Holidays in Venice Beach
Get in the holiday spirit the SoCal way with our local recommendations for soaking up December magic across our West LA neighborhood, with suggestives for festive outings, twinkling celebrations, and family-friendly activities in close proximity to our hotel.
Holiday Lights at the Venice Canals
Find festivity with a stroll along the Venice Canals, where local homes, boats, bridges, and more are all decked out with twinkling lights for the season
Find a winter wonderland in Santa Monica at the seasonal ice rink that happens to be just four blocks from the ocean—ongoing now through January 15 on the corner of Arizona Avenue and 5th Street.
Open Sundays-Thursdays from 11:30am-9:30pm
Fridays-Saturdays from 1130am-11pm
Venice Art Crawl on Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Experience a special curation of local art at the ongoing Venice Art Crawl—an immersive outdoor installation that fills the streets with works from neighborhood artists. December’s event will take place along Abbot Kinney Boulevard.
Thursday, Dec 7 from 6-10pm.
61st Annual Holiday Boat Parade
Experience a magical night on the marina at the 61st Annal Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade. Entry is free and viewing is available at Burton Chace Park or Fisherman’s Village.
Dec 9, 6pm
Be part of local tradition with the 30th anniversary of Venice’s beloved surf competition—grab your SPF, head to the beach, and watch some of the best surfers around catch waves at the Breakwater.
Sat, Dec 9 from 7am-2pm
Tree Lighting Celebration on Main Street
Get in the spirit with the annual “Miracle on Main Street” tree lighting, a fun and family-friendly evening featuring photos with Santa, boutique shopping, live music, and more.
Saturday, Dec 9—first lighting 7am-2pm, second lighting 3:30-7p
Join thousands of Santas, Elves, Reindeer…and over 20 of LA’s best dining destinations and bars this December 16 at the 15th Annual Santa Monica Pub Crawl, a festive gathering for a good cause, with proceeds benefiting the Westside Food Bank.
Saturday, Dec 16
Holiday Dining in West LA
Savor the season and discover a lineup of festive dining experiences across some of our most-recommended restaurants in West LA—and curated for every kind of holiday mood.
On Christmas Day & Eve, celebrate with special dinners at local favorites The Tasting Kitchen, Palma & Calabra at Santa Monica Proper, Bar Coucou, Market Venice, and Ospi.
Then, ring in the New Year with celebratory fetés at Winston House, Belles Beach House, Neuehouse, Hama Sushi, The Venice West, Hinano Cafe, Sidewalk Cafe, The Waterfront, Gin Rummy, and Venice Whaler.
