A stay at Shutters on the Beach or Casa del Mar opens up an endless array of seaside activities. In fact, we wouldn’t blame you for never leaving the hotel grounds—whether lounging on our “backyard” beach, relaxing in our peaceful spas, or dining in our seaside restaurants.
For those who are feeling especially exploratory, however, our surrounding neighborhood also offers a wealth of exciting events. As you plan your trip to Santa Monica this holiday season, be sure to check out some of these festive happenings.
Hanukkah Family Festival | December 14
Families of all backgrounds will love the multi-cultural activities on offer at this year’s Hanukkah Family Festival at Skirball Cultural Center. Inspired by the Latin American theme of luz y libertad (light and freedom), this annual event offers a little something for everyone—from live performances to storytelling to art making. Don’t miss Pasatono Orquesta, a nine-piece band that blends Mexican folk and Dixieland jazz with African and European influences.
Butter Aerobics Holiday Jam | December 14
Here’s a combination you may not have heard before: aerobics and making butter. Well, that’s exactly what’s happening on the Santa Monica Pier (where else?) on December 14th! Join PopSoda artists Jimmy Fusil and Mike Wait as they host their Feel the Churn fitness class—a 20 minute fitness jam before a lesson on the physics and chemistry of turning cream into butter. Think of it this way: you’ve got a delicious reward on the other end of a great workout!
Montana Ave Holiday Walk | December 5
Montana Ave is the capital of Santa Monica events and this holiday season is no different. On December 5th from 5-9 pm, the stretch between 6th and 17th turns into a holiday extravaganza filled with festive gifts, meet and greets with Santa, live music, and delicious food and drinks. Bring the whole family and find out just how festive Santa Monica can get in the winter—even without snow!
Main Street Holiday Party | December 6-7
Back for another year of festivities, the Main Street Holiday Party brings together over 50 businesses throughout Santa Monica for a city-wide holiday celebration. The event runs all day, but families should mark their calendars for 6pm onwards—the prime time for pictures with Santa, the Christmas tree lighting at the California Heritage Museum Lawn, the Santa-led Candlelight Walk to Edgemar Courtyard for music by The Off Their Jingle Bell Rockers, and more.
Venice Christmas Run | December 6
Southern California is renowned for its devotion to health and fitness, so what better way to celebrate Christmas than with a holiday run?! Fittingly hosted by nearby Venice—as fitness-oriented as it is quirky and charming—this 5k/10k race is perfect for families who want to get outside, celebrate the season, and be together in the California sunshine. Back for its 37th straight season, race spots are in high demand—you’d be smart to register now.
New Year’s Eve Musical Review | December 31
Dozens of singers, five decades of music, one fantastic night… The Musical Review at the internationally acclaimed Actors’ Repertory Theatre has it all! Bring your friends, bring your family, and most importantly, bring your musical repertoire as Santa Monica’s finest performers bring down the town in time for 2015. The show starts with a complimentary buffet dinner, continues with hours of musical festivities—from 40s jazz to country rock to romantic ballads—and finishes with champagne at midnight!
Santa Monica Symphony Holiday Concert | December 7
There’s no such thing as too much music during the holidays and the Santa Monica Symphony keeps the melodies flowing with its annual holiday concert at Barnum Hall. Join the city’s finest musicians as they set the tone for another festive season by the beach. Perfect for families or for a prelude to a festive night on the town.
Hockey Clinics with the LA Kings | December 28
If you have a budding Jonathan Quick amongst the family ranks, a hockey clinic with the LA Kings is the perfect holiday gift during your Santa Monica getaway. Hosted at the holiday ice rink in downtown Santa Monica, this exciting event gives your hockey enthusiast the unique opportunity to learn from the defending Stanley Cup champions’ staff and alumni. Clinics will focus on the basics of hockey skating, stick handling, passing and learning to shoot.
Nativity Scenes | December 14 – January 1
For a family event that celebrates the true origins of holiday season, look no further than the Santa Monica Nativity Scenes, back for the 60th straight year. A real life depiction of the birth of Jesus Christ, these 13 scenes will be displayed at Mount Olive Lutheran Church along Maple Street and 14th Street. Want more? Gather the family and check out the Opening Ceremony—offering carols and a recitation of the Christmas Story—at 3 p.m. Sunday, December 14 in Palisades Park along Ocean Avenue.
Live Painting at Hotel Casa del Mar | December 2 – December 6
Hotel Casa del Mar has commissioned celebrated local street artist Jules Muck to create an exclusive, temporary art installation at the center of its grand lobby. The artist will be in residence completing her custom installation from 6 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 2 through Saturday, Dec. 6. The art will remain until early January 2015 when the hotel makes her work available for purchase, with a portion of proceeds benefitting the Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation. Happy holidays!
