestel Family Ranch turkey served with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, house-made sourdough apple celery stuffing, traditional cranberry sauce and turkey gravy. For dessert, guests can choose between pumpkin cheesecake made with house-made whipped cream and nutmeg or caramel bread pudding with Alaea red sea salt. $75 for adults and $26 for children. 1401 Ocean Ave. watergrill.com
Further Afield: The LA Auto Show: 🚗 Calling all auto enthusiasts! Check out the coolest innovations in cars for two whole weeks, with plenty of panels, exhibitions, and events to entertain you for 10 whole days. And it’s not just about the cars: Get excited for the F1 Watch Party happening on 11/22, plus exciting activations for the full show! Nov. 21 - 30, LA Convention Center eventim.com/campaign/la-auto-show
Looking Ahead: SaMo City Tree Lighting (12/4); Montana Ave. Holiday Walk (12/6); Venice Holiday Sign Lighting (12/6); Main St. Tree Lighting & Holiday Party (12/7); SaMo 150th Anniversary Grand Finale Celebration (12/13); Taylor Swift’s Birthday at Ice Santa Monica (12/13); SANTA Monica Pub Crawl (12/13); Meet Me Under the Fig Tree (12/14)
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: Feasts, Festivities & Fall Fun by the Sea