Malibu’s permanent open-air shopping village turns festive each December — a decorated tree, a light-up menorah, and twinkle lights strung through the sycamore courtyards, with free Saturday family events that make it a place to linger rather than just shop.
Each holiday season, Malibu Country Mart trims its courtyards with a tall decorated tree, a light-up menorah for Hanukkah, and strings of twinkling lights woven through the sycamores. Unlike a pop-up market, the Mart is Malibu’s permanent open-air village — so the holiday version is the same shops, restaurants, and courtyards families know year-round, dressed for the season. The relaxed layout invites lingering: wander between storefronts, pause at the central playground, and grab a hot drink while the kids run the courtyards.
On Saturdays through December, the Mart layers in free family events. In recent years these have included photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus, live reindeer visits, holiday carolers, and warm seasonal treats — all open to the public with no ticket required. The exact lineup changes year to year, but the rhythm — Saturdays in December, late afternoon into the evening — holds steady.
The Mart sits at the heart of central Malibu, just inland from PCH and a few minutes’ walk from the Malibu Pier and the lagoon. It pairs naturally with the season’s other central-Malibu stop — the Malibu Civic Center Holiday Market & Tree Lot across Civic Center Way, where the focus is picking out a tree and browsing the Saturday vendor booths. Many families do both in one afternoon: the tree lot for the errand, the Country Mart for the lingering — with a beach walk or a stroll down Cross Creek Road in between.
No — admission, parking, and the Saturday family activities are all free. Individual shops and restaurants charge their normal prices.
Typically Saturdays through December, with family activities running in the late afternoon. Specific dates and times vary year to year — check the Mart’s events page before you go.
3835 Cross Creek Road in central Malibu, just inland from Pacific Coast Highway and across Civic Center Way from the Malibu Pier. Look for the cluster of low wooden buildings and the sycamore-shaded courtyards.
Yes. The Mart’s brick walkways and open courtyards are easy with a stroller, and there’s a small playground at the center where younger kids can take a break.
The Malibu Pier and Malibu Lagoon are a short walk away, and Cross Creek Road continues past the Mart with more shops and casual restaurants. A morning at the beach plus a Saturday afternoon at the Mart is a common holiday combo for local families.
Malibu Country Mart is the city’s main open-air shopping village, set between Cross Creek Road and the Malibu Lagoon along Civic Center Way. Opened in 1976 as one of Malibu’s first organized retail centers, the Mart’s low-slung wooden buildings and shaded courtyards have grown into a beloved gathering spot for the community — a casual meeting place for neighbors, beachgoers, and visitors at the heart of central Malibu, a short walk from the Malibu Pier and the Lagoon.
A community tree lot and weekend holiday market on the Civic Center lawn — a benefit for Malibu’s public schools that doubles as a low-key family gathering across late November and December.
Brian J. Cook
An immersive walk-thru holiday wonderland at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas — a curated village of light installations, characters, and seasonal markets created by L.A. event design pros.
Brian J. Cook
Calabasas comes together for an annual Menorah Lighting Celebration at The Commons — live music, holiday treats, the official menorah lighting, and fireworks, free for all families.
Brian J. Cook
Step back to 1880s rancho California at Leonis Adobe’s Holiday Roundup — hands-on crafts, live music, farm animals, and Santa visits at one of L.A.’s oldest historic homes.
Brian J. Cook
Southern California’s holiday lights and festive outings are pure magic — but nothing compares to Santa Claus himself stepping through your own front door. House of Kringle brings a real-bearded, professionally trained Santa to homes and gatherings across SoCal for an intimate live visit your family will treasure for years.
Check Availability
Have a date in mind? Tell us when and where, and we’ll let you know whether Santa is open. House of Kringle brings a real-bearded Santa Claus to Live Visits and Group Experiences across Southern California, and December fills quickly, so the sooner you check, the better your odds of locking in your first choice.
This is a quick availability check, not a booking. Nothing is reserved and nothing is owed until we’ve confirmed your date and you’ve placed your retainer.
