Ice at Santa Monica Returns to Downtown for Winterlit Festivities

Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM) brings the holidays to the downtown district with the return of Winterlit, which will feature the grand reopening of the Ice at Santa Monica skating rink. After a two year hiatus, the 8,000-square-foot rink will once again transform the corner of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue into a winter wonderland and bring a little ice to the beachside community. 

The rink reopens November 10, 2022 with a grand opening celebration from 6 - 10 p.m. featuring free skating, a live DJ, delicious bites and freebies. The rink will remain open daily from November 11 through January 16, 2023 from noon to 10 p.m. with skate rental and all-day admission for $20. For additional information and to book a cabana rental at the ice rink, visit downtownsm.com/iceAtSantaMonica.

​Tens of thousands of colorful lights, decor and garland will deck the Third Street Promenade, 2nd and 4th Streets, illuminating convenient shopping and cozy outdoor dining experiences. Santa comes to the Promenade on December 1 at 6 pm for the annual lighting of the official City of Santa Monica 24-foot-tall holiday tree. 

Nightly menorah lightings will celebrate the Festival of Lights during the Hanukkah season from Sunday, December 18 through Sunday, December 25. The lighting of the menorah will begin at sundown and take place on the 1400 block of Third Street Promenade (located between Santa Monica Blvd and Broadway).

Steps from the Promenade, Santa Monica Place will also join in on the holiday festivities with a variety of events, photo opportunities and performances to accompany holiday shoppers. From November 19 through December 24, guests can cozy up next to Santa for photos and experience the brand-new Santa House upgraded with sleek, festive décor. The shopping center will welcome the return of its twinkle lights and larger than life holiday decor along with the iconic 50-foot Center Plaza Christmas tree. In December, the popular dancing Beach Belles, Breakfast with Santa, Pet Nights, Menorah Lighting and live holiday DJ sets will also take place. Visit santamonicaplace.com for more information.

For more information on holiday happenings in Downtown Santa Monica, visit downtownsm.com/winterlit. ​