Thursday, December 11, 2025
There are 13 shopping days until Christmas
Good Morning, Santa Monica!
We are cruising through December! The holiday lights are blazing on the Promenade, and the marine layer has decided to take a holiday break, giving us crystal clear views of Catalina Island this morning.
Today is National App Day, fitting for Silicon Beach. It’s a great day to download the Santa Monica 311 app if you haven’t already. (it’s the easiest way to report potholes or request bulky item pickups).
The countdown to Hanukkah and Christmas is officially on. Here is your local guide to the week.
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The City of Santa Monica wraps up its 150th birthday celebration on December 13 with a five hour festival on the Third Street Promenade.The free community event kicks off at noon is set to include live music, games, ice cream and more.
Each block of the promenade will feature a different theme. Visitors will also be able to purchase alcohol and carry it with them inside the designated “Entertainment District” between Wilshire Boulevard and Broadway.
plus…
▶︎ Santa Monica has a new mayor
Caroline Torosis officially replaced local businesswoman Lana Negrete for a one year term. Lookout
▶︎ HomeState will open first Santa Monica store on December 16
The Texas-inspired restaurant is also planning an El Segundo store for 2026. QSR
▶︎ Pier bridge construction is officially underway
The project was supposed to be completed eight years ago. Lookout
▶︎ Popular Montana Avenue coffee spot set to close
Go Get Em Tiger will serve its last customers on Monday. Santa Monica Sun
▶︎ Joe & The Juice coming to Santa Monica
The Denmark-based chain is setting up shop at Pico Boulevard & Cloverfield Avenue, next to Whole Foods Toddrickallen
▶︎ City of LA seizes piano from beloved Venice Boardwalk performer
Nathan Pino has been performing for tips since the 1970s. SM Mirror
▶︎ Santa Monica College Musical Theatre Workshop presents ‘Roaring On!’
Performances take place this weekend at the Studio Stage. SMDP
Thursday, December 11 Tuesday, December 16 Wednesday, December 17 Santa Monica Parks & Recreation Commission |
McGrinchmas, anyone?
The internet is obsessed with McDonald’s new Grinch Meal. The limited time holiday promotion — inspired by the Dr. Seuss classic The Grinch Who Stole Christmas — made its debut on December 2 and features choice of Big Mac or 10 McNuggets, medium drink and dill pickle “Grinch Salt” McShaker fries. Sorry, no roast beast this year… Santa Monica Sun
Woman gives birth in Waymo AP
Where are all the giant Santas this year? NY Post
News anchor goes viral for reading mean comments about her weight Inside Edition
1934 Stockbroker Bill Wilson, founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, takes his final drink
2008 Billionaire con-man Bernie Madoff arrested
2019 16 year-old activist Greta Thunberg named Time magazine’s Person of the Year.
12/11 Hailee Steinfeld, actress (29); Brenda Lee, country singer (81); Shane Gillis, comedian (38)
12/12 Mayim Bialik, actress (50); Dionne Warwick, singer (85); RIP Frank Sinatra (1915 – 1998)
12/13 Dick Van Dyke, actor (100); Jamie Foxx, actor (57)
12/14 Vanessa Hudgens, actor (37); Dee Wallace, actress (77)
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🌛THINGS TO DO AFTER DARK Ice at Santa Monica: The rink at 5th & Arizona is open daily from noon to 10:00 PM. 1324 5th St. Jeopardy Alumni Trivia: Test your knowledge alongside former contestants every Wednesday at O’Brien’s Pub. 2226 Wilshire Blvd. Neighborhood Game Night: Meet and challenge other members of the community Thursday nights at Weary Livers. 2819 Pico Blvd. Magic By The Sea: Be dazzled by top magicians every Friday and Saturday night at Illusions Magic Lounge. 1418 4th St. 🌆 AROUND LOS ANGELES KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas: A annual holiday tradition featuring The All American Rejects, Papa Roach, Third Eye Blind and more. Venice Christmas Show: Longtime local favorite Venice brings its blend of folk-pop and signature vocal harmonies to the Lennon Lounge (aka Santa Monica Bay Woman’s Club) for one night only. 🏈 LOCAL & PRO SPORTS Bucked Up L.A. Bowl: Boise State v. Washington NFL: Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams 🎥 MOVIES Ella McCay Dust Bunny Dead Man’s Wire The Rocky Horror Picture Show
📺 WHAT TO WATCH Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour – The End of an Era Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: A Hanukkah Special Saturday Night Live Man v. Baby Little Disasters |
Santa Monica public schools will begin winter recess at the conclusion of classes on Friday, December 19. Elementary schools return to instruction on Monday, January 5. Middle and high schools reopen on Tuesday, January 6.
Enjoy the warm weather, Santa Monica. See you next week!
- R.I.P.:Unleashed By Petco set to close - February 18, 2026
- Hotsheet 2/19/26: Will SMMUSD eliminate teachers? - February 17, 2026
- Hotsheet 2/5/26:SMC in ‘financial crisis’; Cat cafe opens - February 5, 2026
