– The Venice Chamber of Commerce proudly presents the 12th Annual Venice Holiday Sign Lighting Event, presented by 881 Abbot Kinney. This free, family-friendly event, featuring over 100+ local businesses, is set for Dec. 2, 2023, from 6-9 p.m. at Pacific and Windward avenues. This year, the iconic Venice Sign shares the spotlight with the debut of “Holiday Taste of Venice” and “Windward Wonderland,” creating new festive gateways for local engagement.
“The Venice Holiday Sign Lighting is more than a tradition; it's a tribute to the enduring spirit of our community, especially after challenging times," says George Francisco, the event’s producer and driving force for over a decade. “Every holiday season we strive to bring people together in new and different ways, and this year is no different.”
The 12th Annual Venice Holiday Sign Lighting Event marks the onset of the holiday season in Los Angeles, uniting the local community, businesses, and artists in a spectacular celebration. This year, Venice's streets will come alive with photo opportunities with Santa, complimentary carnival games at "Windward Wonderland," and a tantalizing array of free food and drinks at "Holiday Taste of Venice."This West Los Angeles holiday extravaganza will also feature live performances by Grammy winners, Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, and emerging local talents.
“Holiday Taste of Venice” will line the streets, featuring local Venice restaurants, offering free bites and sips from their renowned kitchens. Participants include Si! Mon, Atla, Market Venice, The Rose Venice, Gjusta Grocer, The Butcher’s Daughter, Belles Beach House, Owa, Hatchet Hall, Cerveteca, La Cabana, The Penmar, The Sidewalk Cafe, Baja Cantina, Hinano’s, Nighthawk, The Venice Ale House, Love Amaro Pizzeria at Big Daddy’s Food Corner, Fig Tree, Winston House, Venice Beach Wines, Menotti’s and a host of others, promising a diverse taste of Venice's best culinary offerings.
Right beside the "Holiday Taste of Venice," the "Windward Wonderland" emerges as a reimagined carnival experience, brought to life by local businesses. This vibrant new section brims with vintage-themed carnival games, enticing prizes, and interactive activities, complemented by the nostalgic aromas of fresh popcorn and roasted nuts. "Windward Wonderland" also offers a magical touch for children and the young at heart. Visitors can meet Santa and snap a photo, courtesy of LA Car Guy, and adults can experience a bit of glamour on the red carpet at the photo booth, presented by 881 Abbot Kinney.
Reflecting its longstanding reputation for attracting notable and award-winning musical acts, the 12th Annual Venice Holiday Sign Lighting Event continues this legacy with a distinguished lineup of surprise Grammy and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame musical guests and local talents, all thoughtfully selected by Musical Director Rob Christie, who brings his own accolades as a two-time Grammy winner, respected producer, and renowned music industry executive.
Another major community highlight at the event is the 9th Annual "My Venice Holiday” Poster Contest, steered by the Venice Art Crawl. Hundreds of entries, illustrating the season's significance to artists from Venice’s public elementary schools, are proudly displayed on Windward Avenue. A winner from each grade, kindergarten through fifth, will be announced onstage during the show by Los Angeles Unified School District Board Vice President Nick Melvoin.
The evening’s centerpiece is the lighting of the iconic Venice Sign at 8 p.m., a symbol of hope and community spirit. Los Angeles Councilmember from the 11th District Traci Park will preside over the ceremony, introducing a celebrity Venice resident and guest of honor to lead the countdown. Past “Sign Lighters” include a roster of Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy winning artists including
Robert Downey Jr. , Anjelica Huston, P!nk, Robby Krieger, Matthew Modine, Linda Cardellini, Andy Summers, and Lori Petty.
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