SMDP’s weekly guide to food and entertainment goings-on in and around town includes Main St, Montana Ave, holiday street fairs, Venice canals holiday boat parade, brunch with Santa at Orla, a new restaurant on Main St from a Michelin starred chef and much more.
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, December 5, 12, 19, 4pm–8pm. Would you like to know more?
Live Talks – An Evening with Peggy Noonan: The Pulitzer-prize winning Wall Street Journal columnist and New York Times bestselling author will be discussing her book, A Certain Idea of America: Selected Writings. Thursday, December 5, 8pm, New Roads School, 3131 Olympic Blvd. More info here.
Montana Avenue Holiday Walk and Marketplace: The street will be closed to cars, transforming into a winter wonderland. Enjoy free photos with Santa, roaming carolers, live music and appearances by the Grinch, Cindy Lou and Princess Elsa. Don’t miss this magical marketplace, presented by our premier real estate offices. Saturday, December 7, 3pm–8pm. Details here.
All About Santa returns to Santa Monica Playhouse. December 7 to 15, Saturdays at 2pm and Sundays at 12:30pm. More info here.
Pacific Palisades Holiday Ho! Ho! Ho! Now in its 75th year, expect singers, dancers, martial arts, crafts, cookies, hot chocolate, free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more. Saturday, December 7, 1pm–4pm, YMCA Christmas Tree Lot and Simon Meadow Corner of Sunset & Temescal. Details here.
Santa Cruise Group Ride: Deck yourself in your most festive attire for a joyful 5.8-mile cruise through Santa Monica & Venice. Bikes, roller blades, skateboard, and other wheeled transports welcome for all ages. Saturday, December 7, 3pm–11pm, starting at SaMo City Hall. More info here.
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, December 7, 2pm, Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. Details here.
Santa Monica Symphony Concert: The program includes the Los Angeles Premiere of John Williams' Prelude and Scherzo for Piano and Orchestra. Free. December 7, 7pm, John Adams Middle School Performing Arts Center, 2425 16th St. More info here.
Miracle on Main St. Tree Lighting Celebration: Celebrate the holidays on Main Street with a festive afternoon of holiday cheer, starting at 3:30pm at the California Heritage Museum. Enjoy activities for kids, holiday music, and Santa's grand entrance at 4pm and the tree lighting at 5:30pm. Sunday, December 8. Would you like to know more?
Venice Canals Holiday Boat Parade: Originally founded in 1989, the parade has grown to become a highlight of the holiday season in the community. Each year, residents and visitors gather along the canals to enjoy the lights, music, and creative displays as boaters compete for best decoration awards. Sunday, December 8, 4pm. More info here.
Refractions – Indigenous Art in Public Space: This panel brings together artists and practitioners to reflect on, consider, and uplift the transformational power of Indigenous art in public spaces and the particular concerns around public commissions for First Peoples artists. Wednesday, December 11, 6:30pm, Pico Branch Library 2201 Pico Blvd. Details here.
ONGOING: Cirque du Soleil Kooza (until 1/5); Ice @ Santa Monica (until 1/20); LiteBrite Experience
What to Eat & Drink?
Chef Caroline Schiff’s Pop-Up Diner: The James Beard Finalist and Food + Wine Best New Chef and cookbook author presents a preview of her Diner concept within Siete at Santa Monica Proper with “a set menu featuring fun twists on diner classics and her signature maximalist desserts, all paired with crafted cocktails.” Friday – Sunday, December 6 – 8, 700 Wilshire Blvd. Details here.
Brunch with Santa at Orla: Guests can take photos with Santa and even learn a routine from the Rockettes. $95 for adults and $55 for children ages 3-10 includes a Champagne cocktail for adults, and a two-course brunch featuring family-style starters and à la carte selections. Sunday, December 8, 15, & 22, 11am–2pm, 1700 Ocean Ave. More info here.
Milo & Olive on “Best Pizza In LA” List:The Infatuation states “This sourdough pizzeria works equally well for weeknight dinners with friends as it does for dates, but we'd be lying if we didn't tell you it's a go-to Westside takeout crutch. Order the mushroom pie, which comes sprinkled with lemon zest and parmesan, or the pork sausage pizza if you're looking for a tomato base. Oh, and garlic knots are required by law.” 2723 Wilshire Blvd. Details here.
Salt & Straw’s Holiday Series: Festive ice cream flavors include Gingerbread Cookie Dough, Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache, Spiked Eggnog, a vegan The Great Cookie Swap and more.
Jyan Isaac Bread Holiday Bagels and Panettone: They are taking orders for their popular seasonal items now. 1620 Ocean Park Blvd. More info here.
Pasjoli Chef Dave Opened a New Fine Dining Restaurant on Main St: This Eater report details Seline, which opened this week “with 15-plus courses of ambitious cuisine” for $295. 3110 Main St. Details here.
Further Afield:LA Christmas Market: ROW DTLA is hosting an ongoing European-inspired Christmas Market featuring holiday decor, baked treats, festive activities, and seasonal music. Visitors can browse dozens of open-air booths offering seasonal delights like soft pretzels and hot chocolate, as well as handcrafted items from local artisans. The market runs every Wednesday through Sunday throughout December. Details here.
Looking Ahead: 16th Annual Santa Monica Pub Crawl (12/14); Main St. Holiday Party & Tree Lighting (12/8); Meet Me Under The Fig Tree (12/15)
