Santa Monica is a magical destination year-round but shines even brighter during the holiday season. With its breezy December weather — highs averaging 65°F (19°C) and lows around 49°F (10°C) — you can enjoy the festivities without bundling up in heavy winter coats. Santa Monica has everything if you’re looking for something fun to do with the family, an indulgent dining experience, or a touch of culture. Here’s your guide to making the most of Christmas and New Year’s Eve in this coastal destination.
Christmas Day Highlights
Christmas Day Dinner at Orla
Simplify your Christmas Day dining and reduce holiday meal prep with a dinner at Orla at the Regent Santa Monica Beach. This elegant Christmas dining experience offers a prix fixe menu that blends Mediterranean flavors with the best of seasonal ingredients. As you savor the dishes, you’ll take in panoramic ocean views, making this a feast for all your senses. If you’re thinking of party hopping across the country, you can even hire a private plane to arrive in style, transforming your journey into part of the vacation itself.
Santa Monica Pier Festivities
The iconic Santa Monica Pier is open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Christmas Day, making it an ideal destination for holiday fun. Pacific Park, perched atop the pier, offers classic amusement rides like the solar-powered Ferris wheel and the West Coaster roller coaster. The midway games and ocean views make it a hit for locals and visitors. Whether you’re chasing thrills or looking to capture the perfect holiday photo, the Pier delivers a uniquely Californian Christmas experience.
Monsters: Exhibit of Horrors
Looking for a spookier holiday vibe? Head to the Santa Monica Art Museum for the Monsters: Exhibition of Horrors. This immersive showcase explores the history and cultural significance of monsters, complete with eight themed rooms, artwork from renowned artists, and eerie surprises. Perfect for thrill-seekers and art enthusiasts alike, it’s an unexpected way to spend Christmas evening and runs from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Sounds of Santa Monica
Live music fills the air at Santa Monica Place with Sounds of Santa Monica this Christmas. This festive series offers something for everyone, from interactive, kid-friendly acts to soulful saxophone performances. Grab a coffee, shop for post-Christmas sales, and enjoy the melodies of emerging artists and seasoned performers alike.
New Year’s Eve Festivities
Ring in the New Year at ICE Santa Monica
Enjoy an East Coast Countdown Celebration complete with skating, twinkling lights, and delicious treats at ICE Santa Monica. Watch the city transform into a winter wonderland with an outdoor ice-skating rink surrounded by festive lights. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a beginner, this activity promises fun for all ages.
Annual New Year’s Eve Musical Revue
Celebrating its 54th anniversary, the multi-media revue at Santa Monica Playhouse features live performances, audience-favorite songs, and international guest appearances. From 40s jazz to country rock, the revue offers a little something for everyone. Hats, tiaras, champagne, and noisemakers add to the festive cheer. But tickets sell out quickly, so book early to secure your spot.
Family Fun at The Cayton
The Cayton Children’s Museum hosts a lively daytime celebration perfect for kids aged 2–10. You can keep the whole family busy crafting noisemakers and party hats, join in parades, and enjoy bubbly celebrations and confetti countdowns to end the night.
Laugh Your Way into the New Year at The Crow
If you love stand-up comedy, don’t miss The Crow’s New Year’s Eve show featuring top-tier comics from HBO, Netflix, and Comedy Central. Held at the Bergamot Station Arts Center, it’s a perfect way to kick off your evening before heading to other celebrations — or calling it an early night. Plus, there’s free parking on site which, as any Angeleno would tell you, is a huge bonus.
Sophisticated Celebrations at Santa Monica Proper Hotel
For a refined evening, head to Calabra’s rooftop at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel, where you’ll enjoy plenty of gorgeous ocean views, exciting DJ music live at the venue and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. For a more intimate setting, Palma’s art-filled lobby lounge offers festive meals and bubbles in a cozy atmosphere.
Glamorous Dining at Orla
Orla comes in clutch once again with a New Year’s celebration that includes a Mediterranean tasting menu curated by Chef Michael Mina. Live performances by the Satin Dollz and complimentary bubbles enhance the glamorous atmosphere as you toast to the New Year.
Why Santa Monica is a Must-Visit During the Holidays
Santa Monica transforms during the holiday season, offering a unique celebration experience that combines coastal California’s laid-back lifestyle with festive excitement. The city crafts a unique winter experience where warm sunlight meets seasonal traditions, creating an atmosphere unlike typical holiday destinations. You, too, can create cherished memories against the backdrop of its sunlit shores and festive spirit. Organize your plans today and usher in the new year with stories you’ll keep remembering through 2025.
