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Santa Monica Halloween Lights & Events
Published on October 6, 2023
The Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel will be lit orange, red, with Halloween emojis, sugar skulls, and jack-o-lanterns from Friday, October 20 to Thursday, November 2 in recognition of Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos.
Halloween is an annual celebration observed in many countries on 31 October as a time to remembering loved ones who have passed as well as the end of the harvest season. Similarly, Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday widely celebrated in Los Angeles on November 1st and involves family and friends gathering to remember friends and family members who have died.
This year, Pacific Park celebrates the Halloween season with fun and spooky patterns and designs on the Pacific Wheel including bats, ghosts, and jack-o-lanterns.
This special lighting event will take place on the evening of Friday, October 28 to Wednesday, November 2. The Ferris wheel lights can be seen from dusk until 11:35 PM each evening. Enjoy watching the light program online at pacpark.com/live.
WHAT:
Special Lighting of the Pacific Wheel for Halloween and Dia de los Muertos
WHEN:
Friday, October 20 to Thursday, November 2
dusk (around 5 PM) to midnight
WHERE:
Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier
See the lights from home at pacpark.com/live.
Other events:
Absolutely Halloween!:
October 14, 2023, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Santa Monica Playhouse – The Other Space
1211 4th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Santa Monica Playhouse is thrilled to present the 17th-anniversary production of its contemporary Halloween classic, part of the Playhouse’s “We’re Back” musical play series. This beloved Family Theatre Halloween musical, designed for ages 2 to 102, tells the heartwarming Rudie-DeCarlo tale of Candy, a sweet young girl. Embark on a magical All Hallow’s Eve adventure as Candy discovers surprising lessons about life, love, laughter, and sugar, guided by a delightful cast of characters. Join the audience in helping Cattypuss, Patty Patches, Hester the Jester, and Fifika the French Fortune Teller save Halloween for one more year.
Candlelight Santa Monica: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics:
October 24, 2023 9:00 pm
1210 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of Candlelight concerts, bringing a multi-sensory musical experience to the Historic Woman’s Club in Santa Monica. Revel in the Halloween-inspired melodies during this 65-minute performance, set against the warm glow of candlelight. With a diverse program featuring iconic pieces such as Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and the theme from “Stranger Things,” performed by the talented Orchid Quartet, this event promises to captivate audiences aged 8 and older. Seating is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, offering a unique and intimate musical encounter. For those seeking a private concert or interested in more Candlelight experiences across Los Angeles, additional options are available. Book your tickets now to embrace the magic of live music in a truly extraordinary setting.
Dia De Los Muertos Celebration
October 28 – November 4, 2023 12 pm
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Santa Monica Pier is thrilled to commemorate the cultural tradition of Dia de los Muertos with the – Return of the Monarch – a vibrant and engaging celebration happening on October 28, 2023, from 12 PM to 9 PM. We invite all ages to join in the festivities that include face painting, live music, delectable food, spirited dancing, and much more. This special celebration will kick off with a heartfelt blessing at the west end of the Pier, setting the tone for a day filled with cultural richness and togetherness. As part of the event, guests will have the opportunity to explore the intricately designed altars created by Sylvia Sanchez, Yolanda Medina and their family, Felipe Sanchez, Leticia Vickers. Sergio Sanchez, Luis Romo, Lisa Montoya, Carmen Q. Rosa, Frank Medina, Dominique Medina, Mateo Rodriquez, Jose Soto, Mia Vickers, Mya Vickers, Josie Avila, Linda Valdez, Olivia Valdez, Alina Servin-Valdez, Natalie Montano, and Antonio Medina. Their incredible altars will remain open for viewing until November 4th. Santa Monica Pier’s Dia de los Muertos: Return of the Monarch promises a wonderful blend of art, tradition, and community spirit that pays homage to the cherished memories of our loved ones. Honor a loved one who has passed and participate in this year’s communal altar by contributing your own personal photograph.
Celebrate Dia De Los Muertos
October 28 – November 2, 2023 10 am
Sunday, October 30, 2023 6 pm – Special Performance by SM Ballet Folklorico
1351 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM) pays tribute to Día de los Muertos, celebrating the rich Mexican tradition that honors life and death. The event features live entertainment and a showcase of nine La Catrina sculptures spanning three blocks of the Third Street Promenade from Friday, October 28 to Wednesday, November 2. Created by Los Angeles-based artist Ricardo Soltero, these larger-than-life sculptures portray La Catrina, an iconic figure originally illustrated by Mexican artist Jose Guadalupe Posada.
The Santa Monica Ballet Folklorico will present a live performance on October 30 at 6 pm on the 1300 block of the Promenade. Soltero’s remarkable La Catrina sculptures, standing up to 14 feet tall, adorn the Promenade in vibrant, traditional Mexican attire inspired by Day of the Dead customs, Mexican symbols, and intricate embroidery. La Catrina, born from Mexican social satire, has evolved into a symbol widely embraced during the holiday festivities.
Amal On The Pier
November 2, 2023 5 pm
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Amal is captivated by the brilliance of the Santa Monica Pier lights. With the sun setting on the horizon, she is graced by the enchanting music and dance presented by Hālau Hula Keali`i O Nālani.
This event is made possible through collaboration with CARS, City of Santa Monica, Kumu Hula Keali`i Ceballos, and Hālau Hula Keali`i O Nālani.
Check back here for more events!