The Arnold Strongman Series features the strongest athletes in the world competing in a series of Professional Strongman Competitions at Arnold Classic Events in the United States, Europe, Australia, South America, South Africa and Asia. Qualifying events are held throughout the year, culminating with the Arnold Strongman Series World Championship in Columbus, Ohio. The Santa Monica Championship Competition will serve as the final qualifier for competitors attempting to compete in the World Championships in March, 2019.

2018 World Series Champion, Thor Bjornsson, better known as the Mountain from HBO’s series “Game of Thrones” is scheduled to appear as he prepares to defend his title. Three-Time World Champion and top American challenger, Brian Shaw has already qualified for the 2019 World Championships, but plans on taking the first Santa Monica Championship.

Fueled by the recent fire devastation in California, the 2019 Santa Monica Championship gives sponsors and attendees a chance to support the victims of the Woolsey and Hill Fires in Thousand Oaks and Malibu. Proceeds will be split between the Ventura County Fire Department Widows, Orphans & Assistance fund, CDF Firefighters benevolent foundation, and the Santa Monica Firefighters Relief fund.

Arnold Strongman Pro World Series
Santa Monica Championship
Saturday, January 19, 2019
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
More Information Here.

Eric Kufs performs at the Santa Monica Farmers Market on Sunday, January 13, 2019.

Idle Hands perform at the Santa Monica Farmers Market on Sunday, January 6, 2019.

The 65th annual Santa Monica Christmas Nativity Scene on display at Calvary Baptist Church. Each year since 1953, the city of Santa Monica has celebrated Christmas by hosting a series of Nativity scenes assembled by local churches to tell the story of the birth of Christ.  Originally, 14 independent  scenes with life-size figures depicting events surrounding Christ's birth lined Ocean Avenue in Palisades Park.  In 2011, atheists who opposed the religious displays were successful in influencing the city’s decision to end all unattended displays in the park.  While the displays no longer line Ocean Avenue on public property,  the nativity scene is still being staged on the grounds of Calvary Baptist Church, at 1502 20th Street, Santa Monica. 

The sun can be seen setting through Baile Oakes' interactive wood sculpture entitled "Gestation III," 1991, marking the winter solstice at Palisades Park on Friday, December 21, 2018. During only the 3 days of the winter solstice, the Sun sets exactly in the middle of the sculptures opening. The winter solstice marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year.

The Santa Monica Oceanaires sing Christmas carols at Santa Monica Place on Friday, December 21, 2018. The Santa Monica Oceanaires are a men's a cappella chorus (Barbershop style 4-part harmony) and are in a Society for the Preservation Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing In America.

Participants run along Barnard Way during the 41st Annual Santa Monica - Venice Christmas Run on Saturday, December 15, 2018. The Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run is Los Angeles’ largest holiday running event and a great fundraiser. The Christmas Run was started in 1977 with 10,000 runners participating in the race. For over three decades, it has not only remained a highly popular local run but the event has become an integral part of the Los Angeles community during the holiday season. For many, the Christmas Run is the true start of the holidays. The Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run has a 5K and a 10K run that winds through the beautiful streets of Santa Monica and Venice, California, including a long stretch along the famous Venice Beach boardwalk. Many runners participate in teams with friends or family and many run or walk in costume. There is also a short kids race at the finish line. @Christmasrun

Holiday Mermaids pose for photos at the #SantaMonicaPier Carousel on Friday, December 17, 2018.