Sparkling lights, music of all kinds and special traditions return to the South Bay for the yuletide. Civic groups, nonprofits, religious organizations and businesses also have opportunities for encouraging those in need. Read-up and mark your calendars to fully embrace the season.
THROUGHOUT THE SEASON
Beach Cities Toy Drive
The public is invited to support the 31st Annual Beach Cities Toy Drive benefiting children through 10 local and regional charities. Donations of unwrapped, new toys are welcome through Friday, Dec. 15, at the Manhattan Beach Fire Station, 400 15th St.; Manhattan Beach City Hall, 1400 Highland Ave.; and the Hermosa Beach Police/Fire station, 540 Pier Ave. Additionally, those attending the Dec. 10 Skechers Holiday Fireworks event can look for a donation area near Santa’s sleigh. A wrapping party takes place Saturday, Dec. 16, starting at 11 a.m. at the Joslyn Community Center, 1601 N. Valley Drive, Manhattan Beach. Supporters are asked to bring wrapping paper, scissors and tape.
JCC invites donations
In celebration of Hanukkah, The Jewish Community Center is collecting gifts and sponsorships for Ray Carroll Toy Drive and also is partnering with South Bay Workforce to bring gifts, clothing, meals and smiles to hundreds of needy children and their families. A $35 donation will provide a child with a beautiful gift and new clothing; $100 will provide gifts, clothing and a meal for an entire family. Sponsorships can be made online at jcc.org. The toy drive is underway until 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at the center on 2108 Vail Ave., Redondo Beach, when the community is welcome to stay and wrap the gifts.
Flair Cares drive
Flair Cleaners’ annual Holiday Clothing and Shoe Drive will be underway Nov. 24 through Dec. 31. Used clothing, coats, business attire, hats, pajamas and shoes — along with new socks or undergarments — can be dropped off at any Flair’s location. Or, leave a clearly-marked bag with home orders being picked-up or delivered. Donations will be given to the National Council of Jewish Women, the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission, and The Salvation Army Santa Monica. Flair’s location in Redondo Beach is on 1900 Artesia Ave.; flaircleaners.com.
Astra Lumina light show
The South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., hosts the light show Astra Lumina, an immersive show of lights spanning the garden’s 87 acres. The celestial-themed display invites visitors to discover the wonder of stars and cosmic visions. Tickets are $35 for adults; $25 for kids 4-12; other discounts and group rates available. Find details on astralumina.com/los-angeles.
Torrance ice rink
Get in the mood for winter at a synthetic Ice Fantasy Skating Rink in downtown Torrance, now through Sunday, Jan 7. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 4 to 9:30 p.m., Fridays from 2:30 to 9:30 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Extended winter break hours are Monday through Friday from 1 to 9:30 p.m. Admission includes a 60-minute ice-skating session and skate rental; $14 for children, $16 for adults and $45 for seniors and military.
Gingerbread Lounge at Terranea
Saturday, Nov. 25 though Friday, Jan. 3, Terranea Resort welcomes visitors to a merrily decorated pop-up Gingerbread Lounge in its lobby. A seven-by-seven-foot, candy-covered creation includes a functioning bar. Desserts and special cocktails will be offered, as well as hot chocolate and cider. Visiting children can write a postcard to Santa, crunch on complimentary cookies and—weekends only—take a photo with Santa. Operating weekdays from 4 to 10 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday from 2 to 10 p.m. Located at 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes. Additional holiday events are available for a fee; learn more on terranea.com.
Golf putting at Terranea
The Links oceanfront golf course at Terranea, 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, hosts Ho-Ho Hole-in-One putting from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. between Sunday, Dec. 24 and Sunday, Dec. 31.Complimentary for all participants.
Miracle pop-up bars
‘Sippin’ Santa’ cocktail bars from Miracle are open throughout Los Angeles with refreshing drinks, over-the-top decorations and special mugs for purchase. Favorites such as the Christmapolitan and Christmas Cricket will be on the cocktail menu, along with new recipes. A portion of some merchandise sales will be donated to the nonprofit Seva Foundation. In the South Bay, look for the Miracle bar inside Patrick Molloy’s at 50-A Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. Open from 12 noon to 2 p.m. daily, Nov. 22 through Dec. 31– except on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Snow Flurries at The Point
Come to The Point from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturdays from Dec. 2 through Dec. 30 for ‘magical’ snow flurries in the grass area, every 30 minutes. The Point is at 850 S. Pacific Coast Hwy. in El Segundo.
THIS WEEK
Hermosa Beach elf hunt
Shoppers of all ages can take part in an Elf on a Shelf activity in stores throughout downtown Hermosa Beach, now through Nov. 27. Learn the 20 elves’ names and drop-off a completed postcard at a designated locations to be entered in a prize drawing. Winners will be notified on Dec. 1.
Manhattan Village celebrates
The community is invited on Friday, Nov. 24, to the plaza in Manhattan Village shopping center, 3200 N. Sepulveda Blvd., for a “Merry and Bright” event from 3 to 6 p.m. A 41-feet-high tree will be illuminated with a backdrop of simulated snowfall. Bring chairs or a blanket, and stay for music from the Mira Costa High School marching band, Tyler F. Simmons, Jessica Louis and Live 61.
Kiwanis Tree Lot opens
The Hermosa Kiwanis Tree Lot opens Friday, Nov. 24, celebrating 38 years under the big top at Pier Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway. Along with trees in a variety of sizes, patrons can get stands, wreaths, and pictures with Santa. 100% of proceeds go to local non-profits and scholarships. Hours are from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily.
Small Business Saturday
Beach Cities residents are encouraged to support locally owned businesses in their downtown areas, throughout the season but especially on Saturday, Nov. 25. Additionally, The Point at 850 S. Pacific Coast Highway, El Segundo, hosts the Sun and Sea collective market with wares from 25 local vendors, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Terranea Tree Lighting
Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes heralds in the holidays by inviting the community to a lighting of its glittering, 30-foot tree, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25. The event features entertainment, including carolers and a performance from “The Nutcracker” by the San Pedro Ballet School. Children can visit Mr. and Mrs. Claus, pet a reindeer, and snack on s’mores. Admission is complimentary; suggested donation of an unwrapped gift for Toys for Tots.
Torrance Memorial festival
A festive fundraiser, the Torrance Memorial Holiday Festival, occurs Tuesday, Nov. 28 through Sunday, Dec. 3 (premium ticketed events only on Dec. 1). Located in the white tent at Skypark and Medical Center drives. Attractions include beautifully decorated trees, entertainment, shopping venues, children’s activities and a food court. The public is welcome Tuesday, Nov. 28, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Nov. 29 and Thursday, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission is $5; children under 5 free. Details: torrancememorialfoundation.org/holiday-festival.
COMING SOON
Irish Christmas concert
A holiday tradition, “Irish Christmas in America” returns to the Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Civic Center Drive, on Friday Dec. 1, at 8 p.m. Guests of all ages will experience lively instrumental tunes on fiddle, flute, uilleann pipes and harp, along with old-style dancing and nostalgic images of the Emerald Isle. For ticket details, visit torrancearts.org/upcoming-shows.
Skating at Ken Dyda center
‘Skating in the Park” opens for the season on Friday, Dec. 1, with a tree-lighting ceremony, food, crafts, inflatables and a synthetic ice rink, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Ken Dyda Civic Center, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes. Registration and fee required for 30-minute skate sessions; $7 for RPV residents and $10 for non-residents. Additional dates for skating are Dec. 2, Dec. 3 and Dec. 26-31, from 12:30 to 7 p.m. Details on rpvca.gov/skate.
Sandpipers home tour
Four beautiful homes with seasonal decor are featured in the Sandpipers Holiday Home Tour, Friday-Saturday, Dec. 1 and 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees will be treated to lively entertainment, a market with locally crafted items, and café stops. The Holiday Market is open until 5 p.m. all three days. There will be no shuttle this year; ride sharing is encouraged. Bike parking available at all stops.
Lazy Dog breakfast with Santa
Children 12 and under will receive a complimentary meal and holiday treats while meeting Santa Claus on Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Lazy Dog restaurant in Del Amo Fashion Center, 3525 W. Carson St., Torrance. Seatings available from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.; spaces limited. Companions over age 12 may purchase food and drinks. Make a reservation via the Events tab on simon.com/del-amo-fashion-center.
JMNS performs classics
The Joanna Medawar Nachef singers present Bach’s Cantata 140 with an instrumental ensemble and featured soloists. “Sleepers, Wake!” is one of Bach’s best-loved Christmas cantatas. The singers will perform additional holiday favorites and hold an audience sing-along. Show time is Saturday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m., at the James R. Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. Tickets: $35 general admission; discounts for youth and seniors. Call the box office at (310) 781-7171, or purchase online from the Venues tab on arts.torranceca.gov.
Patsy Cline-inspired concert
Cori Cable Kidder channels Patsy Cline in a holiday show on Saturday, Dec. 2, starting at 2 p.m. at the Second Story Theater, 710 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. Tickets are $40 for adults, some discounts available; purchase online at p3theatre.biz/patsy-cline.
PV Peninsula Parade of Lights
The City of Rolling Hills Estates lights up the season on Saturday, Dec. 2 with the a Holiday Parade of Lights featuring festive floats parading through the commercial district along Silver Spur Road and Deep Valley Drive, through the Promenade and then Norris Center Drive. Catch it between 6 and 7:30 p.m.
Manhattan Beach Local Love
Music and lights welcome the holiday season throughout downtown Manhattan Beach. On Saturday, Dec. 2 from 12 to 2 p.m., enjoy music on steel drums. Performances on Sunday, Dec. 3 include the Mira Costa High School carolers from 12 to 2 p.m., and a colorful Golf Cart Parade at 4 p.m. Find updates on downtownmanhattanbeach.com/events.
“Festive Joy” concert
The Palos Verdes Symphonic Band presents a holiday concert, Festive Joy, on Sunday, Dec. 3 from 4 to 5:30 p.m., at the Riviera United Methodist Church, 375 Palos Verdes Blvd., Redondo Beach. Free, festive and fun for all ages.
Make a gingerbread house
Children aged 5-12 will love building and painting a wooden gingerbread house (with a parent or caregiver), at the Hermosa Beach Library, 550 Pier Ave. The session takes place Wednesday, Dec. 6 from 3 to 4 p.m. Supplies provided; learn more on lacountylibrary.org.
Flight Before Christmas wine tasting
The nonprofit group Walk With Sally holds The Flight Before Christmas, a blind wine-tasting event starting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6. Entry is $100 per team of two people, and three bottles of the same wine. Register on donate.walkwithsally.org.
North MB Walkabout
The streets of North Manhattan Beach will be bustling with shoppers on Thursday, Dec. 7, when businesses will offer unique gifts, discounts, samples, delicious food and libations. From 5 to 9 p.m. Wear an ugly sweater and stroll along Highland Avenue between 32nd and 40th streets to get in on the fun. Kids can enjoy a petting zoo, face-painting and Santa Claus.
HA-HA! Holiday Show
Senior Comedy Afternoons is back, with its family-friendly celebration of life and comedy. The clean-and-clever “HA-HA! Holiday Show” features talent aged 50+ and takes place on Dec. 17 at the Los Verdes Golf Course, 7000 W. Los Verdes Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. followed by the show at 1:30. Ticket sales close on Dec. 7; admission is $90, free for centenarians. Reserve a seat via seniorcomedyafternoons.com or by calling (714)914-2565.
Sand snowman contest
Hermosa Beach holds a Sand Snowman-Making contest, open to all ages and abilities, on Saturday, Dec. 9. Registration begins at 9 a.m., and judging will start at 11:15. Come early and choose a spot on the beach near 15th Street. Prizes will be awarded for Hermosa Beach Favorite, Most Unique, Traditional, Best Dressed, and Funniest.
The Great Santa Stroll
Join hundreds of ‘Santas’ and stroll from Hermosa Beach pier to Manhattan Beach pier along the Strand in a fundraiser, The Great Santa Stroll, benefiting Mychal’s Learning Place. On Saturday, Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Bring family and friends to kick-off the holiday season with this fun event. Registrants receive a free Santa Suit; find details online at mychals.org/events.
Crafts at Manhattan Heights
Families are invited to make crafts and ornaments, Saturday, Dec. 9, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Manhattan Heights Park, 1600 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Santa will make an appearance as revelers enjoy treats. Register for both via the Resident’s event calendar on manhattanbeach.gov.
Cruise At The Beach show
The King Harbor Realtors present its Cruise at The Beach Holiday Show, featuring festive cars and bikes, starting at noon on Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Redondo Beach Marina, 245 N. Harbor Drive. Tickets are $36. Throughout the afternoon, until 6 p.m., visitors can enjoy music, raffle drawings and games. Donations encouraged for Toys for Tots. To register, visit cruiseatthebeach.com.
Redondo Pier concert
Enjoy festive music, photo-opps and children’s activity books on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. on the Redondo Beach Pier. Bring an unwrapped toy for donation to the Love in the Mirror Toy Drive, and win a chance for a prize. Details: redondopier.org.
King Harbor Boat Parade
The 2023 King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade resumes this season on Saturday, Dec. 9 with a theme “It’s a Wonderful Life,” and honoring Storm 2022-23 First Responders. Colorfully lit boats start cruising at 5:30 p.m. The best viewing area is Moonstone Park, 280 Marina Way in Redondo Beach. Find registration and other details on kingharborboatparade.org.
Flag football at Seaside Lagoon
BeachLife and Tito’s Vodka holds a Turkey Bowl event on Sunday, Dec. 10 from 12 to 4 p.m. at Seaside Lagoon, 200 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach. The friendly competition features flag football and generates support for the The Salvation Army Food Bank. Come to play or cheer for others. Teams of six can sign-up via a link on facebook.com/BeachLifeFest. Bring a can of food for entry.
Giant Hanukkah celebration
A super-sized menorah, live entertainment, crafts, refreshments and more await visitors to a Giant Hanukkah Celebration at Hermosa Pier Plaza starting at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10. Don’t miss the Gelt Drop from a raised firetruck ladder. This event incorporates the theme “Light up the Darkness” for Israel Solidarity. Details on jccmb.com.
MB Pier Fireworks
Holiday fireworks sponsored by Skechers take place in downtown Manhattan Beach at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10. Bring chairs and blankets, and come early to the Manhattan Beach Pier area for activities including carolers starting at 3 p.m.; a sledding hill from 4 to 6:30 p.m.; Dixie-style music at 4 p.m.; and the Mira Costa High jazz band starting at 5 p.m. Street closings will be in effect throughout the day. Details online at mbfireworks.com.
Crafts at Manhattan Heights
Make crafts and ornaments with the family while partaking in food, special treats and hot cocoa. Come dressed to impress at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, or 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10, at the Community Center in Manhattan Heights Park, 1600 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Santa Claus will make a visit. Register through the Residents Calendar on manhattanbeach.gov.
Menorah lights at Metlox
Vibrant lights on a giant menorah will illuminate Monday, Dec. 11, at 5:30 p.m. in Metlox Plaza in Manhattan Beach. Celebrants can enjoy verses from the Torah, music, dancing, donuts and hot latkes.
Latkes at MB Farmers Market
Join Sara Mintz and Laya Lisbon on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at the Manhattan Beach Farmers Market for a 12 p.m. demonstration of making latkes and homemade applesauce. The traditional Hanukkah dish will be served with sour cream. The market is located around Metlox Plaza, 451 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Menorah lights at RB Civic
An ongoing observation of Hanukkah throughout the Beach Cities takes place Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 5:30 p.m., when lights on a giant menorah will be turned-on at the Redondo Beach Civic Center, 415 Diamond St. Participants can enjoy readings from the Torah, music, dancing, donuts and hot latkes.
Battle of the Bands toy drive
BeachLife and the Project Barley Brewery and Pizzeria invite the community to a Battle of the Bands competition starting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 12. Bring an unwrapped toy for admission — nothing stuffed or plush. Project Barley is at 2308 Pacific Coast Hwy, Lomita. Find updates about this event on facebook.com/BeachLifeFest.
More menorahs light up
Celebrate Hanukkah at Manhattan Village, 3200 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach, on Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m., when a giant menorah will be illuminated in the outdoor plaza. Another commemoration occurs Thursday, Dec. 14 at 5:30 p.m., at El Segundo City Hall, 350 Main St. Take part in readings from the Torah, music, dancing, donuts and hot latkes.
AdventurePlex party
Kids ages 4-12 are welcome at a Winter Wonderland party at Adventure Plex on Friday, Dec. 15, from 5 to 9 p.m. Activities include AdventureRoom play, arts and crafts, games, bouncers and a pizza dinner. AdventurePlex is at 1701 Marine Ave., Manhattan Beach. Cost: $45. Visit adventureplex.org/seasonalcamps to register.
“The Grinch” and activities
“The Grinch” screens Friday, Dec. 15 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Hermosa Beach Community Center, 710 Pier Ave. Come early for games, crafts and pictures with Santa starting at 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 for children; adults free; purchase at the door or online from a link on hermosabeach.gov.
The Nutcracker in RB
Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, the Los Angeles Ballet stays true to the holiday story with some twists geared toward Southern California: a Spanish-style home, bougainvillea, snowy Sierra forests, and a moonlit Pacific Ocean. Show times are 8 p.m. on Friday Dec. 15; 12 and 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16; and 12 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17. Tickets range from $38 to $138; discounts available for students, children, seniors, and military. Purchase online losangelesballet.org.
Harp music at MB library
Get into the spirit of the season at the Manhattan Beach Library on Saturday, Dec. 16 from 1 to 2 p.m., for a performance by harpist Peggy Skomal. The library is at 1320 Highland Ave.
Children’s Hospital party
The Point is partnering with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles for a Holiday Block Party and Toy Drive on Saturday, Dec. 16 from noon to 4 p.m. The Point will be buzzing with activities for all ages including story time with Mrs. Claus, a Nutcracker-inspired performance, and more. Donate a new toy or household item to receive a “passport’ for access to treats, discounts and giveaways.
Festive music in MB
Students from Mira Costa High School bring holiday band and choral music to the streets from 12 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16 and on Sunday, Dec. 17.
Ukulele sounds in MB
Jack Tracy will be out and about downtown Manhattan Beach playing holiday music on a ukulele from 12 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 23.
