The Santa Monica Pier will host "Holiday Cheer on the Pier" on three consecutive Thursdays in December, offering free family activities and entertainment along the waterfront.
Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is presenting the events Dec. 4, 11 and 18, featuring music, art, storytelling and holiday photo opportunities. The pier's historic Merry Go-Round building will serve as the centerpiece for the celebrations.
Activities run from 3:30 to 7 p.m. on all three dates and include letter-writing to Santa and ornament painting with Paint:Lab inside the Merry Go-Round building. Completed letters will be mailed to the North Pole, organizers said.
Books & Cookies will present musical storytime sessions at 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. at Patio 66 at Pacific Park, located behind Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. The Bob Baker Marionette Theater will perform at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the same location.
Holiday refreshments including hot cocoa, churros and popcorn will be available for purchase at Patio 66.
The final event Dec. 18 features an extended celebration called Sandy Cane Lane from 4 to 9 p.m. The evening includes photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a holiday sand sculpture, live music and a car decorating contest with cash prizes for participants who outfit their vehicles with holiday lights and decorations.
"From handcrafted ornaments and puppet shows to magical moments with Santa himself, Holiday Cheer on the Pier invites families from across Los Angeles to celebrate the season with us by the sea," said Jim Harris, executive director of the Santa Monica Pier Corporation.
The Santa Monica Pier Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates the pier, relies on donations and community support to provide free programming. The organization is not fully funded by the city of Santa Monica.
The Dec. 18 event also marks the return of Locals' Night, serving as the holiday season finale.
The Santa Monica Pier is located at 200 Santa Monica Pier, Suite A, Santa Monica, CA 90401. Visitors are encouraged to arrive by rideshare, Metro, bus or bicycle.
Edited by SMDP Staff