The Santa Monica Pier Corporation has postponed its November 20 Locals' Night event due to expected inclement weather, rescheduling the free community celebration for Dec. 18 with an expanded holiday theme.
The nonprofit organization announced the decision Tuesday, citing safety concerns for guests, performers, vendors and staff. The rescheduled event will run from 3:30 to 10 p.m. and feature a special holiday edition called "Holiday Cheer on the Pier" with Sandy Cane Lane decorations transforming the waterfront into a festive winter experience.
Pacific Park will present the December event, which includes a Holiday Winter Art Mart showcasing local makers and handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, pier-wide holiday decorations and live entertainment. Families can browse illuminated displays, shop for gifts and participate in various activities designed to celebrate the season.
Special attractions include appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, a Santa sand sculpture, Bob Baker Marionettes at Pacific Park and Paint:Lab Kids ornament painting at the Merry-Go-Round building. The Santa Monica Pier Corporation will also host the unofficial mayor transition ceremony in the Merry-Go-Round building during the event.
Jim Harris, executive director and historian of the Santa Monica Pier, emphasized the event's community focus despite the weather-related postponement.
"Locals' Night has grown into one of the Pier's most meaningful traditions — an evening shaped by the community and for the community," Harris said. "While weather occasionally changes our plans, our commitment to bringing people together never does."
The free, all-ages program has become a signature community event, though organizers note that many attendees don't realize the Santa Monica Pier Corporation is a nonprofit that isn't fully funded by the city of Santa Monica.
The December celebration aims to bring together Santa Monica residents and all Los Angeles-area residents for an evening of music, local artisan shopping and ocean views in an outdoor festive setting.
The Santa Monica Pier is located at 200 Santa Monica Pier, Suite A, Santa Monica, CA 90401. Organizers encourage visitors to arrive by rideshare, Metro, bus or bike.
Edited by SMDP Staff