South Bay Holiday Events
Guide to South Bay events occurring weekly in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach.
Sunday, Nov. 25
■ ‘Messiah’ Community Sing-A-Long
The South Bay’s ninth annual “Messiah” Community Sing-A-Long takes place at St. Cross Episcopal Church in Hermosa Beach on Sunday, Nov. 25, at 3 p.m. Members of the North Torrance Youth Musicians Ensemble will join the St. Cross Chancel Choir & Guests to lead the audience in singing of the choruses. All are encouraged to be active participants, singing enthusiastically, whether they hit all the notes or not. Audience members can bring their own “Messiah” scores or rent one at the door. While admission is free, voluntary donations will benefit the North Torrance Youth Musicians Ensemble and the St. Cross music program. For more information, visit stcross.org or call the church at (310) 376-8989.
■ Breakfast with Santa
The first Breakfast with Santa takes place Sunday, Nov. 25 at the Joslyn Center, located at 1601 N. Valley Drive in Manhattan Beach, from 9 to 11 a.m. The Kiwanis Club Manhattan Beach kicks off the holiday season with “Breakfast with Santa,” which features photos and other activities. Breakfast tickets are $8 with children under 5 years old free. For tickets, visit eventbrite.com.
■ Santa photos at Gum Tree Hermosa
Gum Tree, located at 238 Pier Ave. in Hermosa Beach, will host its 10th annual Santa photos benefiting the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation, Sunday, Nov. 25, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will be complimentary cocoa for children. Photos are $20 for a digital file. For more information, visit gumtreela.com.
Tuesday, Nov. 27
■ Santa photos at MB Farmers Market
The Manhattan Beach Farmers Market will host photos with Santa Tuesday, Nov. 27, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event takes place in front of the Gum Tree Airstream. Photos are by local photographer Anne Marie Crotty. Pictures are $20 per digital file, with every penny donated to the Roundhouse Aquarium. There will be free muffins while waiting in line. For more information, visit gumtreela.com, or call (310) 318-2990.
Thursday, Nov. 29
■ Winter in the South Bay
Artistic Habitat, located at 705 N. Pacific Coast Highway in Redondo Beach, hosts the exhibit “Winter in the South Bay,” Thursday, Nov. 29, from 6 to 10 p.m. The event features art installations, tea lounge, traditional Hanukkah latkes, Christmas tree ornaments and more. For more information, visit artistichabitat.com.
Saturday, Dec. 1
■ SEA Lab Fishtivities
Make a gingerbread fish tank or take a touch tank tour at the SEA Lab, located at 1021 N. Harbor Drive in Redondo Beach. The event also features storytelling and crafts. Tickets range from $5 to $10. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/2zd89d0.
■ Hermosa Beach Tree Lighting
The Hermosa Beach Community Open House and Tree Lighting with the Rock for Tots Toy Drive Charity Concert takes place Saturday, Dec. 1, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Hermosa Beach Pier Plaza. Tree lighting festivities will take place on Pier Plaza from 3 to 8 p.m. and include a carousel, toy collection for Beach Cities Toy Drive, Santa’s Village featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Tree Lighting at 6 p.m. and live music performances throughout the afternoon/evening. Hermosa Beach non-profit groups will set up tents on Pier Plaza to give out popcorn, hot chocolate, etc. Merchants along pier Avenue and Hermosa avenue will host “Open house” specials and promotions from 11a.m. to 3 p.m. Merchants may have a table, rack and/or canopy on the sidewalk to display items for sale plus live music at Java Man and Stars Antique Market. For more information, visit hbchamber.net.
■ Gingerbread House Workshops
Gingerbread house workshops take place at the Manhattan Heights Park Community Center beginning at 10 a.m. 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1. Frost, design and decorate a gingerbread house, which includes unlimited candles, lollipops, gum-drops, candy canes, Santa sleighs and snow icing. Tickets are $55. For more information, visit citymb.info.
■ North MB Holiday Open House
The 11th annual North Manhattan Beach Christmas Holiday Open House and Walk About takes place Saturday, Dec. 1, from 5 to 9 p.m., 33rd to 40th on Highland Avenue. The event features complimentary balloon art, face painting, popcorn, cotton candy, live music, raffle prizes and more. Santa will be flying in to visit children between 6 and 8 p.m. For more information, visit citymb.com.
Sunday, Dec. 2
■ Hanukkah at The Point
Jews from around the South Bay will kick off Hanukkah on Sunday, Dec. 2, at “Hanukkah at The Point” in El Segundo, one of the South Bay’s largest annual Hanukkah celebrations. The celebration takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. at The Point, 850 S Sepulveda Blvd., in El Segundo. The event will feature storytelling, crafts, and music as well as Hanukkah traditions such as “dreidel,” a game involving a top, and festive eats, including “sufganiyot” (jelly doughnuts). Hanukkah at The Point, sponsored by Congregation Tikvat Jacob in Manhattan Beach, launches the eight-night Jewish holiday, which begins December 2. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit ctjmb.org.
■ Christmas concert
The “Brighten Your Holidays with the Love, Hope and Light of the Season” Christmas concert, takes place Sunday, Dec. 2, beginning at 3:30 p.m., at St. Peter’s by the Sea, located at 6410 Palos Verdes Drive South, in Rancho Palos Verdes. Featured in the free concert is Camille Saint-Saens. For more information, visit stpeterspres.org.
■ Santa photos at Gum Tree Hermosa
Gum Tree, located at 238 Pier Ave. in Hermosa Beach, will host its 10th annual Santa photos benefiting the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation, Sunday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will be complimentary cocoa for children. Photos are $20 for a digital file. For more information, visit gumtreela.com.
■ Sandpipers Holiday Home Tour
The 26th annual Sandpipers Holiday Home Tour takes place Sunday, Dec. 2. The tour showcases four distinctive homes in the South Bay. Each home will be decorated and transformed for the holiday season. In addition, the Sandpipers Holiday Market featuring local artisans and restaurants provides a unique shopping and dining experience. The Holiday Homes Tour attracts more than 2,000 patrons and garners tremendous support from numerous local businesses and community partners. For more information, visit sandpipers.org.
■ Christmas Family Night
Journey of Faith in Manhattan Beach hosts a Christmas Family Night Sunday, Dec. 2, from 4 to 5:30 pm. The event features s’mores, snow, crafts, games, a service project and more. Their Manhattan Beach location is at 1243 Artesia Blvd. For more information visit journeyoffaith.com.
Tuesday, Dec. 4
■ Menorah Lighting Celebration at Metlox
A Menorah Lighting Celebration takes place at Metlox, located at 451 Manhattan Beach Blvd. in Manhattan Beach, Tuesday, Dec. 4, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. There will be holiday fun for the family including Dreidel making, games and other activities. For more information, visit jccmb.com, or call (310) 214-4999.
Friday, Dec. 7
■ Holiday Trophy Ball Gala
The Fred Astaire Dance Studio hosts the Holiday Trophy Ball Gala Friday, Dec. 7, at the Crowne Plaza, located at 300 N. Harbor Drive in Redondo Beach, Friday, Dec. 7, from 6 p.m. to midnight. The event features fine dining, dancing and performances from their students and professionals, including guest Sophia Bollman from “The Voice.” For tickets, which are $175 per person, visit fredastaire.com/redondo-beach.
■ RBHS Victorian Holiday Party/toy drive
The annual Redondo Beach Historical Society Victorian Holiday Party and Toy Drive takes place Friday, Dec. 7, from 6 to 9 p.m., at 298 Flagler Lane. The historic Morrell House and Queen Anne Museum will be decked out for the holidays. The event features entertainment, hors d’oeuvres and other festivities. Admittance is an unwrapped toy. All toys will benefit the Cheer for Children charity organization, which provides holiday gifts to acutely ill children. If you are unable to attend our event, you are welcome to drop off your unwrapped toy at the Morrell House through Dec. 11 during regular museum hours (from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays). For more information, visit redondohistorical.org.
Saturday, Dec. 8
■ Holiday Concert Toy Drive
The eighth annual Holiday Concert Toy Drive and Santa on the Pier takes place Saturday, Dec. 8, at Fisherman’s Wharf on the Redondo Beach Pier, from 2 to 4 p.m. Presented by the Redondo Pier Association, the event is free and open to the public. Take a selfie with Surfing Santa. The event will benefit Love In The Mirror. Attendees are invited to bring a new unwrapped toy valued at $5 or more in exchange for a chance to win pier prizes. For information about Redondo Beach Pier, contact the Redondo Pier Association at [email protected] or visit RedondoPier.com.
■ Chanukah Bowling Party
A Chanukah Bowling Party takes place at the Gable House Bowl, located at 22501 Hawthorne Blvd. in Torrance, Saturday, Dec. 8, from 8 to 10 p.m. The event is $25 per person and including two hours of bowling, shoes and all you can eat sushi. For more information, visit jccmb.com.
■ Sand Snowman Contest
The annual Sand Snowman Contest takes place Saturday, Dec. 8, from 9 a.m. to noon at 15th Street and the beach in Hermosa Beach.
■ Holiday Crafts Night
The 33rd annual Holiday Crafts Night takes place at the Manhattan Heights Park Community Center, located at 1600 Manhattan Beach Blvd., from 5 to 8 p.m. Get in the holiday spirit by making handmade crafts and ornaments with the whole family. There will be hot cocoa and a light supper will be served at the free event. For more information, visit citymb.info.
■ Holiday Art Market
The third annual Holiday Art Market takes place Dec. 8 and 9 at the Joslyn Center, located at 1601 N. Valley Drive in Manhattan Beach, The event features local handmade homeware, decor, fashion and jewelry. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
Sunday, Dec. 9
■ Ray Carroll Gift Drive and Book Fair
The Ray Carroll Gift Drive and Book Fair takes place Sunday, Dec. 9 at the Jewish Community Center Chabad, located at 2108 Vail Ave. in Redondo Beach, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event features gift wrapping, moonbounce, arts, food and more. Bring new, unwrapped toy and join in helping gift wrap. For more information, visit jccmb.com.
■ Skechers firework festival
The 30th annual Skechers Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Festival takes place Sunday, Dec. 9, from 4 to 8 p.m., at the Manhattan Beach Pier. The Hyperion Outfall Serenaders open the festivities with a “Dixieland Christmas,” beginning at 4 p.m. The Skechers Snow Park and Sled Hill takes place from 4 to 6:30 p.m. The Mira Costa Jazz Ensemble performs at 5 p.m. followed by a singalong with Joe’s Band. The fireworks show with an extended finale takes place at 7 p.m. For more information, visit mbfireworks.com.
Saturday, Dec. 15
■ ‘The Nutcracker’ at El Camino College
The South Bay Ballet will bring the magic of the holidays to El Camino College’s Marsee Auditorium with a performance of “The Nutcracker,” Saturday, Dec. 15 and Sunday, Dec. 16. The holiday favorite invites audiences to join Grandmother Clara as she tells the story of a young girl on Christmas Eve, dreaming of her Nutcracker Prince escorting her to the Kingdom of Sweets where she becomes a beautiful ballerina. A holiday tradition at El Camino College, the show is under the direction of Diane Lauridsen and Elijah Pressman of the South Bay Ballet. The nationally known dance company brings more than 100 dancers to the stage, performing Charles Maple’s choreography to Tchaikovsky’s original score. Tickets for the performance range from $24-$36 and may be purchased online at centerforthearts.org using the online ticketing system or by phone at (800) 832-2787. The Ticket Office is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Campus parking is $3. Marsee Auditorium is located at 16007 Crenshaw Blvd. in Torrance.
■ ‘The Nutcracker’ in Redondo Beach
The Los Angeles Ballet’s “The Nutcracker’ will be performed at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, located at 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Dec. 15 and 16. There will be two performances, at 1 and 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15, and a 1 p.m. performance on Sunday, Dec. 16. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, this original production takes place in 1912 Los Angeles. Clara and her beloved Nutcracker battle the Mouse King. For more information, call (310) 998-7782, or visit losangelesballet.org.
■ Succulent Wreath Workshop
A Holiday Succulent Wreath Workshop takes place at the Manhattan Beach Art Center, located at 1560 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Saturday, Dec. 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students will assemble a wreath with succulents, grape vines and other decorative elements while learning how to care for and propagate succulents. All materials and plants are included. Tickets are $99 for Manhattan Beach residents, or $109 for non-Manhattan Beach residents. For more information, call (310) 802-5440.
Friday, Dec. 21
■ Community movie night in HB
A Community Movie Night takes place at the Hermosa Beach Community Theatre, located at 710 Pier Ave., Friday, Dec. 21, beginning at 6 p.m. The event features a screening of “Home Alone” and light refreshments. Tickets are $10 or $5 for 18 and under. For more information, visit Hermosabch.org, or call (310) 318-0280.
■ ‘Journey of Faith’
The ‘Journey of Faith: A Christmas Journey,’ holiday program takes place Friday, Dec. 20 through Sunday, Dec. 23, at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. ‘A Christmas Journey’ is a family-friendly production. There will be no childcare. Family seating is available for people with children age 4 and under. Showtimes are Friday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 22, 4 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 23, 10 a.m., and 1 and 4 p.m. Free tickets are available at the box office one hour prior to each performance. For more information, visit journeyoffaith.com, or call (310) 372-4641.
Saturday, Dec. 22
■ Beach Cities Toy Drive
Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach host the 26th annual Beach Cities Toy Drive with the wrapping party taking place Saturday, Dec. 22, at the Joslyn Community Center, located at 1601 N. Valley Drive in Manhattan Beach, from 10 a.m. until all the toys are wrapped. Donated unwrapped new toys will be sent to the Salvation Army, 1736 Family Crisis Center, Richstone Family Center and more. Toys can be dropped off at Manhattan Beach Fire Station One or Two, Manhattan Beach City Hall, Los Angeles County Fire Station No. 100 in Hermosa Beach, the Hermosa Beach Police Department or Plaza Bank in Manhattan Beach. For more information, email [email protected], or call Richard Montgomery at (310) 780-3577, or Pete Tucker at (310) 218-7239.
Monday, Dec. 24
■ Community ice skating
The annual community ice skating event takes place Monday, Dec. 24, at the Toyota Sports Center, located at 555 Nash St. in El Segundo, from 4 to 6 p.m. The event features food, music and other festivities. Tickets are $10 per person. For more information, visit jccmb.com, email [email protected], or call (310) 214-4999.
Monday, Dec. 31
■ New Year’s Eve Celebration
The Hermosa Beach New Year’s Eve Celebration takes place a 9 p.m. and midnight at Pier Plaza. The festivities begin at 8 p.m. with life music from the Lou Giovannetti and his Big Band. For more information, visit hbchamber.net.
Ongoing
■ Flair Cleaners clothing and shoe drive
Flair Cleaners, with a location in Redondo Beach, hosts its 16th annual holiday clothing and shoe drive November 23 through December 31. Donate gently used or new clothing and shoes. All donations will be cleaned, if needed, and donated to nonprofits supporting each of the communities where Flair does business. The 2018 drive will benefit the Los Angeles Mission, MEND, and Helping Hands for the Blind. Tax receipts are available. Flair Cleaners in Redondo Beach is located at 1900 Artesia Blvd. For more information, visit FlairCleaners.com.
