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!
Country Christmas at The Venice West: “We got presents (Santa?), milk, cookies and a whole lot of YEEDM madness” 🎠 Friday, Dec. 19, 1717 Lincoln Blvd., Venice instagram.com/p/DRvDfqOk7Ds
Lyric Chorus: Songs of the Season: The Lyric Chorus of SMC Emeritus College will perform four-part arrangements of Broadway tunes and songs of the season. The 30-plus member chorus was founded in the 1940s and is under the direction of Tom Gerhold. Thursday, Dec. 18 from 11 a.m. - 12p.m., Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. x.com/SMPublicLibrary/status/1999207844797641119
Holiday Cheer on the Pier: Sandy Cane Lane (Locals' Night): The final night of the Pier's holiday event features live music, photos with Santa, a festive sand sculpture display, and the popular car decorating contest. Thursday, Dec 18, 3:30 - 10p.m., Santa Monica Pier santamonicapier.org/localsnightdec
Ugly Sweater Party @ Perry's Beach Cafe: Enjoy a festive beach party where you can rock your most outrageous holiday sweater right by the ocean. Saturday, Dec. 20, 3p.m., near 930 Pacific Coast Hwy. partiful.com/e/C1AqpiYyCXLQqRzI1dvc
Santa Monica Symphony: Scenes from Life – Joy: A limited-run symphony concert — good for readers looking for a cultured evening out before the holidays. Saturday, Dec. 20, Barnum Hall, 600 Olympic Blvd. smsymphony.org/events/santa-monica-symphony-presents-scenes-from-life-joy
The Artist Fair Santa Monica: This outdoor gallery market showcases all different types of artists like painters, woodworkers, jewelry, clothing, sculptures and music! Bringing the community together to enjoy the park in this family dog friendly event! Come enjoy some cool tunes and meet the artists. FREE. Sunday, Dec. 21, 10a.m. - 5p.m., near Tower 25 in Ocean Park (2410 Ocean Front Walk) https://www.instagram.com/theartistfair
ONGOING: Ice at Santa Monica (through Jan. 19); “Two Bit Circus” Pop-Up; Museum of Illusions;
What to Eat & Drink?
Jikoni Pop-Up at Offhand Wine Bar: Enjoy AfriCali plates and full pies! Thursday, Dec. 18, starting at 5p.m. instagram.com/p/DSK91LBj21T
Brunch with Santa at the Viceroy: Celebrate the magic of the season at Viceroy Santa Monica’s Brunch with Santa, a festive family experience filled with holiday treats, creative activities, and joyful moments. Join us for a coastal-holiday gathering designed for kids and adults alike—complete with a special visit from Santa himself. $20/person includes all activities, breakfast bites, and Santa experience. À la carte menu items are available for additional purchase. Friday, Dec. 20, 11a.m. – 1p.m., 1819 Ocean Ave. eventbrite.com/e/brunch-with-santa-at-viceroy-santa-monica-tickets-1976228864733
Couplet Coffee Santa Monica Grand Opening Party: Come on by for freebies and festivities. Fresh donuts by @OryanCooks. Free Leisure Hydration bevvies for the first 50 customers. Saturday, Dec. 20 10a.m. – 3p.m., 525 Santa Monica Blvd. https://partiful.com/e/xcr6lmcvmxHzTVd1ZOc7
Brunch with Santa at Orla by Michael Mina: Kids of all ages can dine on breakfast classics like French Toast and Scrambled Eggs alongside Santa Claus. Parents can get in on the fun too with a menu for them as well that features Shakshuka, Steak & Eggs, and much more. Families can take photos with Santa, listen to fun holiday music, and other festive activities. Saturday, Dec. 20, 11:30a.m. - 4p.m., 1700 Ocean Ave. https://www.sevenrooms.com/experiences/orlabymichaelmina/brunch-with-santa-6628873817243648
Ina Bakes: Favorites & Festive Pop-Ups: This month, we’re bringing twice the magic with two pastry pop-ups you won’t want to miss! New seasonal treats, beloved favorites, and pre-order options for your holiday celebrations. Come for the pastries, stay for the joy. Sunday, Dec. 21, 9a.m. – 1p.m., 535 Rose Ave, Venice inabakes.com
Multiple SaMo Spots on the LA Times 101 Best Restaurants List: Five spots grace the list, led by Seline at #13, Mélisse at #23, Pasjoli at #34, Rustic Canyon at #48, and Cosetta at #60. Impressive to see two restaurants that opened this year make the list (Seline and Cosetta) and exciting Chef Dave Beran to have two spots, both on Main St. (Seline and Pasjoli). latimes.com/food/list/101-best-restaurants-los-angeles
Citrin Christmas Eve Prix-Fixe Dinner: Enjoy a 6 course dinner for $195 per person. citrinandmelisse.com/christmas-eve-25
Christmas Eve at Fia & Fia Steak: They’re open and serving our regular menu, featuring a selection of seasonal, locally inspired dishes in a cozy, elegant atmosphere. Last seating is 9 PM. 2454 Wilshire Blvd. fiarestaurant.com/special-events/fia-is-open-christmas-eve
Christmas at FIG at the Fairmont Miramar: Christmas Eve dinner features seasonal favorites like Beef Wellington and Yule Log dessert, while Christmas Day brunch delights with gingerbread pancakes or a luxurious truffle-and-asparagus omelet. 101 Wilshire Blvd. figsantamonica.com
Christmas Morning Brunch at Fitoor: The festive brunch features abundant buffet stations including Burmese Khow Suey, Chaat, Frankie & Dips, Dosa, Mains, and Desserts, ensuring guests head into the holiday fully satisfied. $105/person.
Jameson's Pub All You Can Eat Christmas: You get your choice of turkey, ham, or prime rib with all the fixin's for $19.99 per person while getting to watch all the games. 2702 Main St. santamonica.jamesonsirishpub.com
Lunetta Christmas Eve Dinner: They are offering a $130/person family-style feast designed to be shared among friends and loved ones, including Maine lobster rigatoni, prime rib, chicken piccata, seasonal starters, decadent sides, and a classic Buche de Noel for dessert—all in Lunetta’s signature California-elegant style. Wednesday, Dec. 24, 4 – 8p.m., 2420 Pico Blvd. instagram.com/lunettasm
Christmas Dinner at Orla by Michael Mina: On Christmas Day 12/25, enjoy menu items that combine the best flavors of the California Coast and the Mediterranean Sea that honors Chef Michael Mina’s Egyptian and Greek Heritage, such as Spiced Turkey Confit, Butternut Squash Risotto, with Pumpkin Pie and Passion Fruit Labneh Cheesecake. 1700 Ocean Ave. https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=1352833&restref=1352833&experienceId=550735
Christmas Day at The Penthouse at Huntley: Celebrate with a special three-course prix-fixe menu while enjoying panoramic ocean views and signature cocktails.1111 2nd St. penthouserestaurant.com
Christmas at 1 Pico at Shutters on the Beach: Enjoy Italian-inspired seasonal fare in a relaxed ocean-view setting. 1 Pico Blvd. shuttersonthebeach.com/dining/1-pico
Feast of the Seven Fishes at Sirena & The Georgian: Feast of the Seven Fishes features dishes such as Dungeness crab mafaldine, blue prawns a la plancha, and oysters with champagne mignonette — all leading to a festive finish with their signature Gingerbread Mermaids. Wednesday, Dec. 24, Anytime after 5p.m., 1415 Ocean Ave. resy.com/cities/santa-monica-ca/venues/sirena-restaurant?date=2025-12-24
Christmas at Terrazza at Hotel Casa del Mar: Enjoy dishes such as glazed ham, grilled branzino, or stuffed conchiglioni, all paired with festive decor and ocean vistas. 1910 Ocean Way hotelcasadelmar.com/dining/terrazza
Further Afield: Ellington’s Nutcracker & Tchaikovsky’s “Winter Daydreams” take center stage this Thursday to Sunday at Disney Concert Hall as part of the Deck the Hall Holiday series. laphil.com/events/performances/3702/2025-12-18/ellingtons-nutcracker-tchaikovskys-winter-daydreams
Looking Ahead: Looking Ahead: NYE East Coast Countdown Celebration @ Ice at Santa Monica (12/31); LA Art Show (1/7-11); DineLA Restaurant Week (1/23 – 2/6); SaMo Symphony Annual MLK Concert (1/17)
If there’s something you think is worth highlighting, you can reach out directly to me at sean@smdp.com. Here are my past columns and let me know if you have any feedback on Around Town: Christmas Week Food and Events