Downtown Holiday Events
PAL 6th Annual Best Gift Ever Drive
Through December 13
A partnership between the Santa Monica Police Activities League (PAL), Downtown Santa Monica and Santa Monica Place.
Donate a new unwrapped gift, gift card or make a cash donation to any of the following locations and help youth ages 6 to 17 in the Santa Monica community experience the joy of the holiday season.
- Santa Monica PAL
1401 Olympic Boulevard - Santa Monica Place Concierge
3rd and Broadway - Santa Monica Police Substation
1433 2nd Street under Santa Monica Place Concierge
(gifts only, no cash or gift cards please)
Tree Lighting and Santa Arrival Celebration at Santa Monica Place
Saturday, November 19 – 6pm
Center Plaza at Santa Monica Place
In celebration of the holiday season, visitors will enjoy a spectacular tree lighting ceremony at Santa Monica Place. Event will include Santa’s arrival, accompanied by Mrs. Claus, musical entertainment by Savannah Robinson, HeartBeat Boys, Ace of Hearts and Josh Vietti, special giveaways and magnificent snowfall.
Santa’s Little Savers
Friday, November 25
Shop Downtown Santa Monica, Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place on Black Friday and one of Santa’s Little Savers may surprise you by paying for your purchase, up to $100.
Downtown Santa Monica Winterlit Holiday Celebration & Concert starring Andy Grammer & Savannah Outen
Saturday, November 26 – 6:00pm
Third Street Promenade & Wilshire
Celebrate Black Friday weekend and kick-start the Downtown Santa Monica holiday shopping season with the annual Winterlit Holiday Celebration and Concert starring break-out recording artist Andy Grammer who is headlining this year’s concert! Bring the entire family for a special evening holiday concert when Grammer returns to the Downtown Santa Monica, where he was discovered singing on Third Street Promenade. Andy will be taking a break from touring with Colbie Caillat to headline the Winterlit Holiday Concert, an event close to his heart! Opening for Andy will be YouTube sensation, Savannah Outen. You won’t want to miss this show!
Winterlit Events
Arthur Christmas Snow Day
11am-5pm | Center Court, Third Street Promenade
Snow comes to the beach for the Arthur Christmas Snow Day. Come to the Promenade in front of Foot Locker and play in the snow.
Arthur Christmas Santa Photo Saturday
2pm-5pm | Third Street Promenade & Wilshire Blvd.
Enter the world of Arthur Christmas with FREE photo opportunities with Santa and a special take home photo.
Arthur Christmas Ice Skating Party
2pm – 5pm | 1324 5th Street
Lace up your skates and join Arthur on the ice at ICE at Santa Monica.
Arthur Christmas Craft Day
3:30pm-5:30pm | Third Street Promenade at Santa Monica Blvd.
Bring the little ones and let their creativity flow.
Arthur Christmas Ornament Decorating & Snow
3:30pm-5:30pm | Third Street Promenade at Arizona Ave.
Snow at 3pm, 5pm, 7pm
Come join the fun and get ready to razzle dazzle your Christmas tree with your Arthur Christmas spirit.
Celebrate Arthur Christmas T-Shirt and Hat Decorating* & Snow
3:30pm-5:30pm | Third Street Promenade at Arizona Ave.
Snow at 3pm, 5pm, 7pm
Join us in front of the AMC Santa Monica as Arthur Christmas hits theaters. Bring your kids to receive Arthur Christmas t-shirts and elf hats.
* While supplies last
Santa Claus at The Market at Santa Monica Place
November 20 – December 24
Looking for a professional photo with Santa? Come visit Santa at The Market at Santa Monica Place this holiday season. Children visiting Santa receive a free commemorative gift.
Breakfast with Santa at The Market at Santa Monica Place
Saturday, December 3, 9:30am
Children of all ages are invited to a special complimentary breakfast and meet & greet with Santa. All will enjoy photos, giveaways and fun activities. Event is free and open to the public but space is limited, RSVP at SantaMonicaPlace.com.
Pet Photos with Santa at The Market at Santa Monica Place
Thursday, December 8, 6pm-8pm
Even Santa’s “furry friends” want a photo with the man in red! And, he’s making himself available for the evening just for the animals. So, Animals: Bring your owners!
Breakfast with Santa at the Food Court at Santa Monica Place
Saturday, December 10, 9:30am-11am
In case you missed him the first time, join Santa for a special complimentary breakfast and meet & greet. All will enjoy photos, giveaways and fun activities. Event is free and open to the public but space is limited, RSVP at SantaMonicaPlace.com.
Cookie Making & Story Time with Mrs. Claus at The Market at Santa Monica Place
Saturday, December 17, 9:30am
Mrs. Claus visits The Market for a very special event! Children of all ages are welcome to join in and decorate freshly baked cookies or just enjoy story time with Mrs. Claus. Event is free and open to the public but space is limited, RSVP at SantaMonicaPlace.com.
Chanukah Menorah Lighting
Tuesday, December 20-27, Sundown
Third Street Promenade Center Court
Downtown Santa Monica will celebrate the Chanukah season with a traditional menorah lighting every evening at sundown. Come celebrate with local synagogues and temples throughout the week.
Gift Your Schools at Santa Monica Place
November 1 – December 31
Shop and dine at Santa Monica Place and you’ll help earn a 5% donation back to your school. It’s easy! Simply present your original receipts from Santa Monica Place retailers and restaurants dated November 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011 at the Concierge. Program supports local schools in Santa Monica, Malibu and Pacific Palisades grades K-12. Visit Concierge on level 1 for complete program details or call 310.260.8333.
