WESTSIDE HAPPENINGS

Have an event for the calendar? Send it to kkirk@timespublications.com

Santa Monica Pier Hosts Locals’ Night: Holiday Cheer Thursday, Dec. 15

Revel in the season’s magic with family and friends while enjoying activities for kids, holiday carolers, hot chocolate, a car show, visits from Santa, and so much more. From the historic Merry Go-Round Building to the spectacular West End of the Pier, activities and entertainment will feature the best things about Santa Monica, including homegrown talent, seasonal storytelling and a couple of endearing nods to the past.

200 Santa Monica Pier, Suite A, Santa Monica, 3 to 9 p.m., santamonicapier.org/ localsnight

“We Tell Our Story” Dec. 16 to Dec. 18

The Santa Monica College Musical Theatre Workshop will celebrate live theater with performances of “We Tell Our Story” on Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Dec. 18, at 2 p.m. Performances will be held in the Studio Stage at the SMC Theatre Arts Complex, located on the main SMC Campus. The lively, entertaining revue will showcase SMC students—accompanied by SMC pianist Sang Hee Cho—performing solos, duets, and group numbers from current and past Broadway hits. A joint program of the SMC Theatre Arts and Music Depart-

PHOTO BY JUDY LOUFF

The Santa Monica College Musical Theatre Workshop will celebrate live theater with performances of "We Tell Our Story" on Dec. 16, 17 and 18 at the SMC Theatre Arts Complex. ments, the showcase is directed by SMC Theatre Arts instructor Aric Martin, with music direction by SMC Music instructor Gary Gray. Advance tickets are $10, plus a modest service charge. Tickets are $3 more at the door. Free parking on premises. Seating is on a first-arrival basis. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 310-434-4319.

1900 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, smc.edu/tickets

Holiday Cheer in the Gardens Saturday, Dec. 17

City of Santa Monica’s Community Garden Program invites you to “Pancakes at Ishihara Park Learning Garden Event” - Holiday Cheer in the Gardens! Celebrate with friends

COURTESY PHOTO and neighbors, kid’s activities, garden tours, compost demonstrations, coffee and pancakes with garden fixings’ for those looking for some energy! Learn about the Westside Seed Exchange! Sponsored by City of Santa Monica Community Gardens Program with the support of Santa Monica Roots.

2909 Exposition Boulevard, Santa Monica, 9 to 11 a.m., santamonicaroots@gmail.com

Pickleball Charity Cup for a Cause Saturday, Dec. 17

Sports history will once again be made as Exit 14 Productions crowns its first-ever Pickleball Charity Cup for a Cause champion. 32 teams will compete for pickleball glory at Westchester Tennis Center. While only one team will be crowned Pickleball cup champion, every person who attends this event will be supporting a great cause. They are partnering with UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital to decorate the rooms of children and teens enduring long-term hospital stays. Every single dollar raised will go towards comfortable bedding, posters and games to bring smiles and comfort to every patient.

7000 West Manchester Avenue, Los Angeles, 1 to 4 p.m., bit.ly/3HrQT7L

Pub Crawl. Join thousands of crawlers and dozens of Santa Monica’s best bars and restaurants and raise money for the Westside Food Bank to help those in need for the holidays. Choose from multiple routes and get exclusive food and drink specials throughout the city. Tickets also include one free drink, no cover charges, priority entry into the city’s hottest bars, beer gardens, DJs and live entertainment, photo booths, and entry into Santa’s official after-party! Tickets on sale now and start $20 in advance.

Various locations, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. (check-in from 5 to 9:30 p.m.) santamonicapubcrawl.com Complimentary Gift Wrapping Sunday, Dec. 18

MIXT has partnered with Tinsel Town to celebrate its newest opening and will be offering complimentary gift wrapping with the purchase of a MIXT scratch-made salad at its Santa Monica location.

401 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica, Noon to 4 p.m., santamonicapubcrawl.com

Betty’s Place Toy Drive Through Dec. 19

Drop off your toy donations through Dec. 19 at Betty’s Place. Check their website for store hours.

2314 Lincoln Boulevard, bettysplace.la

Holiday Lights Tour & Contest Through Dec. 26

Tickets are on sale for the Westchester Mental Health Guild’s third annual Holiday Lights Tour & Contest. For $10, ticket purchasers will get a map of Contest homes to see in Westchester and Playa del Rey from Dec. 10 to 26. Through Dec. 20, tour goers can vote for their favorites, with the winners announced Dec. 21. All proceeds benefit Airport Marina Counseling Service.

2022holidayslightstour. eventbrite.com

Send event information at least 10 days in advance to kkirk@ timespublications.com

SANTA Monica Pub Crawl Saturday, Dec. 17

Dust off those antlers and Santa hats, shine up those menorahs and get ready for the 14th annual SANTA Monica Tickets are on sale for the Westchester Mental Health Guild’s 3rd Annual Holiday Lights Tour & Contest, a self-driving tour of decorated homes in Playa del Rey and Westchester that runs through Dec. 26.