The following is a submission from the Pier Corporation.
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!
“From handcrafted ornaments and puppet shows to magical moments with Santa himself, Holiday Cheer on the Pier invites families from across Los Angeles to celebrate the season with us by the sea,” said Jim Harris, Executive Director of the Santa Monica Pier Corporation. “It’s a joyful reminder that this iconic landmark isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. And during the holidays, it shines especially bright.”
While many enjoy the magic of free programming at the Pier, it’s made possible through the efforts of the Santa Monica Pier Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that relies on the support of donors, partners, and the community to help keep the Pier fun, free, and accessible to all. The Santa Monica Pier Corporation isa nonprofit that isn’tfully funded by the City of Santa Monica.
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.
Arrive by Rideshare, Metro, Bus or Bike, the Santa Monica Pier is located at 200 Santa Monica Pier, Suite A, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
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