Santa Monica Holiday Dining, Events & Specials

Please note that the Holiday events & specials listed below are for 2022. Check back for 2023 Holiday offers.

Explore the Santa Monica holiday cheer, holiday menus, holiday desserts, seasonal specials and hotel deals being offered throughout the city.

For those ready to keep the celebration going, discover New Year’s activities, dining and more!

Shine Through the Holidays

The holidays are happening in Santa Monica! Restaurants, retailers, and businesses are offering an array of festive, physically-distanced attractions and charitable food and clothing drives to give back to the community this season. From free holiday art installations at the iconic Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Pier, a ballerina snow-globe performance at Santa Monica Place and festive shopping along holiday-trimmed streets like Main Street, Montana Avenue & Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica continues to shine through the holidays while keeping the community safe and healthy.

Santa Monica Holiday Cheer

From spectacular holiday lighting displays to a photo with Santa Claus among the Christmas trees, Santa Monica is a surprising winter wonderland! Read on to discover the holiday events you can experience in this one-of-a-kind destination, perfect for the whole family (even the furry ones!)

Winterlit
Various days throughout December
Winterlit holiday art installations and festivities will light up Downtown Santa Monica all season long starting on November 16. Third Street Promenade will glow under tens of thousands of holiday lights illuminating festive outdoor retail, as well as eleven different holiday-inspired storefront art installations created by a variety of Los Angeles-based artists. The official City of Santa Monica 24-foot-tall tree and festive garland will deck the Promenade and a new holiday-inspired augmented reality experience will allow guests to transform physical structures, spaces, and trees along the Promenade into holiday elements and decor. Don’t miss this year’s Christmas tree lighting in Santa Monica. For more information, visit DowntownSM.com.

Ice Santa Monica
Every day from November 17 to January 16
Visit Winterlit’s Ice at Santa Monica to experience all-day ice skating. Skate under the stars at the only 8,000 square-foot outdoor ice rink on the Westside and enjoy no timed sessions, no limits and an all-day skate pass lets you skate to your heart’s content and includes re-entry. Join on December 14, January 5 and January 10 to participate in Ice Santa Monica’s first ever Ice Yoga event. Learn more.

Santa Monica Place
Various days throughout December
Santa Monica Place is creating magical holiday memories all season long with the iconic 50-foot tree adorned with thousands of sparkling lights and ornaments, and a holiday DJ. For information on additional holiday happenings and extended shopping hours, visit SantaMonicaPlace.com/Holiday.

Breakfast with Santa
December 4, 11, 18
Santa is heading to the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. Gather the family for our holiday breakfast with Santa. Photos, delectable breakfast favorites, reindeer antler making, cookie decorating with elves, holiday hip hop dance instructors, and more are calling. Make reservations from 8:30 to 11:00am for December 4, 11, and 18. Reserve your spot now.

Brunch with Santa Paws
December 3, 11am to 1pm
Ensure your spot on Santa’s Nice List and join your fur-iends for Brunch with Santa Paws at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel! $50 donation per person with 20% of ticket proceeds benefiting loveleorescue.org.

Harvelle’s Holiday Show
December 15, 9:30pm
Meet at Harvelle’s Santa Monica and feel the “wow” with Rae Rae & The Chestnuts’ Rock & Soul Christmas Review, featuring Band of Liars and special guests!

The Artist Collection – Holiday Edition
December 16, 23; 1-9pm
Find inspiration at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel’s artist-in-residence program, where guests get front-row access to watch artists bring their visions to life. Come in December to meet Susu Zheng, artist and Founder of SUSU’s Handbags.

Live Music at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
Thursday – Saturday
Take in classic holiday tunes, jazz and more in the hotel lobby and enjoy seasonal drinks and bites. All that Jazz is on Thursdays from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Acoustic Evenings is on Friday from 6pm to 9pm. Holiday DJ is on Saturdays from 6pm to 9pm.

Locals Night Holiday Cheer on the Pier
December 15, 3 to 9pm
Revel in the season’s magic with family and friends while enjoying activities for kids, holiday carolers, hote chocolate, a car show, visits from Santa and much more.

Lunetta Holiday Party
December 9, 5 to 8pm
Join us for our annual holiday party and toy drive. Bring an unwrapped toy and enjoy a cocktail or an item from our ‘golden hour’ menu on the house! Make your reservation now.

Pico Holiday Open House
December 9, 4 to 7pm
Join Pico family, friends and merchants. Enjoy complimentary food and drink, hot chocolate, kids can decorate a gingerbread cookie, and more!

Santa Monica Pub Crawl
December 17
Dust off those antlers and Santa hats, shine up those menorahs and get ready for the 14th annual SANTA Monica Pub Crawl! Santa Monica’s cherished holiday fundraiser returns on Saturday, December 18 the city’s best bars and restaurants to raise funds for the Westside Food Bank while and helping those in need for the holidays! Choose from 2 routes with 20 locations and enjoy DJs, bands, costume contests & more holiday fun.

Seaside Cinema
Various days from November 25 to January 1
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel announces its third annual holiday program, Seaside Holidays. Tis the season for FREE holiday movies…beachside. Seaside Cinema Holidays features timeless classics, seasonal culinary treats, and more. Find a movie here.

Tea with a Twist
December 3, 10, 17
This holiday season at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, enjoy tea-infused cocktails and a variety of sweet and savory bites along with a special performance from the young musicians of Elemental Music, a local education nonprofit, who will play selections from their winter concert repertoire, accompanied by casual fashions from Jane, a local clothing boutique. Reserve your spot now.

Holiday Fun 5K, 10K, 15K & Half Marathon
December 25
It’s time for a fun, seasonal run in Santa Monica. Get the blood flowing and make some room for the holiday feast. Bib pickup and all races are on Christmas Day, December 25. Learn more here.

Ugly Sweater Party at The Bungalow
December 23
Break out the ugly holiday sweaters—it’s time for the Ugly Sweater Party at The Bungalow! Wear an ugly sweater, get a cocktail. Enjoy delicious libations and lively music from DJ Excel.

Warm holiday drink in clear mug with brown dusting sprinkled on top and multicolored sprinkles; Santa Monica dining

Santa Monica Christmas Menus

Santa Monica is a foodie’s dream this holiday season. Check out these Christmas menus in Santa Monica before you plan your upcoming holiday meal.

Fig Restaurant
Make Christmas Eve dinner a breeze with Fig’s Christmas Eve dinner to-go, featuring dishes like Whole Roasted Tenderloin, Black Truffle Potatoes and Farmers Market Root Vegetables. Click here to order. Enjoy Christmas Day Brunch from 11am to 4pm. Celebrate with offering a Prime Rib Carving Station with all the trimmings, and a specialty Bloody Mary and Rosé station. Enjoy delicious pastries and desserts, and perhaps a surprise visit from Santa Claus himself on Christmas Day. Reservations are available via Resy or by calling 310-319-3111.

Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe
For Christmas Eve, keep the kids (or adults) busy with a gingerbread holiday cookie decorating kit while you heat up a cozy dinner featuring roasted chicken with a variety of roasted root vegetables & brown butter gremolata, braised beef short ribs, honey roasted brussels sprouts, plus more. For Christmas Day, snack on gluten-free gingerbread teacake with your morning coffee or vegetable quiche and other baked goods. There are also festive desserts, like an egg nog cheesecake, Christmas cookies and more. Pre-order by December 17 at 3pm for pickup & delivery on December 24. For Huckleberry’s Christmas takeout, pre-order online or e-mail catering@huckleberrycafe.com.

Socalo
Perfect for celebrating Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, enjoy Chefs Susan Feniger & Mary Sue Milliken’s holiday dishes and tamales at home. Dinner at home arrives with simple warming and serving instructions to make gathering a breeze. Sweet corn tamales, bottles of wine, or guava cheese empanadas and brunch cocktails for Christmas morning are all available a la carte to help make your holiday hosting a little easier. Available for delivery or pickup from Socalo in Santa Monica on Friday, December 23rd & Saturday, December 24th. Pre-order by Wednesday, December 21 at 3pm.

Stella Barra Pizzeria & Wine Bar
Fill yourself with holiday cheer, pizza, pasta, wine and beer on Christmas Eve at Stella Barra! From 12pm to 9pm on Saturday, December 24, Stella Barra will be open for normal dine-in delivery and carryout off the regular menu. Make your reservation today.

Blue Streak
Indulge in Blue Streak’s already amazing menu and enjoy special holiday offerings. Dinner with a view is always a guarantee at this stand-out Santa Monica restaurant located in Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. As an added bonus: sandwich your meal with bright and cheerful holiday events taking place in the Loews’ Lobby! Click here to make your reservation.

LouLou Rooftop Restaurant & Bar
Experience the “Joie de Vivre” from 11:30am to 3:30pm this Christmas. Enjoy DJs, live performances and fresh food and drink. Reservations are available.

Terrazza
Celebrate Christmas brunch and dinner! Brunch options include roasted turkey, dry aged Branzino, dry age prime rib eye or roasted cauliflower and your choice of appetizer and dessert. View the full brunch menu here. For dinner, enjoy your choice of appetizer, entree and choice of desserts, including cranberry and persimmon trifle, chocolate pear tart, or bruleed corn pudding cake. View the full dinner menu. Book your brunch and dinner reservations.

The Lobster
Have a happier holiday and make your reservations now and enjoy dining with the best views in Santa Monica. Book a reservation now.

Ye Olde King’s Head
Enjoy a holiday afternoon tea from December 1 to 30. Enjoy our delightfully festive traditional holiday tea with Christmas crackers and special British pastries. View the menu and call 310-451-1402 to reserve to a spot.

Lunetta
Serving a special menu for a special time of the year, celebrate Christmas Eve at Lunetta and enjoy delectable dinners from Bouillabaisse to Pot Au Feu and Rack of Lamb to Smoked Sturgeon. View the menu here. Click here to make reservations.

Soko
For those in search of an untraditional yet elevated Christmas dinner experience, you’ll want to snag a coveted reservation at Fairmont Miramar’s intimate 8-seat sushi bar, where Chef Masa Shimakawa delivers a master class in refined technique, presentation, and quality. A special seven-course Omakase menu for $200, with $60 sake pairings and a selection of amuse bouche is available for booking, as well as a limited a la carte menu. Reservations are available via Resy for Christmas Eve & Christmas Day from 5– 10pm.

Tiato
Celebrate Christmas with your traditional favorites and some soon-to-be holiday staples with Cali-Asian flair. Vegan options available. Don’t forget to use 10% off your entire order when you enter code Winter2022 at checkout, and for an exclusive holiday promo: order an entree with four or more sides and add any dessert for only $15! Click here for more information and to order online.

Solidarity
Bring home a Polish Christmas with hearty Polish delicacies from Solidarity’s special holiday take-out menu. Items like traditional Potato Salad, Christmas Borscht Soup, Paszteciki Mushroom Rolls and more can be purchased in 16 or 32 oz. for parties big and small. Orders can be placed no later than December 19 be emailing orders@solidarityLA.com. Click here to see the menu.

Proper Hotel
Experience a dose of holiday cheer from Calabra’s sweeping rooftop. Savor a chef-driven, three-course meal paired with innovative libations on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 11am to midnight at $125 per person. View the Christmas Eve menu and the Christmas menu here. Plus, enjoy a holiday-worthy dinner at Palma’s art-filled restaurant and lounge. Linger over seasonally-inspired dishes and classic cocktails as you celebrate Christmas. Make a reservation here.

Citrin
Indulge in Michelin-starred bites this holiday season from two-starred chef Josiah Citrin. Make your reservation now to delight the senses with a 6-course meal, including Egg Caviar to Stonington Maine Scallop to Sonoma Lamb Loin “Roulade”.

Santa Monica Hanukkah Menus

It’s time for traditional meals that will speak to body and soul and bring the celebration. Before prepping the feast, see what Santa Monica’s best restaurants have to offer this holiday season.

Birdie G’s
Need a little help in the kitchen? The team is here to save the holiday with a deliciously fun takeout for Hanukkah. There’s corned beef tri-tip with smoked tomato remoulade, roasted chicken with black lime & fenugreek, sauerkraut latkes with crème fraîche & housemade apple sauce, their signature southern kugel and dilly matzo ball soup, apple-sunchoke cake with hazelnut & caramel sauce, “World Famous” rose petal pie, kosher wines and lots more. Pre-order online within 5 days of the desired date, with pickup and delivery available from December 18-23.

Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe
For Hanukkah, light the menorah and enjoy all the traditional classics showcasing high-quality, organic ingredients, with many sourced from the nearby farmers’ market. There’s braised beef brisket, stuffed squash, matzo ball soup, potato pancakes with sour cream & housemade applesauce, sweet noodle kugel, brioche donut holes & more. Pre-order by December 11 at 3pm for pickup and delivery from December 18-20. For Huckleberry’s Hanukkah takeout, pre-order online or e-mail catering@huckleberrycafe.com.

The Lobster
Have a happier holiday and make your reservations now and enjoy dining with the best views in Santa Monica. Book a reservation now.

Ye Olde King’s Head
Enjoy a holiday afternoon tea from December 1 to 30. Enjoy our delightfully festive traditional holiday tea with Christmas crackers and special British pastries. View the menu and call 310-451-1402 to reserve to a spot.

Wexler’s Deli
Hanukkah is here! Get your holiday dinner from Wexler’s Deli and enjoy legendary homemade latkes, holiday brisket and more. Dinners serve 4-6 people. Click here to order your dinner.

Tiato
‘Tis the season for less stress and more family, friends and fun! Feast without the fuss with Tiato’s Winter Holiday Meals. Celebrate Hanukkah with your traditional favorites and some Cali-Asian flair bites that will surely have people coming back for seconds. Vegan options available. Don’t forget to use 10% off your entire order when you enter code Winter2022 at checkout, and for an exclusive holiday promo: order an entree with four or more sides and add any dessert for only $15! Click here for more information and to order online.

Santa Monica Holiday Desserts

Birdie G’s
Get a “World Famous” rose petal pie for that holiday dinner or soiree!Pre-order online.

Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe
Enjoy festive desserts, like an egg nog cheesecake, Christmas cookies and more. Pre-order by December 17 at 3pm for pickup & delivery on December 24. For Huckleberry’s Hanukkah and Christmas takeout, pre-order online or e-mail catering@huckleberrycafe.com.

Rustic Canyon
Enjoy the holidays with a Rustic Canyon Family Holiday Cookie Box; all proceeds go to No Us Without You. They’re $79 (so we can give even more to charity) and feature a dozen different treats, like Cassia’s Lemongrass Shortbread, The Dutchess’ Walnut Thumbprints with Satsuma-Passion Fruit Marmalade, Rustic Canyon’s Apple Cheesecake Macarons and more. Order here and pickup on December 18.

Sweet Lady Jane
Spread some joy with our special triple berry, chocolate cake and triple berry and coconut cakes, and our custom decorated Christmas cookies. Or choose your favorite from our delicious cakes, pies, tarts, cheesecakes, and treats. Heading to a holiday party, pickup the treat box, an assortment of lemon bars, sea salt brownies, oatmeal date bars, chocolate chip and chocolate chip cherry cookies.

Broadway Baker
Find the best small-batch baked goods made from local and organic ingredients. Recently voted Best Bakery Westside in LA Times’ “Best of Southland” 2022, there’s plenty of amazing treats that’s worth the calories. Gift a box of surprises to friends and family or indulge in the must-try Salted Caramel Brownies. See what’s baking for the holidays.

Sweet Rose Creamery
The team is whipping up brand-new holiday ice cream pies and cakes this December. The peppermint patty pie is filled with peppermint patty ice cream and topped with torched meringue & housemade candies, the Santa pie features milk & cookies ice cream, topped with whipped milk, chocolate sauce & mini chocolate chip cookies and the dairy-free chocolate peppermint crunch cake has layers of dark chocolate cake & chocolate ice cream, all sprinkled with peppermint candies. Plus, they’re offering treats from sister Milo + Olive, like a rich gingerbread cake to pair with old fashioned vanilla ice cream, alongside take & bake items like buttermilk biscuits, chocolate chip cookies and cinnamon rolls. Everything is first come-first served starting December 5, or order delivery through your favorite app or Rustic Canyon Family’s app. If you’d like to guarantee these treats for Christmas, preorder online until December 18 for pickup between December 21 – 24.

Vanilla Bake Shop
Holiday Sweets for your winter celebration. Deliciously festive treats! Holiday cookies and small bites include cupcake babies, sugar cookies, chocolate caramel pretzel rods, gingerbread cookies and bite size bar bites. Available the whole month of December, 48 hour notice required, cutoff to oder is 3pm.

Tartine Santa Monica
Holiday specials and many and bright at Tartine! Enjoy sweet treats from Pecan Kumquat Tart to Banana Cream Pie to the Petite Lemon Cranberry Pistachio Tea Cake. There’s plenty more! See the full holiday menu by clicking here.

Holiday Specials

Esters Wine Shop & Bar
Order a beautiful holiday gift box for wine novices and oenophiles alike! Pick from a variety of sizes featuring sweet and savory artisanal snacks, then choose a bottle of red, white or sparkling wine. Wine-only boxes feature our team’s favorite seasonal offerings. Customizable options are available too, if you want to mix and match snacks or select a particular wine from our 250+ planet-friendly list! Order online for pickup and local delivery, or by calling 310-899-6900.

Los Angeles Metro
Through the end of the year, Metro 1-day, 7-day, and 30-day passes are discounted by 50%! To take advantage of this offer, riders can simply purchase and load any pass on their TAP card at any TAP vending machine, online at taptogo.net, or at Metro Customer Centers.

Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
Enjoy a Sazerac Soiree, aptly named for the holiday season. Whiskey lovers can enjoy the ultimate Sazerac Box experience in the Lobby Lounge, designed to commemorate the origin of the Sazerac dating back to New Orleans, circa 1838 in the back room of a Creole apothecary on Royal Street. Featuring a beautiful wood box with all of the necessary ingredients to create your customized Sazerac cocktail, including an absinthe perfume bottle, Peychaud’s bitters, Angostura bitters, rye whiskey, Rémy Martin VSOP Cognac, simple syrup & a golden spoon, guests can purchase a box to share in the Lobby Lounge with friends, or as a gift for $295.

The Gourmandise School
Enjoy a variety of classes this holiday season including modern holiday cookie tin, yule log bakes, tamales, teen cooking classes and more! Looking for the perfect gift for the cooks and bakers in your life? Pick up a curated gift box for a variety of specialties.

Wexler’s Deli
Gift the finest caviar and smoked fish this season with the Baller Gift Box and Wexler’s Hand-Crafted Caviar. Baller Gift Boxes come in three sizes ad include caviar, house-smoked lox fish, and more. Check out these amazing holiday gifting ideas.

MIXT
Unload your holiday stress and leave the gift wrapping to MIXT. Get two complimentary gifts wrapped by Tinsel Town Gift Wrap with the purchase of a MIXT salad, bowl, or sandwich at their Santa Monica location on Sunday, December 18th from 12-4pm. Offer valid for complimentary gift wrap on two presents brought into MIXT’s Santa Monica location with a purchase of a salad, bowl, or sandwich. Does not apply to online or delivery orders. No gifts provided by MIXT, and subject to size restrictions. While supplies last. Offer subject to change or cancellation at any time without notice.

Santa Monica Hotel Deals

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!

Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
Guests staying in our Santa Suite will enjoy an ultimate fairy-tale atmosphere including world-class dining experiences, luxury accommodations, Santa-inspired décor and many fun-filled festive destination activities for the whole family. ‘Tis the seasons only at the Miramar!

Hotel Casa del Mar
Room with a View: Discover endless summer in Santa Monica and enjoy a room with a view and save up to 25% off. Stay More, Save More: Save up to 30% and receive a one time $100 hotel credit per stay. Offer is subject to availability at the time of reservation; blackout dates may apply. Valid through 12/31. Click here for additional offers and to book. Click here to check dates.

Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
Beach Bed and Breakfast: Enjoy complimentary breakfast at Blue Steak restaurant or For Five Coffee Roasters, overnight valet parking, complimentary Wi-Fi, access to complimentary guest amenities and perks totaling $80+ daily value in savings! Click here to book.

Palihouse Santa Monica
Stay longer and live like a local: Save up to 20% when booking longer stays of 4+ nights. Click here to book.

Santa Monica Proper Hotel
Holiday in Santa Monica: In the spirit of coming together this season and next: book a 4 night stay and enjoy a $250 dining credit per stay. Offer valid on eligible stays of 4 nights or more before 12/31. Book now or find additional hotel offers here.

Sea Blue Hotel
Pets Stay Free: Book directly and we’ll waive the pet fee for up to 2 dogs. Click here for additional offers and to book.

Shutters on the Beach
Stay More, Save More: Save up to 25% and a one time $100 hotel credit per stay. Offer is subject to availability; black out dates may apply. Click here for more details and to book.

The Ambrose
Stay More, Save More: Extend your stay for extra savings. Advance Purchase: Save up to 10% with advance bookings. Click here for additional offers and to book.

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