SMDP's Weekly Guide to Food & Entertainment Goings-On In & Around Town includes Small Business Saturday, Holy Basil SaMo Opening, and a veritable cornucopia of Thanksgiving night out options, and much more!
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
Small Business Saturday:This holiday season, take a stroll through Santa Monica’s vibrant neighborhoods and celebrate the heart of our local economy—small businesses! From the charm of Main Street to the delights of Montana Ave, you’ll find unique treasures and one-of-a-kind finds. In particular, look for businesses with orange balloons indicating their participation. santamonica.gov/programs/buy-local-santa-monica
“The Nutcracker” Coming to The Broad Stage: Westside School of Ballet, in partnership with Santa Monica College’s Public Policy Institute, will stage eight performances of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” at The Broad Stage from Nov. 29 through Dec. 7. SMC Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th St. westsideballet.com/nutcracker/
Young Magic Castle Headliners Stage Charity Show to Fight Childhood Cancer: Two recent high school graduates who headline at Hollywood's famed Magic Castle are using their sleight of hand to make a difference in the fight against childhood cancer. Aidan Corcoran and Jacob Martinez will present "Magic for Charity", with 100% of ticket proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Saturday, Nov. 29, 9 p.m., Illusions Magic Lounge, 1418 4th St. illusionmagiclounge.com
SMC Jazz Ensemble: Led by conductor Frederick Keith Fiddmont, the accomplished musical group will explore "The Masters," a program featuring music that highlights the genius of Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn and Herbie Hancock. Monday, Dec. 1, 7 p.m., SMC Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th St. smc.edu/calendar/music.php
AJA's Annual Ugly Sweater Party & Competition: Wear your BEST holiday ugly sweater. Grab a glass & enter their contest for the ugliest sweater! They'll have a catwalk & competition, specialty pricing and more! Winners receive prizes of wine related gifts! Must be 21+ to enter competition. Thursday Dec. 4, 6:30p.m., 1417 2nd St. https://ajavineyards.com/event/2nd-annual-ugly-sweater-party-competition/
Annual King Tides Celebration: "King tides" occur when the orbits and alignment of the Earth, moon, and sun combine to produce the greatest tidal effects of the year. Climate Action Santa Monica is organizing a morning meetup at Heal The Bay Aquarium this Friday to mark the annual occurrence, discuss the relevancy of rising tides in consideration of climate change, and collect images for scientific documentation of the tides for the Coastal Commission." FREE. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 4 and 5 and Jan. 2 and 3. @ Heal the Bay Aquarium, 1600 Ocean Front Walk
Official City of Santa Monica Tree Lighting Ceremony: 🎄Santa is lighting the tree and taking FREE photos with everyone! Enjoy special performances, hot cocoa, holiday crafts, and more. Thursday, Dec. 4, 6-8p.m., 1351 Third St. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-official-city-of-santa-monica-tree-lighting-ceremony-tickets-1835888514969 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQ4yOGVgYqt/
ONGOING: Ice at Santa Monica (through Jan. 19); “Two Bit Circus” Pop-Up; Museum of Illusions;
What to Eat & Drink?
Holy Basil Santa Monica Soft Opening: Partners and chefs Wedchayan “Deau” Arpapornnopparat and Tongkamal “Joy” Yuon have expanded Holy Basil with a new Santa Monica location. Staying true to their Bangkok and Central Thai street-food roots, the menu will feature dishes like beef tataki, bangkok crab fried rice, pad kee mao moo krob, and rad na mee krob. Joy’s signature non-alcoholic program will feature beverages such as the Hibiscus Agave Oolong and the Dragonfruit Rosemary. Saturday, Nov. 29, 5 - 9p.m Thursdays - Sundays instagram.com/holybasil_la
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
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 their on-site fine dining restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean, while enjoying timeless holiday classics made with a California twist. Menu offerings include 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. https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=1352833&restref=1352833&experienceId=546418
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: Turkey, Tinsel & Tide Holiday Weekend Guide