The 7th Annual Venice Holiday Sign Lighting kicked off the season with marvelous music, amazing art, tasty treats, and festive fun for all!   Over 6,000 people gathered along Windward Avenue underneath the Venice Sign on Saturday, December 1st to watch the sign turn from white to green and red.

Before the official sign lighting, crowds danced to music by indie band, Foxtrails, and Venice R&B artist, Luckson, who both brought a new generation of local music talent to the big Windward stage. Art was appreciated as hundreds of children from schools in the community got involved in the event by entering into the fourth annual “My Venice Holiday” Poster Contest. Their art was displayed all over the event and winners from each grade were honored onstage by Venice Art Crawl President Sunny Bak accompanied by LAUSD Board Representative Nick Melvoin. In between enjoying the music and art, attendees were taken back to the glory days of Abbot Kinney’s Venice by taking free rides on the “Windward Wheel” ferris wheel. Over 40 local businesses, charities, and city departments joined in on the celebration by filling the street with gifts, treats, and the overall spirit of the season!

Special guest Rock N Roll Hall of Famer Andy Summers of The Police walked over from his long-time studio/residence in the heart of the historic Windward Business District to help with the final act of the night: the official sign lighting. Summers, alongside Council member Mike Bonin, pulled the switch and lit the Venice Sign for the holidays as community members from near and far cheered on. Council member Bonin continued the tradition established by his predecessor CM Rosendahl by joining the Venice Chamber of Commerce in hosting the event for the seventh year in a row.

This beloved tradition would not have been possible without the support of the incredible sponsors and the participation of the vibrant Venice community. Thank you to all who assisted and attended! It was so wonderful celebrating the holidays with all of you!