Home for the holidays

While it won’t be snowing in sunny Santa Monica, there are plenty of festivities and seasonal foods that are sure to spice up your winter season.Marina del Rey Boat ParadeThe Marina Del Rey Boat Parade will be held Dec. 13. Bring a blanket and gather around Fisherman’s Village or the Burton Chace Park to watch 70 stunningly lit boats glide through the marina. There will be a competition for the best holiday decorated boat. Fireworks begin at 5:55 p.m. and the parade starts at 6 p.m.For more information, visit http://mdrboatparade.org/Lights at the L.A. ZooThe Los Angeles Zoo is presenting a new holiday light experience that combines a beautiful display of lights with the captivating scenery of the Los Angeles Zoo. Parts of the zoo have been transformed into a Winter Wonderland with real live reindeer. Santa Claus will also make an appearance. Admission is $13 and the event will take place from Nov. 28 through Dec. 11.For more information, visit http://www.lazoolights.org/Sweet Rose CreamerySweet Rose Creamery, located at 826 Pico Blvd. is featuring some innovative and scrumptious scoops for the holiday season such as Peppermint Patty Ice Cream and Eggnog Frozen Yogurt.826 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, 90404, 7565 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, 90036Menorah LightingCelebrate Hanukkah at a Menorah Lighting that will take place every evening at sundown from Dec. 16 through Dec. 23 on the Third Street Promenade, between Arizona Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard. Stay to enjoy a special preformance by Klezmer Juice, a Yiddish soul band on Dec. 18.For more information, visit downtownsm.comThe Miles PlayhouseThe Miles Playhouse has mounted a holiday extravaganza for the entire family.  Rudolph, Frosty, the Grinch, Jack Frost and other adored holiday characters will make an appearance in an exciting and whimsical musical performance called “The Retro Holiday Show.” The production will take place Nov. 30 through Dec. 21, Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.1130 Lincoln Blvd. Santa Monica, 90403Holiday CupcakesVanilla Bakeshop, located at 512 Wilshire Blvd., has new holiday cupcakes that are sure to bring some sweetness into your vacation. For $3.50, these silver disco glitter snowflake cupcake, blue and white winter cupcake and snowman cupcakes will create a flurry of gastro-deliciousness.512 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, 90401"Into the Woods"Based on the famous Stephen Sondheim musical, “Into the Woods” tells the story of a baker and his wife, who are played by James Gordon and Emily Blunt. The couple desperately wants a child, so the baker makes a deal with a witch played by Meryl Streep, who promises to give them a child if they can bring her the cape of Little Red Riding Hood, the milky-white cow of Jack, the slipper of Cinderella, and some of Rapunzel’s hair. In order to do so, the baker must travel into the mysterious woods. The movie, like the play, is an adventure that the whole family can appreciate.Showings beginning on Christmas DayAMC 7: 1310 3rd St., Santa Monica, 90401Jumbo Candy CanesWhole Foods Market is featuring delicious organic jumbo candy canes. At $2.99, the candycanes come in pomegranate, orange, strawberry and natural mint flavors. They make the perfect holiday stocking stuffer.2201 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, 90403Pumpkin Spice Latte BurgerUmami Burger, located at 500 Broadway, has a new Pumpkin Spice Latte Burger for the holiday season. Artfully sculpted with garlic aioli, tempura kabocha, spiced mascarpone and a coffee glaze, this seasonal favorite will be sure to knock your wool socks right off. 500 Broadway, Santa Monica, 90401"Unbroken"“Unbroken,” directed by Angelina Jolie, documents the life of Louis Zamperini, the Olympic track star who survived a plane crash during World War II and became lost at sea. As a prisoner of war, he demonstrated his strength and resolve, surviving the most brutal conditions. The movie celebrates the bravery and resilience of the human spirit.Showings beginning on Christmas Day AMC 7: 1310 3rd St., Santa Monica, 90401"Elf" Movie ScreeningA Holiday Movie Night screening of the Christmas comedy film “Elf,” starring Will Ferrell, is taking place Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. on Third Street Promenade at Wilshire Boulevard. There will be hot chocolate and plenty of holiday cheer to go around.For more information, visit http://www.santamonica.com/events-calendar/Holiday Sing AlongThe Music Center Holiday Sing Along is a guaranteed jolly good time. The holiday spirit is sure to light up your holiday break when you start belting out “Jingle Bells,” “O Christmas Tree,” “Silver Bells,” “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and more holiday favorites. The event is free, and ticket distribution starts at 6 p.m., first-come first-served.1901 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 90404