Santa Monica Holiday Dining, Events & Specials

Community Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 4

Open to the public, this cherished Fairmont Miramar tradition brings together neighbors, families, and friends for a festive evening under the twinkling lights. Enjoy classic carols performed by the Santa Monica High School Choir, indulge in hot chocolate, capture photo moments with Santa, and delight in the magic of the season.

Holiday Art Fair
December 7

Share in the holiday cheer as over 30 professional artists open their studio doors offering unique art and gifts to elevate your holiday shopping!

Holiday Cheer on the Pier
Now – December 18, 2o25

The Santa Monica Pier is bringing the holiday cheer this year with a month of programming sure to bring a smile to everyone in the family. Starting NOVEMBER 20th and running through DECEMBER 18th, the historic Merry Go-Round windows will be decked out with holiday spirit from the Santa Monica Pier Corporation that sets the stage for incredible holiday events all season long.

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 4

Join for the Tree Lighting Ceremony, where Santa himself will light up our official holiday tree on Third Street Promenade between Santa Monica Boulevard and Arizona Avenue (1300 block). The holiday festivities will feature performances by local choirs, a special performance of the Nutcracker, and “snow” on Third Street Promenade. After the ceremony, guests of all ages are invited to take FREE photos with Santa, make holiday-themed crafts, and enjoy hot cocoa. A DJ will keep the festivities going with a holiday dance party. All activities at this event are FREE and open to all ages!

ICE Santa Monica
Now – January 20, 2025

Experience fun for the family at Ice at Santa Monica. Visit the biggest rink in Santa Monica this holiday season for ice skating, special events and more. Get your tickets today.

Letters to Santa & Ornament Painting
December 4

Step inside the historic Merry Go-Round building to write heartfelt Letters to Santa—yes, they’ll be mailed straight to the North Pole! Kids can also create festive take-home crafts and ornaments with help from local creative studio Paint:Lab.

Goodboybob Coffee

Enjoy Goodboybob’s special drinks, including Frosted Mocha Latte, Iced Frosted Mocha and Icy Blue Iced Matcha. Available for a limited time.

La La Land Kind Cafe

Sip through the holidays with La La Land Kind Cafe’s holiday menu, complete with various lattes like S’Mores Cloud Latte, Peppermint and Sugar Cookie Lattes.

1 Pico

Enjoy Chef Vittorio’s California Christmas classics, infused with a hint of Italian flair that nods to his Neapolitan roots. Blinis topped with caviar and decadent desserts add indulgence. Each menu is carefully prepared for comfort and the connections that define this special day.

Calabra

Celebrate the holidays with Calabra’s Christmas special — a festive feast featuring seasonal, organic dishes and holiday-style “For The Table” starters, perfect for sharing in a cozy rooftop setting.

FIG Restaurant

Indulge in Gingerbread Pancakes topped with whipped cream cheese and orange marmalade or elevate your Christmas morning with a luxurious Truffle & Asparagus Omelet. For something hearty, savor our Savory Bread Pudding with smoked gouda, bacon lardon, mushrooms, caramelized onions, mustard hollandaise, and a poached egg. Cap off brunch with Santa’s Hat, featuring orange sponge cake, silky white chocolate mousse, and a tart cranberry glaze.

Tartine Santa Monica

Holiday specials are many and bright at Tartine! Enjoy sweet treats from Persimmon Vegan Crumb Cake to the Petite Lemon Cranberry Pistachio Tea Cake. There’s plenty more! See the full holiday menu.

Don’t miss out on fabulous hotel deals this holiday season when you book your trip to enjoy the festivities and holiday events in Santa Monica. Plenty of hotels are offering savings on room rates to help you get into the holiday spirit for less. Plus, if you’re local or know someone who is, check out the Santa Monica Extra Bedroom program for unbeatable prices; available for Santa Monica residents looking for a staycation or accommodations for visiting guests!

The Huntley Santa Monica

At The Huntley Santa Monica Beach, stunning ocean views, the acclaimed rooftop restaurant, and elegantly designed spaces set the stage for an unforgettable gathering. Pair it all with elevated coastal cuisine and refined hospitality, and your holiday event becomes truly extraordinary. Book now to secure your date and unlock exclusive perks, including 10% off your total bill (before service charge & tax); discounted valet for your guests; and complimentary upgrade to the Platinum Bar Package. Available

The Pierside Santa Monica

Immerse yourself in holiday magic with the Coastal Cheer holiday package. Enjoy a carefully decorated suite and curated experiences to get the most out of this season. Learn more.