SMDP's Weekly Guide to Food & Entertainment Goings-On In & Around Town includes the Official City of Santa Monica Tree Lighting Ceremony, Miracle on Main Street Festival, Montana Ave. Holiday Walk, an underwear run (you read that correct!), and much more!
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/
MeUndies Holiday Undie Run: 🩲No pants, no problem at this FREE “cheeky” three-mile run at The Penmar, followed by tacos, Juneshine, and branded goodies. Runners will receive a free pair of MeUndies Holiday undies upon arrival to wear during the event. Thursday, Dec. 4, 6:30p.m., 1233 Rose Ave., Venice https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meundies-holiday-undie-run-tickets-1963593875139
Pier Plans Three Nights of Free Holiday Festivities with Photos with Santa and Marionette Theater Performances: The series runs Thursdays Dec. 4, 11 and 18, turning the Pier’s Merry Go-Round building and nearby walkways into a themed holiday hub featuring art activities, live entertainment and seasonal displays. Each Thursday from 3:30 to 7 p.m., children can write letters to Santa and make ornaments with the local studio Paint:Lab inside the historic carousel building. Books & Cookies will lead musical storytime sessions, and The Bob Baker Marionette Theater is scheduled to perform two shows nightly, accompanied by vendors selling hot cocoa, churros, popcorn and other treats. https://www.santamonicapier.org/cheeronthepier
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
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/
Uniqlo Santa Monica Grand Opening: UNIQLO is moving to the Promenade! Their new and larger Santa Monica store opens Friday, 12/5 and they’re celebrating opening week all weekend long. From Fri 12/5- Sun 12/7, while supplies last, the first 250 customers in line will receive a FREE UNIQLO knot bag filled with a UNIQLO Frame Bottle and Japanese treats, celebrating the grand opening! 📍1431 Third St. Promenade
Holiday Wreath Workshop: Create your own custom holiday wreath in this hands-on, festive workshop. We’ll provide a beautiful wreath base & teach you the mechanics step-by-step so you feel confident building and designing your own. Saturday, Dec. 6, 3 – 5:30p.m.,1440 South Lincoln Blvd., Venice bloomdega.com/workshops/p/winter-wreath-workshop
Fa-La-La-La-Lanes: Holiday Sweater Community Bike Ride: Throw on your best (or worst!) holiday sweater and join City staff and Santa Monica Spoke for a bike tour of the Bergamot Area First/Last Mile Improvements. Saturday, Dec. 6, 10a.m., 17th St/SMC Metro Station smspoke.org/2025/11/21/fa-la-la-la-lanes-holiday-sweater-community-bike-ride/
Venice Holiday Sign Lighting Festival: Join the Venice Chamber of Commerce, special guests, and your community for a beloved tradition—the annual changing of the Venice Sign lights to festive red and green for the holidays! Now in its 14th year, this special celebration will take place on Windward Avenue (east of Pacific Avenue), with street closures to make room for live music and family-friendly activities. Saturday, Dec. 6, 6 - 9p.m. business.venicechamber.net/events/details/vcc-14th-annual-venice-holiday-sign-lighting-65726
Montana Avenue Holiday Walk: The annual Holiday Walk & Marketplace transforms Santa Monica’s Montana Avenue into an enchanted outdoor festival filled with local merchants, live music, roaming carolers, and special appearances by the Grinch, Cindy Lou, and Princess Elsa. Saturday, Dec. 6, 12 - 8 p.m. https://www.eventeny.com/events/montanaavenueholidaywalk-24323/
Santa Claus "Candy Cane Drive”: Santa Claus is coming to town with Santa Monica's police officers & firefighters leading the way. Santa and his public safety helpers will be distributing good cheer and thousands of candy canes as part of this year’s 33rd Annual "Candy Cane Drive.” Dec. 6 at various parks from 10a.m. - 3p.m.: https://www.santamonica.gov/press/2025/11/12/santa-claus-is-coming-to-town-december-6-2025
Santa Cruise Group Ride: Deck yourself in your most festive attire for a joyful 5.8-mile cruise through Santa Monica & Venice. Bikes, roller blades, skateboard, and other wheeled transports welcome for all ages. Saturday, Dec. 6, 3pm–11pm, starting at SaMo City Hall. More info here. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/santa-cruise-2025-las-biggest-holiday-group-ride-tickets-1686075831199
SeXObjects Exhibit Opening Reception: Reception Saturday, Dec. 6 , 4 - 6p.m., and exhibit runs through Jan. 17, Craig Krull Gallery, 2525 Michigan Ave. https://www.hannahsloan.com/events/sexobjects
Venice Holiday Sign Lighting: Now in its 14th year, this special celebration will take place on Windward Avenue (east of Pacific Avenue), with street closures to make room for live music and family-friendly activities. Saturday, Dec. 6, 6 - 9 pm. https://business.venicechamber.net/events/details/vcc-14th-annual-venice-holiday-sign-lighting-65726
Holiday Art Fair at the Santa Monica Airport Arts Center: Studios 3026 Sunday, Dec. 7, noon – 4 p.m., 3026 Airport Ave. Enjoy live music, participate in holiday art activities, sample seasonal refreshments and explore the talent and creativity of our local artists at this festive holiday open studios event. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holiday-art-fair-at-the-santa-monica-airport-arts-center-studios-3026-tickets-1963629365291?aff=oddtdtcreator
Miracle on Main Street Returns to Santa Monica on Dec. 7! Join the community for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting featuring the 20-foot Shopping Cart Tree, free photos with Santa, live music, kids’ crafts, a pop-up bar by The Victorian, and pizza from Triple Beam. The celebration begins after the Main Street Farmers Market and continues through the early evening. Sunday, Dec. 7, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/miracle-on-main-street-holiday-tree-lighting-tickets-1975036020905
Aleichem Sholom Returns to Santa Monica Playhouse: This musical is performed in English with just a taste of Yiddish and follows the life of the beloved Yiddish story-teller Sholom Aleichem and his mespoche, spinning tales of his loves and losses, his fame and his failures, his travels, his travails and the tremendous joy and optimism that kept him going against all odds. Saturday, Dec. 7 and 14. SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com/aleichem-sholom.html
All About Santa returns to Santa Monica Playhouse: Enjoy an "An afternoon of theatre magic in which audience participation and brotherly love pave the way for another happy yuletide season.” Saturdays at 2:00pm and Sundays at 12:30pm, Dec. 6 - 14, 1211 4th St. SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com
Holiday Concert & Ukulele Strum-Along: Cali Rose and the CC Strummers invite you to strum along, sing along, and enjoy festive holiday and popular songs. Bring your own uke, borrow one of theirs. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2p.m., Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. https://www.santamonica.gov/events/4wt5vss8cdq34rcbs83fdfsmxc/202512061400
Feliz Improvidad Comedy Show at Lula's: Grab dinner & margaritas and enjoy the hysterical, completely made-up-on-the-spot comedy show based on YOUR suggestions. Sunday, Dec 7 from 6 - 8p.m., 2720 Main St. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/feliz-improvidad-comedy-show-at-lulas-tickets-1909475315069
Children’s Holiday Book Fair: The Library’s annual holiday book fair returns! Kids and teens are invited to “shop” for free gift books for their parents, siblings or someone special, then wrap them up to share this holiday season. Tuesday, Dec 9, 4 - 6:30p.m., Fairview Branch Library 2101 Ocean Park Blvd. https://www.santamonica.gov/events/4cpem79q2g3y2vm5ze9s0yz7nb/202512091600
ONGOING: Ice at Santa Monica (through Jan. 19); “Two Bit Circus” Pop-Up; Museum of Illusions;
What to Eat & Drink?
Champagne & Churrasco Holiday Event at Fogo de Chao: Enjoy tastings of their fire-roasted cuts and seafood favorites, paired with two premium sparkling wines and champagne of your choice, or the limited-time Mistletoe Spritz cocktail, plus a selection of passed bar bites. Thursday, Dec. 4, 6:30p.m., 1551 Ocean Ave. opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=1381726&restref=1381726&experienceId=558050
Abbot Kinney First Friday Food Truck Fest: About two dozen food trucks are expected to line the street for the monthly event. Friday, Dec. 5, starting at 5p.m. abbotkinneyblvd.com
Ina Bakes: Favorites & Festive Pop-Ups: This month, we’re bringing twice the magic with two pastry pop-ups you won’t want to miss!  New seasonal treats, beloved favorites, and pre-order options for your holiday celebrations. Come for the pastries, stay for the joy. Sunday, Dec. 7 & 21, 9a.m. – 1p.m., 535 Rose Ave, Venice inabakes.com
Charcoal Venice 10th Anniversary Celebration with Guest Chef Dinner with Joe Hou of Angler SF: This $125 five-course menu brings together two fire-driven kitchens: Angler’s seafood-forward dishes, each touched by live fire and inspired by views of their iconic wood-burning hearth and the San Francisco Bay, paired with Charcoal’s comfort-forward backyard barbecue style. Monday, Dec. 8, 425 Washington Blvd, Marina Del Rey opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=190390&restref=190390&experienceId=586334
Sushi & Sake Wine Class at Divine Vintage: Embark on a journey with sake expert Kerry-San to delve into the history, production process, and the diverse styles of sake alongside a curated selection of sushi and sashimi. $95. Wednesday, Dec. 10, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., 1025 Montana Ave. divinevintage.com/products/sushi-sake-wine-class
Viceroy Debuting Après Surf Lounge: The seasonal pop-up transforms the hotel’s palm-tree-surrounded outdoor terrace into a stylish winter escape. The destination will celebrate its public opening on Dec. 11 with a live DJ and a retail pop-up. Kicking off from 6p.m., hotel guests and visitors alike will be able to enjoy coastal-inspired beats as they discover an edited collection vintage books surf coded luxury - think Prada wetsuits, Burberry swimwear, Versace paddle sets, and other covetable vintage pieces that blur the lines between beach culture and high fashion. instagram.com/viceroysm
Pasjoli Listed #1 on Eater’s “Best Soups in LA” List: Pasjoli’s French onion souplette is a miniature version of the iconic dish whose indulgent interpretation comes with more cheese than soup. A thick, bubbly, floating blanket of cheese rests on top, obscuring the sweet braised onions immersed in a rich vegetable broth beneath. Instead of the bread being baked into the soup, two tiny breadsticks sit on the side of the piping hot ceramic pot for dipping. This is one soup you cannot miss in fall and winter. 2732 Main St. https://la.eater.com/maps/best-essential-soups-noodles-los-angeles
Calabra Makes The Infatuation's "Best Brunch in LA" List: "When it comes to brunch on the Westside, it doesn’t get dreamier for most people than views of the ocean, lots of sun, and a menu filled with shareable, Mediterranean small plates. Calabra has all three in spades. Perched atop the Santa Monica Proper Hotel, the splashy space includes an indoor lounge, poolside patio, and lots of loungy furniture. The music is loud and people definitely want you to notice their outfits, but the atmosphere is fun and breezy, the challah french toast with cinnamon coconut cream is a must-order." 700 Wilshire Blvd. https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/guides/best-brunch-la-greatest-hits-list
Tartine Important Life Update: Tartine SaMo has officially entered its dinner era — and it’s every bit as satisfying as you’d hope from the beloved bakery. I checked it out recently and was super impressed with the offerings. Think blistered veggies, perfectly chewy-crusted pizzas, and mains that make you say “just one more bite” even when you know you’re full. 🍕 1925 Arizona Ave. instagram.com/tartinesantamonica
Further Afield: VinylFest: For the second year in a row we will be hosting a large-scale VinylFest celebration now lasting two days, December 6 and 7. They will be featuring even more dealers selling vinyl, alongside a stage featuring popular DJs, plus a variety of other music brands and organizations. Saturday, Dec. 6, 9a.m. - Sunday Dec. 7, 9p.m. farmersmarketla.com/events/vinylfest25
Looking Ahead: SaMo City Tree Lighting (12/4); Montana Ave. Holiday Walk (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: Holiday Festivals Abound!