SMDP’s weekly guide to food and entertainment goings-on in and around town includes the Meet Me Under The Fig Tree event, 16th Annual Santa Monica Pub Crawl, Marina Holiday Boat Parade and much more.
Holiday Cheer on the Pier: The SaMo Pier is bringing holiday cheer this year with holiday music and performances, puppetry, singalongs, and holiday cheer. Thursday, December 12 & 19, 4pm–8pm. More info here.
16th Annual Santa Monica Pub Crawl: Crawl for a Cause at the Largest Holiday Crawl on the West Coast! Join Thousands of crawlers and help those in need for the holidays. Saturday, December 14. Details here.
Holey Moley Mini Golf Club now open on 3rd Street Promenade: Choose from three different nine hole courses inspired by pop culture and nostalgia, along with cocktails and food options, and even “Putt-putt and karaoke.” 1315 3rd Street Promenade, More info here.
Taylor Swift’s Birthday at Ice Santa Monica: ‘Tis the damn season to celebrate TayTay’s birthday. Show up in your favorite era’s style (or cardigan). First (50) skaters per session will receive a friendship bracelet. Friday, December 13. Details here.
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade: This year’s theme is “A Margaritaville Holiday” and approximately 25,000 people are expected for this 62nd Annual Boat Parade, with festivities at various viewing spots like Fisherman’s Village and Burton Chace Park. Saturday, December 14. More info here.
Meet Me Under The Fig Tree: Expect photos with Santa under the Fig Tree, Cookie decorating, arts & crafts, bounce house & snow machine, live tunes and special performances by the SaMo High Orchestra and master pianist Jason Pelsey, eats from FIG, Emporium Thai, BOA Steak, Sushi Roku, Chef Luigi Fineo, Michael’s and Shake Shack, meet the SMPD horses and check out the fire truck showcase. Free. Sunday, December 15, 1pm–4pm, Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, 101 Wilshire Blvd. Would you like to know more?
The Gourmandise School: Take-home baking kits for gifting and festive cooking classes, including The Holiday Cookie Tin and the 13th Annual Yule Log Bake & Take with classes on December 14, 15, 21, 22 & 23. More info here.
ONGOING: Cirque du Soleil Kooza (until 1/5); Ice @ Santa Monica (until 1/20); LiteBrite Experience
What to Eat & Drink?
The Infatuation's The Best Restaurants in Santa Monica List: The updated list includes Michelin rated places like Pasjoli, Melisse and Birdie G's, casual spots like Shirube and Crudo e Nudo, and of course Bay Cities. More info here.
5 Santa Monica Restaurants Ranked in LA Times 101 Best In Los Angeles: Pasjoli ranks highest at 18, followed by Mélisse (24), Rustic Canyon (28), Birdie G's (52), and Cassia (75). Details here.
Last Chance to Dine at Rose Cafe: It closes it's doors for good after brunch on Sunday December 15 after 45 years of service. More details on its history and closing in this EaterLA article.
NBC4 Video Report on AJA Vineyards SaMo Tasting Room: Watch this video to “meet founder and wine proprietor, Amanda Rubin, to learn about the brand and what makes Malibu wine so unique.” Details here.
Holey Grail Donuts Collab w/ Guelaguetza Chef Bricia Lopez: The Mole Grail donut is available through December 31 in collaboration with chef, entrepreneur, and acclaimed author Bricia Lopez of the James Beard Award-winning restaurant Guelaguetza. 2441 Main St. More info here.
Fitoor Contemporary Indian Grill & Lounge Opening: The idea is to “bring fire-based Indian cooking to new heights, blending the bold, timeless flavors of tradition with surprising and modern twists” … while drawing inspiration from its beachside setting to infuse the menu with vibrant seafood creations. 1755 Ocean Ave. Details here.
Further Afield: PetCon: Billed as “the ultimate event for pet lovers,” with meet-and-greets featuring top pet influencers, pet adoptions, an agility course with Baloo the Bunny Eared Bully, a holiday market, expert speaker sessions, and more. Saturday, December 14, Annenberg PetSpace, 12005 Bluff Creek Dr, Playa Vista. Details here.
Looking Ahead: Sandy Cane Lane (12/19); Cthulhu Christmas (12/21)
