SMDP's Weekly Guide to Food & Entertainment Goings-On In & Around Town includes Locals' Night Holiday Cheer on the Pier and much more!
Locals' Night Holiday Cheer on the Pier: The SaMo Pier is bringing the holiday cheer this year with holiday music and performances, puppetry, singalongs, and holiday cheer. Thursday, Dec. 19, 4:00 - 8:00p.m.https://www.santamonicapier.org/cheeronthepier/
3rd St. Promenade “Holiday Thursday”: Gather around the tree for festive fun! Hand deliver your letter to Santa, sip hot cocoa, make holiday crafts, and enjoy live holiday music. Local Girl Scouts will be on hand to wrap gifts, and the Promenade will be decked out in its holiday best. This Thursday will be Santa’s final visit to the Promenade, so don’t miss it! Free. Thursday, Dec. 19, 5:00 - 9:00p.m.More details here.
Micro-Amusement Park “Two Bit Circus” Opens Pop-Up on The Promenade: The high-tech entertainment company known for its immersive and interactive experiences, has launched a pop-up arcade where guests can enjoy unlimited gameplay for $25, including a VR-enhanced “Cocktail Shooter” game. 1220 3rd St Promenade. https://twobitcircus.com/
AJA Vineyards Ugly Sweater Party: Join for a helluva night with an ugly sweater catwalk and competition! Enjoy some AJA wines and sign up with your best ugly sweater. Winners will receive AJA wines and merch. Thursday, Dec. 19, 7:30p.m., 1417 2nd St. https://ajavineyards.orderport.net/reservations
In Your Presence at Gallery 33: Curated for this holiday season is a new showcase featuring thirty captivating artworks from an esteemed group of local and international artists, renowned for their talent and unique perspectives. Their work explores themes of connection, perception, and introspection. Dec. 19, 10:00a.m. - 7:00p.m., Georgian Hotel, 1415 Ocean Ave. https://www.gallery33sm.com
Babybel Holiday Chalet: Cheese fans can bring gifts for the merry helpers, known as the Babybelves, to wrap while they take a few moments to themselves as they unwrap Babybel’s iconic red wax and enjoy the free gift wrapping, hot cocoa and complimentary cheeses. Friday, Dec. 20, 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., 395 Santa Monica Place https://belbrandsusa.com/news/babybel-gives-the-ultimate-holiday-gift-of-me-time-at-the-babybelves-holiday-village/
Festive Holiday Market at Siete: Santa Monica Proper will offer a curated holiday market featuring a selection of goods and delicacies from neighborhood partners, such as The New Bar, Siesta Co., Ghia, Doladira Isa Isa, and bites from acclaimed French pastry chef François Daubinet, Mr. T x François Daubinet pastries, and seasonal coffee, teas and beverages. Friday - Sunday, Dec. 20 - 22, 700 Wilshire Blvd. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1X4D8qpr5w/
Cthulhu Christmas: This is an immersive literature-based event with a foray into the mind of HP Lovecraft. It “will be a night full of incredible performances including sideshow, burlesque, cyr wheel, wandering magic, contortion, and live music; all to celebrate the unique madness of this world.” Saturday, Dec. 21, 9:00p.m., 1210 4th St. https://www.literatievents.com/
Holiday Concert & Ukulele Strum-Along: Cali Rose and the CC Strummers invite you to strum along, sing along, and enjoy festive holiday and popular songs. Bring your own uke, borrow one of theirs. Saturday, Dec. 21, 2p.m., Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. Details here.
Nightly Menorah Lightings on 3rd St. Promenade: Celebrate the Festival of Lights with nightly ceremonies from Dec. 25 - Jan. 2 at 5:45 p.m. 1300 Block Third Street Promenade https://downtownsm.com/holiday-happenings
ONGOING:Cirque du Soleil Kooza (until 1/5); Ice @ Santa Monica (until 1/20); LiteBrite Experience
What to Eat & Drink?
Papille Gustative Christmas Cookie Giveaway: The Main St. cafe is offering FREE fresh-baked cookies on Tuesday, Dec. 24 and Wednesday, Dec. 25. No purchase necessary…they are gifts from Santa! Choose from a variety of Chocolate Chip, Granola, Coffee, Pistachio, Gooey. 2823 Main St. https://papillegustativela.com/
Holiday High Tea at the Georgian: Cozy up with delightful bites and exquisite teas as Chef Thessa curates a festive and whimsical menu. Sunday, Dec. 22, 3:00p.m. https://resy.com/cities/santa-monica-ca/venues/sirena-restaurant/events/high-tea-at-sirena-12-22-2024-12-22
Ayessha Curry Opens Sweet July Cafe at Regent SaMo: This Jamaican inspired cafe founded by Steph Curry’s wife croissants and other pastries. 1700 Ocean Ave. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDfMDz-y2Ep/
Feast of the 7 Fishes at Blue Plate Oysterette: Join this Italian-American holiday tradition with a prix-fixe feast. Dec. 20 - 29, 1355 Ocean Ave. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/feast-of-the-seven-fishes-tickets-1090313209159
Orla Christmas Day Dinner: Enjoy ocean views and a celebratory prix fixe holiday dinner with a Mediterranean twist, blending seasonal flavors for an exceptional dining experience from Chef Michael Mina. Price: $125 for adults and $45 for children ages 3-10 Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2pm - 8pm; https://www.sevenrooms.com/experiences/orlasantamonicabeach/christmas-day-at-orla-santa-monica-5226084198006784
Hotel Casa del Mar Christmas Day Brunch & Dinner: Brunch includes an appetizer such as butternut squash soup or French toast as well as an entrée such as Dungeness crab cake benedict or glazed ham. Dinner includes appetizers such as winter kale salad or Dungeness crab tart and an entrée such as prime rib roast or stuffed conchiglioni. Both include desserts such as sticky toffee cakes, apple pie, eggnog crème brulee, peppermint brownies, gingerbread holiday cookies, and more. $125/person. Wednesday, Dec. 25. https://www.hotelcasadelmar.com/dining/terrazza-lounge
Further Afield: Los Angeles Ballet's The Nutcracker Dec. 13 – 28 https://www.losangelesballet.org/2024-2025-season/the-nutcracker
Looking Ahead: Feast of the 7 Fishes at Blue Plate Oysterette (12/20 - 29); New Years Events at Cassia, The Georgian Room, Orla, Rustic Canyon, Xuntos, Cayton Children’s Museum, Ice @ Santa Monica
If there’s something you think is worth highlighting, you can reach out directly to me at sean@smdp.com.
