July 11, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Odd Goods for All: The Ever-Interesting Odd Market Returned to Santa Monica Pier For the Holidays

By Sam Skopp

 

The Odd Market, a popular event series that travels across Los Angeles, sees mostly independent vendors sell all sorts of things, from food to clothing, home goods, nick knacks and more. Saturday, Dec. 16 saw the market return to Santa Monica Pier for a Holiday-themed edition that drew crowds in search of gift inspiration.

L.A.-based comic book author Jonathan Hennessey was among the day’s 75-plus vendors, selling educational comic books he authored, including “The Comic Book Story of Video Games,” “The Comic Book Story of Beer,” and “Alexander Hamilton: The Graphic History of an American Founding Father.”

“It’s been great,” said Hennessey, about participating in the Odd Market. “I live inland so it’s always kind of a privilege to have an excuse to come out here.”

While he occasionally sells at similar events, they’re mostly dedicated comic book conventions and not markets as expensive as the Odd Market, though he noted that, since books are starting to have a reduced retail footprint, it can be refreshing for a book vendor to be part of one such event.

“It’s something I could do any weekend, but I wouldn’t get any writing done,” he joked.

Ditch Planet was also among the L.A.-based independent businesses with a table at Saturday’s event, selling candles and scented room sprays. Company founders Brooke and Peo explained that they had sold at the Gene Autry Museum Odd Market location in the past, but that this was their first time on the pier.

“The weather is amazing,” said Brooke. “I like the tourism. Out-of-towners like to buy.”

While Ditch Planet has booths at other events around town, like the Melrose Trading Post and the Renegade Craft Fair, she finds the Odd Market to have its own character.

“I feel like the Odd Market has a much more laid back vibe,” Brooke said.

DeLight from Paris, which was one of the food vendors featured at the event, was not only participating in its first Odd Market, but launched as a business just two months prior.

“It’s cool because it’s open air,” said Celine, the company’s founder. “There’s sunshine and people from different areas. And it’s comfortable.”

She then explained that their French-style tea cakes are packaged in boxes adorned with pictures of the flowers used as ingredients in the recipes for the cakes.

These were just a few of the many vendors present at the pier on Saturday. For more information on upcoming Odd Market events on the Pier and elsewhere in Los Angeles, visit theoddmarket.com.

Leather goods by Smiths & Kings.
Haiku Cats.

Photos: Sam Skopp.
<>Related Posts

Suspect Arrested in Santa Monica Pier Arson Incidents

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The suspect, matching video footage from an arcade, was taken into custody Santa Monica Police Department officers arrested a suspect...

SMPD Launch New Recruitment Website Amid High Vacancy Rates

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The site features multimedia content, including day-in-the-life videos and officer profiles, highlighting the impact of serving the community The Santa...

Father-Daughter Authors to Host Book Signing to Aid Fire-Affected Women

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Ten percent of proceeds from book and art sales will benefit the Pacific Palisades Rebuilding Fund, a nonprofit initiative created...

Metro Reports Crime Drop, Higher Rider Satisfaction, and Progress on Major Projects

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The Authority said the drop in violent incidents—down to the lowest level since May 2019—coincided with more uniformed personnel and...

Santa Monica Joins Regional Lawsuit to Halt Unconstitutional ICE Raids

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The motion to intervene seeks to ensure that Santa Monica and other plaintiff-intervenors can advocate for their residents’ rights in...

Promenade Restaurant Introduces Lunch Menu Set at $18 Per Person

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The fixed $18 price point targets commuters and those seeking a power lunch or a change of scenery The restaurant...

Santa Monica Council Votes in Support of Park-Centric Future at Airport Site

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The decision followed a contentious meeting with over 140 public speakers and more than 1,000 emails received by the council...

Housing for Health Chief Appointed to Lead Unified Homeless Services Department

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

Veteran Housing Advocate to Oversee Streamlined LA County Services The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday confirmed the...

‘Adoptapalooza’ Pet Adoption Festival Returns to Main Street This Weekend

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The free, family-friendly event aims to connect adoptable animals with new owners Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center will host...

Virtual Town Hall to Discuss Proposed Resilient Rebuilding Authority

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The agency, to be run by political appointees, would manage permitting, development, zoning, and funding, modeled after post-disaster recoveries Los...

New Agenda Coaching: Changing Lives in LA

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Students Work Toward Applied Success with Executive Function Coaching Services The demands of daily routines and studies sometimes bear weight...

Saint Monica Prep Students Win Award for Anti-Street Racing PSA Video

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The winning public service announcement, titled “Not Worth It,” was highlighted in a post on X by @LADOTofficial  Students from...

Anti-Drunk Driving Resolution Introduced as City Council Honors Late Palisades Teen Killed in Crash

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Levi, who was set to attend the University of Virginia this fall, was killed by a drunk driver on May...

Free and Reduced Price School Meals Available for Eligible Families in Santa Monica-Malibu District

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Parents in Need Encouraged to Apply, SMMUSD Commits to Nutritious, Accessible Meals By Brandyi Phillips, SMMUSD Chief Communications Officer Santa...

Big Blue Bus to Raise Fares for First Time in Nearly a Decade

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The fare increase aims to offset rising costs for fuel, utilities, and supplies, according to the agency. The Santa Monica...