Santa, Carolers, Klezmer and more. 11 blocks of Holiday cheer, sales, and great food! From 7th to 17th Streets along Montana Ave

For more info, Click Here

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

Miracle on Main Street, Tree Lighting Celebration
Saturday, December 9th

Embrace the spirit of the holidays as Miracle on Main Street returns with two dazzling tree lightings, photos with Santa & more!

Celebrate the holidays on Main Street with a festive afternoon of holiday cheer, starting at 3:30 PM at the California Heritage Museum. Enjoy activities for kids, live music, and Santa's grand entrance at 4:00 PM. See the full schedule below and RSVP for updates.

3:30-5:30PM: Holiday Kid Corner

Free Face painting, Instrument Petting Zoo, Soft Play Area, Games & Cub Scout pack 67 Holiday Bake Sale!

4PM: Santa & Mrs. Claus

Witness the grand entrance of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus as they arrive in a festive fire truck at 4:00 PM.

5:30PM: Tree Lighting Countdown

Join the joyous countdown to the tree lighting ceremony, followed by a heartwarming candlelight walk to the iconic Edgemar Shopping Cart Tree.

6PM: Edgemar Shopping Cart Tree

Festivities continue at Edgemar, where you can capture cherished moments with Santa, revel in the captivating tunes of Off the Jingle Bell Rockers, and indulge in a delightful array of holiday treats at the enchanting home of the world-renowned Shopping Cart Tree.

Let Santa Monica's Main Street be your gateway to a holiday wonderland filled with enchanting memories that will last a lifetime!

For more info, Click Here

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

16th Annual Muscle Beach Toy Drive
Sunday December 3, 2023
10am - 3pm

PLEASE DONATE A NEW UNWRAPPED TOY

Event t-shirts, product giveaways, contests, photo ops, Red Carpet Holiday "shout outs" & much more.

At 1pm, Santa and his lovely Elvettes will arrive on his Sleigh provided by LAPD Pacific Division. Joining them on board will be a very special guest. 😉 See you there!!

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

– 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.

For more info, Click Here

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

Mark your calendars! Santa is coming to town for the return of the 46th annual Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run on December 2, 2023! Experience this historic event in person as you dash down the beautiful streets of Santa Monica and Venice, California, including a long stretch along the famous Venice Beach boardwalk.

Sleigh one of the 5K or 10K courses before jinglin’ your way across the finish line where a holiday bash will be waiting for you with delicious treats and festive beverages that would make Santa’s reindeer jealous.



The Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run starts at Ocean View Park on Barnard Way and finishes on Pacific Avenue & Windward Avenue on Saturday, December 2nd! Start time for 5K runners is 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM for 10K runners. We’ll be updating this website regularly with new information, so be sure to check back periodically for up-to-date information!

For more info, Click Here

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

Explore the restored dune habitat and life cycle of the small, white snowy plovers that make this stretch of beach their winter home!

Revel in this guided walk exploring the restored dune habitat and life cycle of the small, white snowy plovers that make this stretch of Santa Monica beach their winter home. Binoculars will be provided, or bring your own!

The Snowy Plover Beach Walk with Santa Monica Audubon and Nature Nexus Institute is a free event. Recommended for adults, though all are welcome. Reservations are requested. In-person registration will be available.

Comfortable clothing and sun protection are recommended. Gather at Guest Services.

The Annenberg Community Beach House is wheelchair accessible and ADA compliant. Two beach wheelchairs will be available for this activity. To reserve a wheelchair or inquire regarding disability related accommodations please call Guest Services at (310) 458-4904 or email beach.house@santamonica.gov.

Getting Here: The Annenberg Community Beach House is located at 415 Pacific Coast Hwy. Parking is available for $3 per hour or $8 per day. Please pay for parking at the machine upon your arrival. Cash and credit card accepted.

Sunday, December 10 · 9 - 10:30am
415 Pacific Coast Highway Santa Monica, CA 90402

For more info and to register, Click Here

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

Come celebrate the completion of the Safe Streets for 17th Street and Michigan Avenue project on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 9 a.m. at 1610 Colorado Avenue (Metro E line parking lot). We will have donuts, activities, and remarks from the Mayor.

On Saturday, Dec. 2, the city will celebrate the completion of the newest addition to its protected bike network with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a morning full of free, family-friendly activities.

The celebration kicks off at 9 a.m. and goes until noon at the 17th St./SMC Metro E Line parking lot at 1610 Colorado Ave.

By improving bike and pedestrian safety and promoting sustainability to combat climate change, the completion of the Safe Streets for 17th Street and Michigan Avenue project marks a crucial step towards advancing the city’s key strategic priority of fostering a Sustainable & Connected Community.

In line with this priority, the project builds upon foundational city initiatives rooted in deep community engagement and feedback including the adopted Bike Action Plan Amendment, Pedestrian Action Plan, the Michigan Avenue Neighborhood Greenway (MANGo) Plan, and the city’s Land Use and Circulation Element.

“I’m thrilled to see such a robust, thoughtful and important multi-modal project come to completion,” Mayor Gleam Davis said. “By increasing separation from moving traffic and connecting neighborhoods, this project helps make walking and biking easier, encouraging sustainable practices that lead to healthier communities.”

The Dec. 2 event will feature music, performances and workshops, including:

- Santa Monica High School marching band
- LA Jugglers performing with vintage bicycles
- Academia de Danza Ballet Folklorico Flor de Mayo
- Guided bike rides
- Free bike repair and tune ups from Santa Monica College Bike Maintenance Class
- Helmet decorating with Santa Monica Spoke
- Bike basket and accessories workshop with reDiscover Center
- Remarks from Mayor Gleam Davis, Police Chief Ramon Batista, and Department of Transportation Director Anuj Gupta - Remarks from Cynthia Rose of Santa Monica Spoke
- Free donuts, coffee and hot cocoa

For more info, Click Here

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

Another RV got fire and burnt up in Venice. This one happened on Thanksgiving on Main Street by Rove Ave.

Top photo from Fight Back Venice. Bottom photos from Surf Venice.

Enter our CAN THE TRASH! Clean Beach Poster Contest for a chance to have your message shared with millions of beachgoers!

To enter the poster contest, draw a picture with a message about how we can keep our oceans and beaches pollution-free and healthy. Be creative!



Contest winners will have their artwork displayed around trash barrels on the beach. Simply submit your artwork online, in person, or by mail. The contest is open to students in grades 3 – 5 who reside in the County of Los Angeles. Online submissions must be entered by an adult.



2024 Summer Contest: We are now submitting submissions for summer 2024.

For more info and to enter, Click Here

From Santa Monica Close Up:

" A dramatic turn of events unfolded at Santa Monica Pier on the morning of Thursday, November 23, 2023. Santa Monica Police Officers arrested a man following a reported assault and disruptive behavior. The suspect, initially taken to a hospital after a confrontation with law enforcement, has since been cleared for booking and is now in police custody.

Eyewitnesses at the scene described the suspect as unruly, leading to a physical altercation with another individual at the pier. When police attempted to intervene, the suspect reportedly resisted arrest. This resistance led to an officer deploying a taser, causing the suspect to fall and hit his head.

Santa Monica Harbor Patrol Officers and Firefighters were promptly on the scene. After receiving initial treatment by firefighters, the suspect was transported to a local hospital. Following medical clearance, he was booked into the local jail, facing charges of battery."

Santa Monica Close Up is a photo blog by Santa Monica based Photojournalist/Press photographer Fabian Lewkowicz. Fabian is the former staff photographer for the Santa Monica Daily Observer Press, Santa Monica Mirror, Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Corsair.

Support Santa Monica Closeup/Fabian Lewkowicz with Venmo or PayPal to help earn money to make these videos:

https://venmo.com/u/santamonicacloseup

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/fabianlewkowicz

November 22, 2023
Ocean Water Use Warning for Los Angeles County Beaches

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:

BEACH AREA WARNINGS:

· Arroyo Sequit Creek at Leo Carrillo State Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms.

· Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public access.

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area.

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

· Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State Beach. Near Will Rogers Tower 18

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

· Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms.

· Redondo Beach Pier in Redondo Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

· 28th Street extension in Manhattan Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the 28th Street extension.

· World Way Extension at Dockweiler State Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the jetty.

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

BEACH AREAS NOW CLEARED:

· Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach. Santa Monica South Tower 20

Warnings have been lifted for the following beach areas where recent sample results identified water quality levels within State standards Use the map below to obtain the current water quality status of your favorite beach location. Use your mouse wheel to zoom into a particular location. Click on the marker to identify the sampling location. This map is updated as conditions change.

Venice Healer Daisy confronts a man who she says is constantly sexually harassing her on the Venice Beach Boardwalk.

Click Here for more Stories about Venice Healer Daisy

The Santa Monica Police have released info the homeless man that threw a 4 foot metal pipe into traffic on PCH (he video above shows the full event).

"On Friday, November 10, 2023, Santa Monica Police Department officers arrested Carlos Hernandez-Martinez, a 29 year-old male experiencing homelessness, for a throwing a metal pole down onto Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) into traffic.

Hernandez-Martinez was observed by a passerby holding a four-foot metal pole while standing on top of the pedestrian bridge that crosses over PCH from Palisades Park. As officers approached, he threw the pole over the side of the bridge directly onto vehicles traveling at approximately 45 miles per hour below. Although Hernandez-Martinez initially complied with officers' orders to climb off the top of the bridge, he grabbed another stick and a frying pan from a pile of his belongings and ran from the officers. He was quickly subdued and placed in handcuffs.

SMPD detectives presented the case to the LA County District Attorney’s Office, and Hernandez-Martinez was charged with throwing an object at a vehicle with intent to cause great bodily injury, a felony, along with multiple counts of resisting arrest."

November 20, 2023
Ocean Water Use Warning for Los Angeles County Beaches

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:

· Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms.

· Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State Beach. Near Will Rogers Tower 18

50 yards and 100 yards up and down the coast of the creek.

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

· Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach. Santa Monica South Tower 20

100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain.

These warnings have been issued due to bacterial levels exceeding health standards when last tested.

Use the map below to obtain the current water quality status of your favorite beach location. Use your mouse wheel to zoom into a particular location. Click on the marker to identify the sampling location. This map is updated as conditions change.

December 10! Dogtown Car Club's first annual toy drive! Please join for a fun night at Lunetta in Santa Monica.

Let’s give some love ❤️💚tis the season! 4:30- 8:30 Tacos, classic cars and music! Don’t miss this! Please bring a unwrapped toy and join in on the raffle! Lots of amazing stuff!

2420 / 2424 Pico Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90405

For more info, Click Here

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

Filmed by, Venice Gallerie

Police draw guns on stolen vehicle suspect and arrest him in a Venice Beach alley. Filmed by, Venice Gallerie

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Thursday, November 16, 2023, a collaborative effort unfolded on Main Street and Ozone Avenue in Venice, where the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works and Clean Harbors Environmental Inc. converged to address a homeless encampment with an cleanup operation. Prioritizing safety, the workers wore white hazardous materials suits, in compliance with established safety standards."

Click Here for more Stories about Venice Healer Daisy

Santa Monica Close Up is a photo blog by Santa Monica based Photojournalist/Press photographer Fabian Lewkowicz. Fabian is the former staff photographer for the Santa Monica Daily Observer Press, Santa Monica Mirror, Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Corsair.

Support Santa Monica Closeup/Fabian Lewkowicz with Venmo or PayPal to help earn money to make these videos:

https://venmo.com/u/santamonicacloseup

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/fabianlewkowicz

November 15, 2023
An Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory has been declared for all Los Angeles County beaches. The advisory will be in effect at least until 1:30 pm, Saturday, November 18, 2023, This advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall.

Use the map below to obtain the current water quality status of your favorite beach location. Use your mouse wheel to zoom into a particular location. Click on the marker to identify the sampling location. This map is updated as conditions change.