Santa Monica Place welcomes families to celebrate Lunar New Year with a free event on Saturday, February 21 from 2-5 p.m. The celebration features traditional lion dances, martial arts performances, calligraphy, crafts, and special red envelope promotions to usher in the Year of the Horse.
Santa Monica College will hold a Valentine's Glass Sale on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 8am-2pm at Virginia Avenue Park. The fundraiser will feature handcrafted hearts, jewelry, vases and other artworks created by SMC glass artists to benefit the college's Art Department.
Bestselling author Dion Leonard will discuss his book 'Finding Gobi' at Malibu Library on February 4 at 7 p.m., sharing the story of how a stray dog joined him during a 155-mile ultramarathon across China's Gobi Desert and changed his life forever.
Barnes & Noble Santa Monica will host two free book talks this weekend focused on wellness and goal-setting. Debra Eckerling presents "52 Secrets for Goal-Setting" on Saturday, Jan. 24, while Dr. Portia Preston discusses "Hustle, Flow, or Let It Go?" on Sunday, Jan. 25.
A local restaurant will donate a portion of its sales this weekend to support a father-son humanitarian mission delivering vehicles and medical supplies to Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines.
Los Angeles band Venice will sign copies of their new children's book, 'The Family Tree Will Always Grow,' on Jan. 15 at Small World Books on Venice Boardwalk. The book is based on their popular song about grief and family connections.
The Santa Monica Pier will host its first drive-in movie experience on January 15, featuring 'Grease' from 3:30-9:30pm. The event includes 1950s-themed activities, classic cars, live performances, and free popcorn for early arrivals.
The iconic Pacific Wheel on Santa Monica Pier will display New Year's greetings in 16 languages using 174,000 LED lights from sunset to midnight on Dec. 31-Jan. 1. Visitors can view the illuminated 90-foot Ferris wheel from the beach or watch online.
The eighth annual Polar Bear Plunge returns to Santa Monica's Annenberg Community Beach House on January 10, 2026, featuring an ocean plunge, 300-yard swim, heated pool access, and hot chocolate for participants of all ages.
SMDP's Weekly Guide to Food & Entertainment Goings-On In & Around Town includes Sandy Candy Cane Lane at the Pier, Christmas restaurant offerings, and much more!
LoveBug & Me Music will host its annual Holiday Pajama Day Sing-Along, a festive, family-friendly event for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their caregivers.
Families are encouraged to come dressed in
Several holiday celebrations will light up the Santa Monica area this week, offering residents multiple opportunities to embrace the season with tree lightings, visits with Santa Claus and festive activities.
