Winterlit Evokes a Christmas Past

By Lookout Staff

November 17 -- Downtown shoppers will be greeted this holiday season with festive decorations and free events as the Bayside District’s Winterlit Celebration enters its fourth year with a twist.

The former ice-themed décor that created an Arctic landscape has been transformed into a whimsical scene of vivid green trees, retro light bulbs, candy canes and woodland creatures that is reminiscent of Christmas past.

“Third Street is such an eclectic, fun and upbeat environment that I tried to take this faceted tree and ice floes and warm it up so the setting takes people to a place of fond memories of Christmas,” said Daniel Lucas, project manager for Scenario Design, which created the new look.

“If nothing else, it will catch them off guard and bring a smile to their faces,” said Lucas.

It took a crew of seven to bring the décor makeover to life. They included painters, effects people and crew leader Jameel Haiat, who worked on the Macy’s Christmas Day Parade.

The materials used for the outdoor scene had to stand up to the weather and other environmental elements for more than a month, so an automotive paint with a flake that is popular for hotrods and speed boats was used on the trees, Lucas said.

After much research finding the doves, candy canes and woodland animals, the objects were "weatherized" using exterior grade paint and sealers. “The glitter on the ice floes was very difficult to get, it was a special order, but well worth it,” Lucas added.

In addition to the new holiday decorations, there are many exciting events planned for holiday visitors. Two VIP shopping days will offer great discounts for pass holders, while kids can have breakfast with Santa or frolic in the snow at Winterlit Fun! for free.

Young adults have the chance to enter the first Santa Monica’s Top Model Contest, with winners taking to the runway at the Winterlit Fashion Show. Even pets get their day with an opportunity to meet Santa and take home a keepsake photo.

See complete Winterlit Event Schedule below.

Winterlit Event Schedule

Thursday, Nov. 10, 6 pm-9 pm

• VIP shopping event with Shop Etc magazine at
participating stores and VIP tents on Third Street Promenade

Saturday, Nov. 19, 9:30 am

• Breakfast with Santa sponsored by Jinky’s in SMP

Sunday, Dec. 4, Celebrate Santa Monica!

• 10 am-9 pm Friends & Family community shopping day
benefiting local schools at participating stores

• 12 pm-5 pm Beauty Lounge Event in SMP

• 5 pm-8 pm Fairmont Miramar “Meet me Under the Fig Tree” music, hot chocolate & silent auction for Katrina rebuilding efforts

Mon. Dec. 5 & 12, 4 pm-8 pm

• Pet Night with Santa in SMP

Tuesday, Dec. 6, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

• Santa Monica’s top model contest in SMP

Saturday, Dec. 10, 12 pm – 4 pm

• Winterlit Fun! Children’s event on Third Street Promenade
interactive booths, snow, pony rides & petting zoo

Sunday, Dec. 11, 2 pm and 3:30 pm

• Winterlit Fashion Show on Third Street Promenade
see the latest styles on the outdoor runway

More Ongoing Events Throughout the Season

• Free Giftwrapping on Third Street Promenade at Broadway

• Santa for a Senior
Pick a gift for a local homebound senior citizen at
SMP Center Court

• Check out the LA Weekly for more event announcements!

For more information, visit downtownsm.com or
call 310.393.8355 d SMP=Santa Monica Place at Third & Broadway