Experience Downtown Santa Monica as a winter wonderland like never before as Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM) welcomes the 2019 winter season with a full calendar of family-friendly events and activities for the community to enjoy.
Celebrate the holiday spirit with family and friends all winter long with festive attractions, special appearances by Santa Claus and more. Opening November 1, skate into the holidays with Ice at Santa Monica, presented by Plaza at Santa Monica, complete with an 8,000-square-foot real ice skating rink. Stroll down Third Street Promenade under the glow of thousands of colorful, festive lights and décor and enjoy Winterlit signature events including the official City of Santa Monica Tree Lighting Ceremony, and nightly menorah lightings to welcome the holidays with your loved ones.
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.
Opens November 1, 2019 to January 20, 2020
Monday - Thursday, 2 pm - 10 pm
Friday, 2 pm - Midnight
Saturday 10 am - Midnight
Sunday 10 am - 10 pm
Ice will be located on the corner of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue at 1324 Fifth St. in Downtown Santa Monica.
New this year: Ice Breakers presented by the Plaza at Santa Monica
Every Sunday from November 10, 2019 to January 19, 2020 enjoy free musical performances that will have the whole family on their feet and feeling the groove.
Performance schedule: 11 am, Noon, 1:45pm, 3:15pm
Ice at Santa Monica Community Grand Opening Celebration:
Enjoy a family-friendly fun evening featuring free skating, food samplings from local eateries, live music, and ice-skating performances. Free and open to the public.
November 7, 6 pm - 10 pm
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/Holiday.
November 21 - December 24
395 Santa Monica Place
Holiday Kids Club:
Enjoy fun, holiday-themed kid's entertainment in the Food Court and at SaMo's Playhouse on Level 3 of Santa Monica Place. Visit SantaMonicaPlace.com/Events for details.
December 4, 11 am–12 pm
395 Santa Monica Place
Official City of Santa Monica Tree Lighting with Santa Claus:
Join City of Santa Monica officials for a special tree lighting ceremony on Third Street Promenade and visit with Santa Claus. Free and open to the public.
December 5, 6 pm - 9 pm
1200 block of Third Street Promenade (located between Arizona Ave and Wilshire Blvd).
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 5-8, 13-15, 20-22
Time:TBD
1200 block of Third Street Promenade (located between Arizona Ave and Wilshire Blvd).
North Pole Breakfast:
Children of all ages are invited to a celebrate the holidays with light breakfast treats, music, crafts and a special visit from Santa at SaMo's Playhouse on Level 3 of Santa Monica Place. Visit SantaMonicaPlace.com/Events for details.
December 7, 9 am–10:30 am.
395 Santa Monica Place
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 leash or in carrier. Reserve your spot at SantaMonicaPlace.com/Holiday.
December 11 & 18
5pm-8pm
395 Santa Monica Place
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 30
1300 block of Third Street Promenade (located between Santa Monica Blvd and Arizona Ave).
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.