December 1, 2017, marks the return of The Montana Holiday Walk. This festive annual event is a great way to kick off the holidays. This event is always fun and busy – lots of locals come out to bring in the season.
Enjoy holiday music and refreshments while you enjoy ten blocks of boutique stores that offer wonderful gifts for friends and family. It’s a great time to do some shopping while enjoying holiday cheer. The walk runs from 7th street to 17th street from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm…it’s your chance to embrace the season.
Many stores are participating and having their own exclusive events. There will be live music up and down the street.
Be sure to start at 7th street…Stop by Texture: A Sweater store and More. Jane Walker said she loves the sense of community that Montana Avenue Holiday event brings each year. While at Texture be sure to buy a beautiful sweater. It’s the best time to buy a beautiful scarf or sweater…what a great gift! TEXTURE: A Sweater Store & More is located at 716 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, CA; (310) 393-0707; See FB page.
In addition to being a proficient guitarist, Skrabak is also a noted songwriter. He has worked with legendary sax player Hollis Gentry, and while in the band, he wrote a song (NO PODRAS) which was performed by Gentry and would later become a huge international hit for the Mexican artist Cristian Castro.Find out more about Peter Skrabak and his music on http://www.peterskrabak.com
Then stroll East…stop for a quick bite at ROSTI Tuscan Kitchen, 931 Montana Avenue; 310-393-3236; http://www.rostituscankitchen.com
Just across the street from ROSTI Tuscan Kitchen, guitarist Milo Gonzalez will be performing outside The Shade Store. 
He is self-taught in both classical guitar and flamenco guitar. Gonzalez has performed at well known music festivals such as Coachella, Lightning in a Bottle, Electric Picnic, Boom Festival, and Farmaid. https://soundcloud.com/milo-gonzalez.
The Shade Store® is located at 1001 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica; https://www.theshadestore.com
Just across the street…you can opt for stopping and having a bite to eat at Art’s Table. The local eatery aspires to embody the generous spirit and infectious optimism of its namesake, respected waterman and longtime Santa Monica educator and City historian Art Verge, whose family roots date back five generations to Santa Monica’s Marquez Rancho days. Art’s Table, 1002 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90403; (310) 395-2500; http://www.artstablesm.com
Next walk East to BoCA Clothing where you will find the Rick Bryan Trio Band playing some jazz and holiday tunes just outside. 
Rick Bryan on drums
The band features Tadg Galaran on keys and vocals, with Ron Battle on bass guitar. Bandleader and drummer Rick Bryan has thirty years of experience. Bryan specializes in reactive spontaneous blues and jazz drumming.
You’ll want to start shopping at BoCA, which features an eclectic mix of brands. Jazz up your wardrobe with the latest fashions. BoCA 1034 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403; 310.459.7259; http://bocaclothing.com/
Stop by and visit Santa Claus and Ryan Ole Hass at Engel & Volkers. Ryan Ole Hass, 2017 Chair for the Montana Avenue Merchants Association said “The Montana Avenue Holiday Walk is a truly special charming community event that happens to be hosted by the businesses. It takes you back a few decades where small communities around the country would gather to celebrate the holidays together by enjoying small bites, drinks, and, of course, Santa! It is something that Santa Monica residents old and young and even younger absolutely look forward to year after year.” Engel & Volkers, 1123 Montana Avenue; Santa Monica, CA 90403; http://www.RyanOleHass.evusa.com
Ryan Ole Hass sits on Santa’s lab with his dog Owen; photo courtesy of Ryan Ole Hass
At Le Macaron, indulge in French pastries with an expresso. This café specializes in macarons, pastries, chocolate, cakes, coffee and more. My jazz band Kat and the Jazz Birds, will be performing just outside this fabulous café. Enjoy Christmas carols and of course jazz, along with some old time swing. Le Macaron, 1301 Montana Ave. https://www.lemacaronsantamonica.com/
Photo by Daniel Gilbertson; Kat and the Jazz Birds
WSA | Coldwell Banke will be offering cookies and refreshments along with a photo booth…It’s always a fun party here. WSA | Coldwell Banker, 1531 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica 90403; http://bit.ly/2kaqgvc
Keep on heading East on Montana Avenue, and take in all the fun.
What: Annual Montana Ave Holiday Walk
Where: 7th to 17th Streets on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica
When: Friday Dec. 1, 2017, 5 – 9 pm
Website: http://www.montanaave.com
