Construction is officially underway on the long-anticipated project to replace and upgrade the 86-year-old Santa Monica Pier Bridge. Construction crews are mobilizing onsite and staging equipment this week and next week to begin early fieldwork and site preparation for the Pier Bridge Replacement Project. Initial activities will include potholing and utility work, as well as widening and strengthening portions of the Pier in advance of bridge demolition and construction. Pier restaurants, shops and entertainment, as well as parking and visitor access, will remain open and accessible throughout construction, ensuring residents and visitors can continue to enjoy the Pier with minimal disruption. Approximately one-third of the parking lot area at Beach Parking Lot 1 North, adjacent to the Pier, will be used as the construction staging area. Approximately 726 parking spaces will remain available at Beach Parking Lot 1 during construction. Wayfinding signage is being installed to direct drivers to multiple alternate parking locations near the Pier. Construction is expected to continue through the end of 2027.

Locals’ Night is taking a holiday spin. This month, Holiday Cheer on the Pier wraps up with a special Locals’ Night: Sandy Cane Lane x Art Mart on Thursday, December 18. Enjoy live music, photos with Santa, a festive sand sculpture, and the return of our fan-favorite car decorating contest (Sandy Cane Lane), where car enthusiasts deck out their rides in holiday spirit for a cash prize. Celebrate the season seaside with lights, laughter, and holiday cheer.

Shop unique art, handmade goods, and festive finds from local artists, then explore Sandy Cane Lane: a glowing lineup of decked-out cars, holiday décor, and festive surprises.

What to Expect:

🎶 Sounds by local DJs

🛍️ Winter Art Mart featuring local artists and vendors

🚗 Sandy Cane Lane car decorating contest with cash prizes

🎅 Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus

🏖️ Festive holiday sand sculpture

📚 Books & Cookies musical storytime

🎨 Paint:Lab art station

✨ Holiday lights, ocean views, and more!

December’s Lineup!

Inside the Merry Go-Round Building:

3:30pm - 7:00pm — Paint:Lab

4:00pm - 7:00pm — Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus

Patio 66 at Pacific Park (next to Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf):

3:30pm & 4:30pm — Books & Cookies Musical Storytime

5:00pm & 6:30pm — Bob Baker Marionnette Theater

Main Stage:

5:00pm - 10:00pm — DJ sets from Jamma Dee, Xica Soul, Tavish DJ, Aiden Ramos, and DJ Proper

Pier’s Parking Deck:

5:00 - 9:30pm — Shop the Winter Art Mart from local artists/vendors (curated by Lisa Goldman)

5:00 - 8:00pm — Sandy Cane Lane (Festive Car Show + Competition)

Free to enter | Arrive at Pier Parking Deck by 4pm

Winner announced at 7pm ($400 CASH PRIZE)

For more info, Click Here

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Scenes from thelast weekend's Venice Sign Holiday Lighting Block Party, with Harry Perry, Tonan, and more.A beloved tradition—the annual changing of the Venice Sign lights to festive red and green for the holiday. Now in its 14th year, this special celebration will take place on Windward Avenue (east of Pacific Avenue), with street closures to make room for live music and family-friendly activities.

Another collection of scenes from Santa Monica of people that are acting abnormal. From wild screaming and dancing in the street to fire fighters having to put out a smoldering traffic cone, Santa Monica never fails to amaze. All of these scenes were filmed in November.

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LA surf and skate legend Randy Wright who has been posted up at Sunset Point as photographer and surf guru now urgently needs our help after the Palisades Fire to get rolling and back in business to do what he does best.

Randy's friend & surf buddy, Andrew MacDonald from Pacific Palisades has set up a gofundme for him. Any amount will help immensely.

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Miracle on Main Street 2025 will be Sunday, December 7, 3:30-7pm with kids activities, Santa and the tree lighting on the Heritage Museum lawn. Plus, Carolers & street-wide festivities and holiday parties into the night!

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

The Canal Holiday Boat Parade is happening Sunday afternoon Dec 14, 2025.

The Holiday Boat Parade is a tried-and-true tradition of the Venice Canals Association that we host in December to celebrate the holidays. The Venice Canals Holiday Boat Parade is a showcase of our unique community. We come together to honor our wonderful neighborhood and celebrate our distinct locale. We invite you to decorate a boat and join in on the fun.

DEC 14 - 4pm onward

For more info, Click Here

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Join the 5th Annual Santa Cruise in Santa Monica! A festive holiday ride & party for skateboarders, roller skaters, cyclists, and more. 🎄 Get ready to sleigh the streets! Saturday, December 6th, we're throwing the most unforgettable holiday event in Los Angeles. Join us for the Santa Cruise—a festive all wheels welcome rolling parade and and night of holiday shenanigans with your favorite skate crews!



A joyful 6-mile cruise through the streets of Santa Monica & Venice, great for all skill levels and ages. We just require attendees to have previous riding experience and mastery of stopping before attending this event.



Surprise stops along the way with holiday games, entertainment, and treats.



All Wheels Welcome!



Skateboards, rollerblades, bikes, scooters—if you roll, you're invited! Just make sure you're confident with basic road skills and stopping.

For more info, Click Here

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

The Largest Charity Crawl on the West Coast Returns...

Join thousands of Santas, Elves, and Naughty Reindeer at the 17th Annual SANTA Monica Pub Crawl on Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 5pm-2am!

Over 20 of the city’s best bars and restaurants come together to help raise money for the Westside Food Bank and those in need for the Holidays.

So throw on those Santa hats, shine those menorahs, grab your friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues, and Crawl for a Cause at the 17th annual SANTA Monica Pub Crawl.

Since 2008, the SANTA Monica Pub Crawl has raised enough for HALF A MILLION MEALS for the Westside Food Bank, and we couldn't have done it without you! Every $5 raised feeds 20 people, so every little bit counts.

For more info, Click Here

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Feel the magic of the season at Third Street Promenade on December 4th, 11th, and 18th!

Get ready for the holidays with live holiday music while you sip hot cocoa and watch it "snow" in Santa Monica! This series of events is for all ages and will include holiday crafts and games for everyone. The magic doesn't stop there; the Girl Scouts will be on hand to help you wrap your presents in time for the holidays.

Come experience the joy of the holiday season on Thursdays!!

- Hot Cocoa and Cookies: Holiday sips and treats are on us!
- Special Performance by Toyland Brass: What's the holiday season without holiday music?
- Holiday Vendor Market for all your holiday presents and essentials
- Holiday Crafts: For all ages!
- "Snowfall": Experience the magic of "snow" by the beach.
- Gift Wrapping: The local Girl Scouts troops will be on hand to wrap gifts. Donations are appreciated.

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Santa is lighting the tree and taking FREE photos with everyone! Enjoy special performances, hot cocoa, holiday crafts, and more!

Experience a magical evening under the stars as Santa lights the Official City of Santa Monica Holiday Tree! The holiday festivities will feature performances by local choirs, a special performance of the Nutcracker, and "snow" on Third Street Promenade. After the ceremony, guests of all ages are invited to take FREE photos with Santa, make holiday-themed crafts, and enjoy hot cocoa. A DJ will keep the festivities going with a holiday dance party. All activities at this event are FREE and open to all ages!

1351 Third Street Promenade

DEC 4TH AT 6 PM. Special holiday programming will start at 5 PM



Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Santa Claus is coming to town with Santa Monica's police officers & firefighters leading the way. Santa and his public safety helpers will be distributing good cheer and thousands of candy canes as part of this year’s 33rd Annual "Candy Cane Drive.”

Everyone is invited to join in the festivities sponsored by the Santa Monica Police Officers Association and Santa Monica Firefighters, Local 1109 .

To ensure everyone has the opportunity to visit with Santa, this year’s scheduled stops include one per police beat.

Saturday, December 6, 2025:

10:00 – 10:45 am Douglas Park - 2400 California Ave (Beat 4)

11:00-11:30 am Christine Reed Park California Ave & 7th Street (Beat 1)

1:00 – 1:45 pm Virginia Avenue Park - 2200 Virginia Ave (Beat 3)

2:00 – 2:45 pm Clover Park - Ocean Park & 25th St (Beat 2)

Santa Monica children are encouraged to look and listen for the lights and sirens of the public safety vehicles, while parents are encouraged to bring their cameras.

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

It’s the most magical night in Venice! Join us for the 14th Annual Venice Holiday Sign Lighting on Saturday, December 6th, from 6–9 PM at Windward & Pacific. Celebrate the season with live music, food, family fun, and the iconic lighting of the Venice Sign!

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Holiday Walk in Santa Monica — street closed to cars! FREE fun for all with Santa, Grinch, train & more!

The Holiday Walk & Marketplace transforms Santa Monica’s Montana Avenue into a festive outdoor celebration with local merchants, live music, carolers, and appearances by the Grinch, Cindy Lou, and Princess Elsa!



Shop, dine, and explore special in-store events and street booths from your favorite Montana Avenue businesses — the perfect way to celebrate the season and support local!

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

The Holiday Boat Parade in Marina del Rey is held every year on the second Saturday in December.

The parade is made possible with great support from Cedar Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital and from local businesses.

Each year a theme is chosen for the parade, and the theme for 2025 was chosen to be “A Nightmare Before Christmas” celebrating the 13th of December. The 2025 parade begins with a spectacular light show. Each year, boat participants come up with their own ideas and decorate their boats with lots of holiday lights and decorations based on our theme. They also wear costumes, dance, sing, perform live music. Both boaters and spectators enjoy themselves immensely.

SCHEDULE SUMMARY
A. Burton Chace Park
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

B. Lightshow
5:45 PM – 6:00 PM (15 Minutes)

C. Parade
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (2 Hours)



Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Join the 5th Annual Santa Cruise in Santa Monica! A festive holiday ride & party for skateboarders, roller skaters, cyclists, and more. 🎄 Get ready to sleigh the streets! Saturday, December 6th, we're throwing the most unforgettable holiday event in Los Angeles. Join us for the Santa Cruise—a festive all wheels welcome rolling parade and and night of holiday shenanigans with your favorite skate crews!



A joyful 6-mile cruise through the streets of Santa Monica & Venice, great for all skill levels and ages. We just require attendees to have previous riding experience and mastery of stopping before attending this event.



Surprise stops along the way with holiday games, entertainment, and treats.



All Wheels Welcome!



Skateboards, rollerblades, bikes, scooters—if you roll, you're invited! Just make sure you're confident with basic road skills and stopping.

For more info, Click Here

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Warriors from the House of Ashur march down the Venice Beach Boardwalk, locals and visitors have various reactions to these unique promotional stunt for the upcoming StarZ TV mini-series Spartacus: House of Ashur.

Spartacus: House of Ashur is a 10-episode Starz series that serves as a sequel to the original Spartacus franchise, premiering on December 5, 2025. The show explores a "what if" scenario where Ashur (Nick E. Tarabay) survives the events of Vengeance and is rewarded with the gladiator school he once served. The series follows his rise to power as a "Dominus" in the brutal world of Roman gladiators, a path he takes with the help of a fierce gladiatrix named Achillia.

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The Largest Charity Crawl on the West Coast Returns...

Join thousands of Santas, Elves, and Naughty Reindeer at the 17th Annual SANTA Monica Pub Crawl on Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 5pm-2am!

Over 20 of the city’s best bars and restaurants come together to help raise money for the Westside Food Bank and those in need for the Holidays.

So throw on those Santa hats, shine those menorahs, grab your friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues, and Crawl for a Cause at the 17th annual SANTA Monica Pub Crawl.

Since 2008, the SANTA Monica Pub Crawl has raised enough for HALF A MILLION MEALS for the Westside Food Bank, and we couldn't have done it without you! Every $5 raised feeds 20 people, so every little bit counts.

For more info, Click Here

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Holiday Walk in Santa Monica — street closed to cars! FREE fun for all with Santa, Grinch, train & more!

The Holiday Walk & Marketplace transforms Santa Monica’s Montana Avenue into a festive outdoor celebration with local merchants, live music, carolers, and appearances by the Grinch, Cindy Lou, and Princess Elsa!



Shop, dine, and explore special in-store events and street booths from your favorite Montana Avenue businesses — the perfect way to celebrate the season and support local!

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

The Holiday Boat Parade in Marina del Rey is held every year on the second Saturday in December.

The parade is made possible with great support from Cedar Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital and from local businesses.

Each year a theme is chosen for the parade, and the theme for 2025 was chosen to be “A Nightmare Before Christmas” celebrating the 13th of December. The 2025 parade begins with a spectacular light show. Each year, boat participants come up with their own ideas and decorate their boats with lots of holiday lights and decorations based on our theme. They also wear costumes, dance, sing, perform live music. Both boaters and spectators enjoy themselves immensely.

SCHEDULE SUMMARY
A. Burton Chace Park
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

B. Lightshow
5:45 PM – 6:00 PM (15 Minutes)

C. Parade
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (2 Hours)



Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.