Archives for November 4, 2025

Following the success of last year’s event, the iconic Queen Mary in Long Beach will once again honor our nation’s heroes this Veterans Day with a day of celebration dedicated to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families. On Tuesday, November 11, from 11 AM to 3 PM, guests will enjoy free admission aboard the legendary ship, featuring special programming and family-friendly activities designed to commemorate and celebrate their service.

“We are honored to once again open our decks to the men and women who have served our country,” said Steve Caloca, Managing Director of The Queen Mary. “As a war veteran herself, the Queen Mary proudly welcomes fellow veterans and their families aboard for a day of reflection, gratitude, and celebration. It’s a privilege to create a meaningful day filled with special programming that reflects our deep gratitude for their service and sacrifice.”

Throughout the day, veterans and their guests can enjoy exclusive experiences, including meet-and-greets with the ship’s Captain and officers, arts and crafts, letter-writing to active troops, and live entertainment featuring patriotic performances by the USO Girls. 

Admission also includes access to select self-guided tours of the ship’s renowned exhibits and spaces, including the Churchill Exhibit, Engine Room, Ship Model Gallery, The Wheelhouse, and The Shipyard. Guests looking to make the most of their visit can enhance their experience with guided tours, dining at the ship’s restaurants, retail shopping, and cocktails at the historic Observation Bar.

“The Queen Mary’s legacy of service as a troopship during World War II connects her deeply to this day of remembrance,” Caloca added. “It’s an honor to celebrate side by side with those who have shared in that same spirit of duty and resilience.”

Veterans can reserve a ticket for themselves and guests today by visiting, Queen Mary Veterans Day Celebration

For more information on the Queen Mary, Veterans Day, and more visit queenmary.com/whatsondeck, or connect with us on social @TheQueenMary.

Credit: The Queen Mary.

 Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM, Inc.) announces the return of Ice at Santa Monica presented by Disney+ and Hulu, the city’s beloved holiday tradition, now celebrating its 17th season. From November 7, 2025, through January 19, 2026, the seasonal ice rink at 1324 5th Street will transform Downtown Santa Monica into a winter wonderland by the beach, welcoming families and friends to create unforgettable holiday memories. 

The festivities kick off with the Grand Opening Celebration on Friday, November 7, from 6 to 10 p.m. Guests can enjoy free ice skating (available on a first-come, first-served basis), a live DJ, on-ice skating performances, giveaways and a magical “snow” surprise. 

Admission to the Ice at Santa Monica skating rink is $22 for a 60-minute session, including skate rental. The rink will be open daily through January 19, 2026 from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Throughout the season, visitors can also indulge in rink-side fire pits, rent private party tents and participate in themed events including:

• Taylor Swift Birthday Celebration | Friday, December 13 during 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. sessions
• New Year’s Eve East Coast Countdown | Tuesday, December 31 from 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Disney+ and Hulu Themed Nights | Every Tuesday will feature rotating themed programming inspired by Disney+ and Hulu favorites, from a Home Alone Night to a Die Hard Night, with more exciting themes to be announced.
• Classical Sundays presented by KUSC | 12:00 pm and 1:30 pm sessions

With the Disney+, Hulu Bundle, guests can bring the holidays home with their favorite movies like Home Alone, The Santa Clause, Die Hard, and The Polar Express (arriving Nov. 20), and unwrap brand-new premieres like A Very Jonas Christmas Movie (Nov. 14) and the highly anticipated second season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Dec. 10).

For more information on Ice at Santa Monica, please visit iceatsantamonica.com or call 310-807-4822. For details on all holiday happenings in Downtown Santa Monica, visit downtownsm.com/calendar. 

Credit: Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM, Inc.)