🎄 Celebrate the Holidays in Santa Monica — Fun Events for Families, Friends & Neighbors

🌟 Holiday Highlights: What’s Happening in December

🎁 Official City of Santa Monica Tree Lighting Ceremony — Third Street Promenade

• When: Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 PM Kidsguide+2Pacific Park+2

• What to Expect: Santa lighting the official city holiday tree, a show-stopping “snowfall” moment, free photos with Santa, holiday crafts for kids (and adults!), hot cocoa, and live performances by local choirs and ballet groups. Downtown Santa Monica+2Santa Monica+2

• Why Go: It’s the official kick-off to the season — a magical night to wander the lights, share cocoa, and get festive with friends and family.

🎪 Holiday Cheer on the Pier at Santa Monica Pier

• When: Through November 20 – December 18, 2025, with special events and weekend activities. Visit Santa Monica+2Pacific Park+2

• What to Expect: The historic Merry-Go-Round Building becomes a holiday hub — complete with festive holiday displays, handmade crafts, Santa photos, puppet theater (yes, the classic local marionette theatre), storytimes, and musical holiday performances. Pacific Park+1

• Why Go: The Pier at the holidays is a dreamy coastal twist on a winter wonderland — perfect for families, dates, or just strolling with friends under the lights.

🛍️ Montana Avenue Holiday Walk — Festive Shopping & Community Fun

• When: Saturday, December 6, 2025, 12:00 PM–8:00 PM Kidsguide

• What to Expect: Montana Avenue closes to traffic and becomes a strollable holiday fair. Expect holiday crafts, live jazz and choir performances, photo ops with Santa and fun characters (like the Grinch or winter princesses), a Cozy Kids Corner, holiday train rides — plus local vendors selling gifts and treats. Kidsguide

• Why Go: It’s a beautiful way to support local shops, share a festive afternoon with kids or friends, and find unique holiday gifts — all while soaking up community spirit.

🧡 Why These Events Matter — From Local Realtors & Neighbors

As people who help families find homes in Santa Monica, we believe holiday events like these make our city feel especially like home. Here’s what we love most:

• Community & Connection: These events bring together neighbors — longtime residents and newcomers alike. It’s a great opportunity to meet people, celebrate together, and build a sense of belonging.

• Family-Friendly Fun: Whether you have kids, pets, or just love the holidays, these events offer joy for all ages: from crafts and photos with Santa to live music and cozy treats.

• Small-Biz & Local Support: From Montana Avenue shops to Pier vendors, supporting local businesses during the holiday season helps keep Santa Monica vibrant and unique.

• A Taste of Something Magical: With tree lightings, “snow” on the Promenade, festive music, and holiday sparkle — it’s a chance to enjoy a winter holiday atmosphere without leaving the coast.

🗓️ Quick Itinerary for a Festive Santa Monica Weekend