Here comes Santa Claus and the Holiday Hop Along Pico – this year’s event takes place this Saturday, Dec. 5 from noon to 4 pm on Pico Boulevard in Santa Monica, with festivities for adults and children who will enjoy entertainment, refreshments, and shopping.
Many merchants along the 34 blocks of Pico Blvd. will have sidewalk sales, live music, and snacks. In addition, there will be many specials on Saturday and throughout the month for shopping and dining adventures.
On Saturday, Dec. 5 the parking lot of the Venice Family Clinic at 26th & Pico will feature live music, including the internationally famous band The Lads, children’s activities and refreshments from Gilbert’s El Indio, Unurban Coffeehouse, and Z Garden.
No need to go to the mall as Santa Claus will hold court from noon to 3 pm and photos may be taken free of charge – selfies with Santa too!
Entertainment along the boulevard will include strolling Samohi carolers and live music at Acapillow (3030 Pico), Animal Kingdom (300 Pico), El Texate (316 Pico), Kronovet Realty (3019 Pico), and McCabe’s (3101 Pico).
Merchants offering special discounts and coupons during the month of December will be recognized by the big red bow at the entrances to the “special” businesses. Some of the shopping and dining specials to be featured, not just on Dec. 5, but throughout the month of December include:
• Animal Kingdom (300 Pico) – 10 percent off any purchase with any service (groom, daycare, stroller rental)
• El Texate restaurant (316 Pico) – Dec. 5 & 6, buy one margarita at regular price, second one is free
• Kronovet Realty (3019 Pico) – Dec. 5 afternoon customer appreciation BBQ
• McCabe’s Guitar Shop (3101 Pico) – Many specials and drawings
• Players Club Golf (3211 Pico) – 20 percent off all membership and holiday packages (offer until Dec. 23)
• Santa Monica Dental Group (3231 Pico) – $180 special for Zoom Whitening
• The Brixton (2827 Pico) – 15 percent off food and drink on Dec. 5 and 15 percent off lunch 11:30 am to 3:30 pm
• The Shampoo Lounge (3020 Pico) – 20 percent off all beauty products
• Upper West (3321 Pico) – 15 percent discount off entire meal (Dec. 20-24) if you mention #holidayhopalongpico
• Virtual Snow (3105 Pico) – 20 percent discount on introductory lesson
On Dec. 5 in addition to Santa Claus, the Pico elves will be hopping along from 26th Street to 34th St., with lists of specials and additional info for your holiday activities. Pico Boulevard Santa Monica offers an endless range of shopping, entertainment, and dining choices – from art galleries to Z Garden cuisine. For more information, visit Facebook.com/picoimprovementorganization and on Twitter @PicoBlvdSM.
