By Lookout Staff

December 10, 2025 -- Some 1,000 residents and visitors are expected to gather once again under the Fairmont Miramar Hotel's iconic 150-year-old fig tree Sunday to raise a toast to the holiday season.

The annual "Meet Me Under The Fig Tree" celebration has become a community tradition that features falling snow, a visit from Santa, live music to dance to, and festive drinks, small bites and holiday activities.

The event -- which takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. -- also features special performances by the SaMo High Orchestra and renowned master pianist Jason Pelsey, and raffles "with incredible prizes, including overnight stays and dining experiences," organizers said.

The celebratory afternoon -- which is forecast to be cool and sunny -- offers the chance to enjoy a kid-friendly bounce house, take photos with Santa, decorate festive cookies and engage in arts and crafts.

Food vendors include Shake Shack, Lunetta, Emporium Thai, Michael’s, The Butter End and FIG Restaurant.

The annual event, held in partnership with local non-profit Santa MoniCARES, also brings forth a surge of holiday giving during its month-long charitable food and clothing drive.

Last year, the drive collected more than 2,300 pounds of food for the Westside Food Bank and hundreds of items of clothing and toys for clients of Chrysalis, a local non-profit job agency that helps low-income and homeless adults find work.

Guests are encouraged to bring canned food, new or gently worn clothing or monetary gifts for donations, organizers said.

At the center of it all is the beautifully adorned historical landmark Moreton Bay Fig Tree that Santa Monica's founder, Nevada Senator John P. Jones, and his wife, Georgina Jones, planted on the Miramar grounds in the late 1800s.

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