The series will run turn the Pier’s Merry Go-Round building and nearby walkways into a themed holiday hub
The Santa Monica Pier will host three nights of family-friendly holiday programming in December as “Holiday Cheer on the Pier” returns with free performances, crafts, and visits from Santa.
The series, presented by Pacific Park, will run Dec. 4, 11 and 18, turning the Pier’s Merry Go-Round building and nearby walkways into a themed holiday hub featuring art activities, live entertainment and seasonal displays.
Each Thursday from 3:30 to 7 p.m., children can write letters to Santa and make ornaments with the local studio Paint:Lab inside the historic carousel building. Books & Cookies will lead musical storytime sessions at 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. at Patio 66 behind the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
The Bob Baker Marionette Theater is scheduled to perform two shows nightly at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Patio 66, accompanied by vendors selling hot cocoa, churros, popcorn and other treats.
The celebration concludes Dec. 18 with “Sandy Cane Lane,” an expanded event from 4 to 9 p.m. featuring photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a holiday sand sculpture, live music and the Pier’s annual car-decorating contest, which awards cash prizes for the most elaborately lit vehicles.
“From handcrafted ornaments and puppet shows to magical moments with Santa himself, Holiday Cheer on the Pier invites families from across Los Angeles to celebrate the season with us by the sea,” Jim Harris, executive director of the Santa Monica Pier Corporation, said in a statement.
