Holiday Cheer on the Pier

Published on December 1, 2025

Holiday Cheer on the Pier Brings Holiday Magic to Santa Monica with Free Family Fun, Festive Art, Santa Visits, and More – Dec. 4, 11, and 18

This holiday season, the Santa Monica Pier will sparkle with festive cheer, creative spirit, and community joy as “Holiday Cheer on the Pier” returns for three magical Thursdays—December 4, 11, and 18—offering free, all-ages programming filled with wonder by the waves.

Presented by Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, this year’s “Holiday Cheer on the Pier” is a family-friendly celebration packed with music, art, storytelling, live entertainment, and holiday photo ops. The Pier’s historic Merry Go-Round building and surrounding spaces will be transformed into a coastal holiday village full of lights, laughter, and seaside spirit.

Activities and Schedule:

–Letters to Santa and Ornament Painting with Paint Lab: December 4, 11, 18 | 3:30–7 p.m. | Merry Go-Round Building

Step inside the historic Merry Go-Round building to write heartfelt Letters to Santa—yes, they’ll be mailed straight to the North Pole! Kids can also create festive take-home crafts and ornaments with help from local creative studio Paint: Lab.

–Books & Cookies Musical Storytime: December 4, 11, 18 | 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. | Patio 66 at Pacific Park

Celebrate the season through story and song! Join Books & Cookies for two rounds of joyful, interactive musical storytime right behind Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

–Bob Baker Marionette Theater: December 4, 11, 18 | 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. | Patio 66 at Pacific Park

A timeless holiday delight for all ages! The Bob Baker Marionette Theater brings their legendary puppetry to the Pier for whimsical performances sure to dazzle kids and adults alike.

Festive refreshments including hot cocoa, churros, popcorn, and other holiday treats will be available for purchase throughout the evening’s entertainment at Patio 66.

–Sandy Cane Lane: Photos with Santa, Live Music & More! December 18 | 4–9 p.m. | Merry Go-Round Building and Pier Parking Deck

The holiday festivities culminate with a dazzling Sandy Cane Lane celebration. – Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus – A special holiday sand sculpture – Live musical performances – Our fan-favorite Car Decorating Contest – where participants compete for cash prizes by decking their rides in holiday lights and flair!

Whether dancing to live music, shopping local artisans, or enjoying the stunning ocean views, this holiday event is designed to bring Santa Monicans and all Angelenos together in a fun and festive outdoor setting.

Feature image courtesy of the Santa Monica Pier Corporation