‘Return to Joy’: Community to Celebrate 76th Annual Holiday HoHoHo!

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

With a theme of “Return to Joy,” the 76th annual Pacific Palisades Holiday HoHoHo! will take place on Saturday, December 13, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Lowe Family YMCA Christmas Tree Lot.

“This year’s theme, ‘Return to Joy,’ reflects the community’s resilience and unity following the devastating January fires,” read information about the event. “The HoHoHo! will once again bring neighbors together with live entertainment, children’s activities, crafts, treats and the warm, festive spirit that defines Pacific Palisades.”

Marking its 76th year as a “cherished, local holiday tradition,” the annual event is organized by “dedicated community volunteers,” which are known as “the Elves.”

“The HoHoHo! has always been about showing up for one another,” event organizers said in a statement. “This year, returning to joy means lifting each other up, celebrating together and reminding our community of its strength.”

Festivities are set to include performances—including Fancy Feet Dance Studio, Gerry Blanck’s Martial Arts Center and area singers—food and drink, games, crafts, decorating, and snow. There is no cost to attend: “Just bring your holiday spirit,” organizers encouraged.

“A highlight of the event is the arrival of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, continuing a treasured tradition,” the description continued. “Families are invited to meet them and take photos, creating holiday memories to last a lifetime.”

This year’s community partners include Lowe Family YMCA (formerly Palisades-Malibu YMCA), Pacific Palisades Community Council, Resilient Palisades, Palisades Recovery Coalition, Pacific Palisades Historical Society, Palisades Garden Cafe, Team Palisades, Palisades Charter High School Ambassadors, Palisades Village Green, Flour Pizzeria & Cafe, Marquez Charter Elementary School, Palisades Dolphin Strong, PaliStrong, Palisades Builders Coalition, Palisades Beautiful, Theatre Palisades, Pacific Palisades Library Association, The Parish of Saint Matthew, and Cinque Terre West.

The tree lot is located at Simon Meadow, at the corner of Temescal Canyon Road and Sunset Boulevard. It is open for the season Monday to Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m.

For more information, visit instagram.com/palihohoho. Questions can also be directed to palihohoho@gmail.com. RSVPs can be made at eventbrite.com/e/ho-ho-ho-holiday-event-tickets-1968891264774.