Enjoy ice-skating, holiday musical performances on the ice, the official City of Santa Monica tree lighting ceremony, a festive holiday market, meet and greets with Santa and more family-friendly events
Deck the halls with festive family events and seasonal fun as Downtown Santa Monica transforms into a winter wonderland for all ages to experience and enjoy during daily Winterlit holiday happenings through January 20, 2020. Celebrate the merriest and brightest season yet with a full calendar of events curated by Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. to spread holiday cheer and activities for the community to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year with loved ones.
Event-goers are invited to experience a memorable and festive environment like never before with an array of exciting activities during Winterlit including Ice at Santa Monica, presented by the Plaza at Santa Monica, the westside’s favorite 8,000-square-foot real outdoor ice-skating rink and weekly musical performances on the rink every Sunday now through late January. While strolling down Third Street Promenade under the glow of thousands of colorful lights, guests can enjoy festive décor and the one-stop shopping experience for stocking stuffers at the all-new Winterlit Holiday market kicking off at the Official City of Santa Monica tree lighting ceremony on Thursday, December 5.
‘Tis the season to mix, mingle, and be merry at Winterlit events all season long. Winterlit holiday events and experiences include:
Ice at Santa Monica:
Every holiday season Downtown Santa Monica brings a little ice to the beachside community, transforming the corner of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue into the winter wonderland known as Ice at Santa Monica, an 8,000-square-foot ice-skating rink. Skate rental and all-day admission $15, locker rentals $5.
Open daily through January 20, 2020
Monday – Thursday, 2 pm – 10 pm
Friday, 2 pm – Midnight
Saturdays, 10 am – Midnight
Sundays, 10 am – 10 pm
Ice Breakers presented by the Plaza at Santa Monica:
Every Sunday through January 19, 2020, enjoy free musical performances that will have the whole family on their feet and feeling the groove.
Sundays through January 19, 2020
Performances at 11 am, 12:!5 pm, 2 pm, 3:15 pm
November 24, Tres Souls and Wine & Roses
December 1, Jacqueline Fuentes and OzoKidz
December 8, Bella Affaire and The Secret Agency
December 15, Andrew & Polly and Jazzy Ash and the Leap
December 22, California Carolers/Santa Sisters and Mostly Kosher
December 29, Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Street Corner Renaissance
January 5, Phranc and The Blind Blakes Hokum Ragtime Band
January 12, Santa Monica Youth Orchestra and Las Cafeteras
January 19, Caro Pierotto and Cindy Paley & The Folk Experience
Photos with Santa at Santa Monica Place:
Visit Santa Claus at his ocean-side workshop in Center Plaza at Santa Monica Place and snap a picture. Photo packages available for purchase. Make reservations online at SantaMonicaPlace.com.
November 21 – December 24
Holiday Kids Club:
Enjoy fun, holiday-themed kid’s entertainment including storytelling, music, games and other fun surprises in the Food Court and at SaMo’s Playhouse on Level 3 of Santa Monica Place.
December 4, 11 am –12 pm
Official City of Santa Monica Tree Lighting with Santa Claus:
Join City of Santa Monica officials and Santa Claus for a special tree lighting ceremony on Third Street Promenade while enjoying live music, kids crafts, and family-friendly fun at the Winterlit Holiday market. Snow is in the forecast! Free and open to the public.
December 5, 6 pm – 9 pm
Winterlit Holiday Market:
Take the stress out of holiday shopping with the Winterlit Holiday Market on the Third Street Promenade featuring unique creations from local artists. Surprise your loved ones with a one-of-a-kind gift while supporting our amazing community of talented artisans.
December 6-8, 13-15, 20-22
Friday, 3 pm – 8 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 11 am – 8 pm
Breakfast with Santa:
Children of all ages are invited to celebrate the holidays and enjoy breakfast treats, music, crafts and a special visit from Santa at SaMo’s Playhouse on Level 3 of Santa Monica Place.
December 7, 9 am – 10:30 am
Pet Photos with Santa:
Bring your furry friend to one of Santa Monica Place’s special pet nights and “sit” for a photo with Santa. Dogs and cats only and must be on a leash or in a carrier. Reserve your spot at SantaMonicaPlace.com/Holiday.
December 11 & 18, 5 pm – 8 pm
Menorah Lightings:
Join local synagogues and community groups as their members celebrate the Festival of Lights this Hanukkah season. Lightings begin at Sundown
December 22 – December 29
December 22, Mishkon Tephilo
December 23, Gan Israel Preschool
December 24, Nashuva
December 25, Chabad
December 26, Kehillat Israel
December 27, Beth Shir Shalom
December 28, Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust
December 29, Adat Shalom
WHERE
Winterlit Signature Events and Holiday Market located on Third Street Promenade.
Ice is located on the corner of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue at 1324 Fifth St.
Santa Monica Place events are located at 395 Santa Monica Place.
PARKING
Parking is widely available in the downtown structures including the Santa Monica Public Library or Parking Structures 9 and 10 just north of Wilshire Boulevard. Biking, walking and public transit are encouraged.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information, visit www.downtownsm.com/winterlit or follow us on social media on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.