Santa Monica is gearing up to spread some serious holiday joy with a slew of festive events. For those looking to soak up a Californian winter experience, the city has no shortage of activities to get locals and visitors alike into the spirit of the season, as detailed in a recent blog post by the City of Santa Monica.
Starting now and running until January 19, 2026, the Santa Monica Ice Rink is open every day from noon to 10 p.m., ready to offer unforgettable holiday fun for skaters of all levels. If you're looking to witness some seasonal splendor, the Pacific Park Ferris Wheel will showcase a dazzling Thanksgiving Light Show each night from sunset to midnight during the week of Thanksgiving, complete with festive designs and a radiant turkey.
In the spirit of supporting local commerce, shoppers can hit the streets on Small Business Saturday, November 29, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Participating businesses throughout the city's Business Improvement Districts will be featuring sales, signaling their deals with distinctive orange balloons. The official City of Santa Monica Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, which was rescheduled, is set for December 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Third Street Promenade, where attendees can start the season with a meet-and-greet with Santa himself.
The holidays also bring new flavors to Santa Monica's weekly occasions. Holiday Thursdays on the Promenade, taking place December 4, 11, and 18 from 5 to 7 p.m., will offer complimentary hot cocoa and cookies, as well as performances and crafts — a perfect way to truly experience the community spirit.
Montana Avenue will transform into a car-free zone for the Holiday Walk & Marketplace on December 6, offering live music and other holiday fun from noon to 8 p.m. For arts and culture aficionados, Bergamot Station will host its Annual Winter Open House on December 13, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., with an array of gallery exhibitions and artistic events.
Lastly, Santa Monica has not forgotten the heartfelt traditions beyond Christmas. The city will host nightly Menorah lightings from December 14 to 21 at the Third Street Promenade, and for those celebrating Kwanzaa, a special event is scheduled for December 20 at the Pico Branch Library with Ina Buckner-Barnette, The Sunshine Storyteller.
For the full rundown of festive happenings in Santa Monica including times and locations for each event, visit the city's official blog.
