Construction is officially underway on the long-anticipated project to replace and upgrade the 86-year-old Santa Monica Pier Bridge. Construction crews are mobilizing onsite and staging equipment this week and next week to begin early fieldwork and site preparation for the Pier Bridge Replacement Project. Initial activities will include potholing and utility work, as well as widening and strengthening portions of the Pier in advance of bridge demolition and construction. Pier restaurants, shops and entertainment, as well as parking and visitor access, will remain open and accessible throughout construction, ensuring residents and visitors can continue to enjoy the Pier with minimal disruption. Approximately one-third of the parking lot area at Beach Parking Lot 1 North, adjacent to the Pier, will be used as the construction staging area. Approximately 726 parking spaces will remain available at Beach Parking Lot 1 during construction. Wayfinding signage is being installed to direct drivers to multiple alternate parking locations near the Pier. Construction is expected to continue through the end of 2027.

Locals’ Night is taking a holiday spin. This month, Holiday Cheer on the Pier wraps up with a special Locals’ Night: Sandy Cane Lane x Art Mart on Thursday, December 18. Enjoy live music, photos with Santa, a festive sand sculpture, and the return of our fan-favorite car decorating contest (Sandy Cane Lane), where car enthusiasts deck out their rides in holiday spirit for a cash prize. Celebrate the season seaside with lights, laughter, and holiday cheer.

Shop unique art, handmade goods, and festive finds from local artists, then explore Sandy Cane Lane: a glowing lineup of decked-out cars, holiday décor, and festive surprises.

What to Expect:

🎶 Sounds by local DJs

🛍️ Winter Art Mart featuring local artists and vendors

🚗 Sandy Cane Lane car decorating contest with cash prizes

🎅 Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus

🏖️ Festive holiday sand sculpture

📚 Books & Cookies musical storytime

🎨 Paint:Lab art station

✨ Holiday lights, ocean views, and more!

December’s Lineup!

Inside the Merry Go-Round Building:

3:30pm - 7:00pm — Paint:Lab

4:00pm - 7:00pm — Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus

Patio 66 at Pacific Park (next to Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf):

3:30pm & 4:30pm — Books & Cookies Musical Storytime

5:00pm & 6:30pm — Bob Baker Marionnette Theater

Main Stage:

5:00pm - 10:00pm — DJ sets from Jamma Dee, Xica Soul, Tavish DJ, Aiden Ramos, and DJ Proper

Pier’s Parking Deck:

5:00 - 9:30pm — Shop the Winter Art Mart from local artists/vendors (curated by Lisa Goldman)

5:00 - 8:00pm — Sandy Cane Lane (Festive Car Show + Competition)

Free to enter | Arrive at Pier Parking Deck by 4pm

Winner announced at 7pm ($400 CASH PRIZE)

For more info, Click Here

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Scenes from thelast weekend's Venice Sign Holiday Lighting Block Party, with Harry Perry, Tonan, and more.A beloved tradition—the annual changing of the Venice Sign lights to festive red and green for the holiday. Now in its 14th year, this special celebration will take place on Windward Avenue (east of Pacific Avenue), with street closures to make room for live music and family-friendly activities.

Another collection of scenes from Santa Monica of people that are acting abnormal. From wild screaming and dancing in the street to fire fighters having to put out a smoldering traffic cone, Santa Monica never fails to amaze. All of these scenes were filmed in November.

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LA surf and skate legend Randy Wright who has been posted up at Sunset Point as photographer and surf guru now urgently needs our help after the Palisades Fire to get rolling and back in business to do what he does best.

Randy's friend & surf buddy, Andrew MacDonald from Pacific Palisades has set up a gofundme for him. Any amount will help immensely.

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Miracle on Main Street 2025 will be Sunday, December 7, 3:30-7pm with kids activities, Santa and the tree lighting on the Heritage Museum lawn. Plus, Carolers & street-wide festivities and holiday parties into the night!

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

The Canal Holiday Boat Parade is happening Sunday afternoon Dec 14, 2025.

The Holiday Boat Parade is a tried-and-true tradition of the Venice Canals Association that we host in December to celebrate the holidays. The Venice Canals Holiday Boat Parade is a showcase of our unique community. We come together to honor our wonderful neighborhood and celebrate our distinct locale. We invite you to decorate a boat and join in on the fun.

DEC 14 - 4pm onward

For more info, Click Here

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Join the 5th Annual Santa Cruise in Santa Monica! A festive holiday ride & party for skateboarders, roller skaters, cyclists, and more. 🎄 Get ready to sleigh the streets! Saturday, December 6th, we're throwing the most unforgettable holiday event in Los Angeles. Join us for the Santa Cruise—a festive all wheels welcome rolling parade and and night of holiday shenanigans with your favorite skate crews!



A joyful 6-mile cruise through the streets of Santa Monica & Venice, great for all skill levels and ages. We just require attendees to have previous riding experience and mastery of stopping before attending this event.



Surprise stops along the way with holiday games, entertainment, and treats.



All Wheels Welcome!



Skateboards, rollerblades, bikes, scooters—if you roll, you're invited! Just make sure you're confident with basic road skills and stopping.

For more info, Click Here

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

The Largest Charity Crawl on the West Coast Returns...

Join thousands of Santas, Elves, and Naughty Reindeer at the 17th Annual SANTA Monica Pub Crawl on Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 5pm-2am!

Over 20 of the city’s best bars and restaurants come together to help raise money for the Westside Food Bank and those in need for the Holidays.

So throw on those Santa hats, shine those menorahs, grab your friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues, and Crawl for a Cause at the 17th annual SANTA Monica Pub Crawl.

Since 2008, the SANTA Monica Pub Crawl has raised enough for HALF A MILLION MEALS for the Westside Food Bank, and we couldn't have done it without you! Every $5 raised feeds 20 people, so every little bit counts.

For more info, Click Here

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.