City of Santa Monica Tree Lighting 2025

Published on November 18, 2025

Kick Off the Holiday Season with Santa on Third Street Promenade!

Santa Monica, get ready for pure holiday magic!

Mark your calendar for Thursday, December 4th — the night the Third Street Promenade turns into a sparkling winter wonderland as Santa Claus himself lights the Official City of Santa Monica Holiday Tree!

This completely FREE, family-friendly event is the absolute best way to jump-start the season. Here’s what you don’t want to miss:

Tree-lighting ceremony with Santa
“Snow” falling over the Promenade
Live performances by Westside Ballet (Nutcracker excerpts), Lincoln Middle School Madrigals, Samohi High School Choirs, SMC Emeritus Concert Band, and AcaPali Choir
Free professional photos with Santa
Hot cocoa
Holiday crafts station
Holiday Market for gifts and treats
Giveaways and goodies
Photo op with the wrapped Big Blue Bus
Holiday dance party with live DJ

The holiday cheer continues here at Pacific Park as we release our holiday menu items! Stop by the park to try our brand new Gingerbread Funnel Cake, or our Winter Wonderland Churro topped with crunch candy canes. Both perfectly pair with Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf’s new dessert inspired Tiramisu latte collection.

Feature image courtesy of Downtown Santa Monica.