By Gene Williams

December 3, 2010 -- Winterlit is here! Once again this holiday season, Downtown Santa Monica has been transformed into a wonderland of glittering lights, whirling skaters and spinning dreidels. And on Sunday, Santa will join in all the fun during the big Winterlit Celebration.

The day promises a bonus for residents and visitors alike with day-long entertainment and fun, including a free concert and tree lighting ceremony Sunday evening that features top-notch acts, such as local recording artist Jared Lee.

Foodies will be happy to know that the program will showcase local restaurateurs who will offer dining gift certificates at a discounted rate and packaged perfectly for holiday gifts.

And, in a feat of daring, Rabbi Jeffrey Marx of Santa Monica Synagogue will lead efforts to set a world record for the most dreidels spun in one location at one time. Marx will also be on hand to lead the Menorah lighting ceremony earlier that day at sundown.

“Winterlit is a tradition the community has embraced and a cherished experience Bayside is committed to delivering,” said Debbie Lee, Bayside’s Director of Marketing and Communications. “Each year, our objective is to create holiday activities and memories that make living, working and visiting Downtown Santa Monica special.”

ICE at Santa Monica
It wouldn’t be the holidays Downtown without ice skating to turn the balmy Southern California winter into a traditional northern wonderland. In four short years, ICE at Santa Monica has become a staple of the season, drawing ever-larger crowds.

This year, Herbal Essences, known for a wide variety of hair care products, has teamed up with Portraits of Hope, a program that merges public art with creative art therapy for hospitalized children, to transform the skating rink into an oasis of beauty and hope this winter season with a large scale exhibition.

Enhancements to this year’s rink include an expanded observation deck that nearly encircles the entire skating area and lockers for those who want a secure place to store their shoes or handbags. There are also additional amenities for private parties and special events, including three modular 400-square-foot tents.

In keeping with the City’s commitment to sustainability, electricity for the rink’s lighting and other amenities is generated on site by a mobile solar energy unit consisting of photovoltaic solar panels mounted on a trailer. In addition, the chillers that keep the ice frozen are powered with energy purchased from Southern California Edison using green-energy credits.

Also in keeping with Southern California’s natural vibe, as many as five dozen potted palm trees ranging in height from six to twelve feet have been brought in and decorated. Once the ice rink is taken down, the trees will be planted throughout the city.

Some 250,000 guests visited the rink last year, including 70,000 paid skaters, and with this year’s improvements and enhancements, that number will likely grow, Bayside officials said.

“The rink has become known as a popular holiday destination throughout Los Angeles,” said Ashley Walkley, the Bayside’s Senior Marketing and Communications Manager. “We want Santa Monica to be thought of as the place to go for holiday fun, and ice skating is one of the most traditional and exciting ways to do that.”

Ice skating season runs until February 15. The rink is open from noon to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, noon to midnight Fridays, 10 a.m. to midnight Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays.

Admission including skate rental is $10. Season passes, which are good during any weekday before 5 p.m., cost $150. Locker rentals are $5 plus a $5 deposit that is refunded upon key return.

For more information or to find out how you can book an event at the rink, visit iceatsantamonica.com or email events@iceatsantamonica.com.

Santa’s Little Savers
The big guy in the red suit will be making his rounds, spreading holiday cheer to kids of all ages throughout the district. Bring your wish list, and bring your camera if you want to get your picture taken with Santa.

Also, watch for Santa strolling through Downtown during the Tree Lighting Day, December 5 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., and from noon to 4 p.m. on the weekends of December 11 and 12 and December 18 and 19.

Menorah Lighting
At sundown on each of the eight days of Hanukah, visitors are invited to join congregations from local synagogues to sing and dance on the 1200 block of the Promenade in celebration of the traditional lighting of Downtown Santa Monica’s Menorah.

Congregations this year include Beth Chayim Chadshim on December 4, Santa Monica Synagogue on December 5, Kehillate Israel on December 6, Kehillat Ma’arva on December 7, and Pacific Jewish Center on December 8.

Downtown Santa Monica is ideal for holiday shopping and entertainment because it offers a wide variety of retail stores, dining and entertainment options, Bayside officials said.

“You can spend the day shopping, take a break to ice skate and end your adventure with a meal at one of the fantastic restaurants in town,” Lee said. “On key dates, you might even run into Santa and take a free picture to commemorate your visit!”

To stay updated on all the Winterlit festivities visit winterlit.com.