From Christmas tree lightings to visits with Santa Claus, here are the top events and festivities in Santa Monica and Long Beach this month.
Santa Monica Place Holiday Highlights
- Pet Photos with Santa | December 11 & 12, 4 – 7 p.m. | Capture adorable holiday moments with your furry friend. Cats and dogs are welcome (leashes or carriers required).
- Oceanaires | December 11 & 18, 1 p.m. | Enjoy the harmonious melodies of these a cappella performances filling the air with vibrant holiday joy.
- Beach Belles | December 13–15 & 20–24 | 3 – 7:30 p.m. | Experience enchanting harmonies and dynamic, high-kick-style dances that bring holiday joy to life.
- The Gourmandise School Holiday Classes | December 15, 17, 21, 22, Various Times | Discover festive cooking and baking workshops, including The Holiday Cookie Tin, Holiday Chocolate Dessert Workshop, Cookie Decorating: Christmas, Classic Hanukkah Dishes, Classic Holiday Cookies and 13th Annual Yule Log Bake & Take. View the holiday class schedule here.
- Babybel Holiday Pop-Up: Babybelves Holiday Village | December 20, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Enjoy complimentary cheese flights, hot chocolate and gift-wrapping at this cozy Winter Chalet activation.
- Santa Photos at Santa’s House | Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sunday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Create lasting memories with holiday photos at Santa’s House in Center Plaza. Book reservations here.
- Sounds of Santa Monica: Holiday Edition | Wednesdays: 2 – 5 p.m., Thursdays – Sundays: 12 – 6 p.m. | Enjoy live music and DJ sets in Center Plaza, spreading holiday cheer through seasonal melodies.
- Lite-Brite: Worlds of Wonder | Tuesday – Sunday, Various Times | Step into an immersive holiday adventure with interactive rooms inspired by classic childhood games. Tickets available here.
2ND & PCH (Long Beach) Holiday Highlights
- Beachside Beats Holiday Vibes | December 12 & 19, 6 – 8 p.m. | Groove to live holiday music at the grand staircase while enjoying seasonal shopping and dining.
- Santa Photos & Santa’s Mailbox | Santa Paws: December 13, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Silent Santa: December 15, 9 – 11 a.m. | Selfies with Santa: December 16, 4 – 7 p.m. | Capture cherished memories with Santa or drop off letters at Santa’s Mailbox. Santa Paws, sessions for pets, and Silent Santa, for those in need of a sensory-friendly environment, are also available.
- Dreamers Market: Jingle and Mingle Pop-Up | December 14, 12 – 5 p.m. & December 15, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Discover unique gifts from local artisans and enjoy Santa meet-and-greets and kids’ entertainment.
- Breakfast with Santa | December 14, 9 – 10 a.m. | Enjoy a festive breakfast at Noble Rotisserie featuring a special visit from Santa. Reservations required at 2ndandpch.com/Events.
- Coastal Snowfall | December 14, 16, 21, 5 – 7 p.m. | Experience the magic of snowfall along the Southern California coast, perfect for family photos.
- PCH Explorers Kids Club: Story Time with Mrs. Claus | December 17, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Kids will love storytime, arts and crafts, and singing with Mrs. Claus.
- Unidos Market: Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) Edition | December 22, 2 – 8 p.m. | Celebrate Latinx traditions with crafts, cultural performances and photo opportunities.