Holiday Season in the South Bay
Check out the South Bay Events' full listing of what's going on in the Beach Cities for the Holidays! We've got suggestions for Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Manhattan Beach
SOUTH BAY HOLIDAY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
The holiday season is upon us. The South Bay doesn’t have a white winter, roasting chestnuts or even open fires, outside of Dockweiler Beach, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of options to keep you entertained and filled with holiday cheer. Here is what you have to look forward to in the coming month.
Snowfest
December 10, 2011
Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach
A portion of lower Pier Avenue will be transformed into a snowboarding hill complete with 60 tons of snow for the city's second annual Snowfest.
Thanks to Spyder Surf and other participating sponsors, Pier plaza will be transformed into a surreal snowboarding dream that will feature a best trick contest, free sleddig for the groms, and much more. Hermosa Beach's downtown will be painted into a winter wonderland and everyone should be a part of this magic.
Christmas to Remember
Torrance Civic Chorale & Orchestra
December 9th & 10th, 2011 at 8:00PM
David Burks - Conductor
Celebrate the holiday season
at the James R. Armstrong theatre in Torrance. The Torrance Civic Chorale has been sharing its passion for outstanding choral music with the South Bay since the early 1960s. Conductor David Burks brings together an evening of Christmas and Hannukkah songs like "A Christmas Carol" and "Hooray for Hannukkah." Reserved seating is available for $16.50, call the theatre box office at (310) 781-7171.
More info on their website!
Holiday Concert & Santa on The Redondo Beach Pier
Redondo Beach Pier
December 10th, 2011 - 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Santa Claus & The Peninsulans Jazz Orchestra
Holiday celebrants fill the Redondo Beach Pier
Saturday afternoon for a free, community event put together by the Redondo Beach Pier Association. The stage is set for two hours of live music provided by the Peninsulans, a 17-piece jazz orchestra and an appearance by Mr. Claus himself. This event is family friendly and parking is FREE!.
Check out the newly designed website for theRedondo Beach Pier!
Sand Snowman Contest & Photos with Surfing Santa
December 11, 2011
9am-12pm
The weatherman says it's nothing but sand! Sand! Sand! Sand!

Bring your family and friends, shovels, scarves and mittens because Hermosa Beach will be showcasing its annual Sand Snowmen Contest December 11th from 8:45 PM - 12N. This holiday tradition is open to all ages and abilities. Come early and mark your spot for the best Sand Snowman! Don't forget to bring your camera! Event check-in begins at 8:45 am and sculpting begins at 9:00 am. For more information, contact the Community Resources Department at 310.318-0280.
20th Annual King Harbor Christmas Boat Parade
December 10, 2011
5:30 pm
Nothing says California Christmas events like a boat parade. Combining the love of California beaches and waterways with the spirit of celebration, dedicated yachtsmen spend thousands of dollars on intricate lighting systems to deck out their boats and yachts for the annual King Harbor Christmas Parade. The seaworthy vessels within the channel follow a route that sweeps past vantage points where the public can watch the spectacular display of colors, designs and themes, often tied to the Southern California lifestyle.
The Boat Parade will light up King Harbor in Redondo Beach. Spectators can view the balconies from the International Boardwalk, Marina or Pier and the boat parade can be viewed from the seawall or Fisherman’s Pier. For the 20th year in a row, the Disappearance boat, owned by Bob and Patty Meistrall, will serve as the Grand Marshal boat, with Redondo Beach resident and Fox11 Meteorologist Rick Dickert, at the helm.
Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Festival
December 11, 2011
Manhattan Beach Pier
The Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Festival is held at the Pier every year in December. This year's Fireworks Festival will take place on December 11, 2011 and will include the following events:
- 7:00 PM - Fireworks Show choreographed to seasonal music
Bring blankets, a bottle of wine, some gloves, friends, family, and your baby stroller, this event is a blast and the fireworks show is always top notch. The Holiday Fireworks are expected to go forward, rain or shine, on Sunday.
The Nutcracker – Presented by Los Angeles Ballet
December 22, 2011, 7:30 PM
December 23, 2011, 7:30 PM
December 24, 2011, 1 PM
Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center
Welcome to the world of The Nutcracker. This is the production that is the heart of Redondo Beach's year-end holiday season. Whether it is a family tradition or a once-in-a-lifetime visit, your experience of this glittering classic ballet will stay with you forever and warm your spirit. From the moment the lights dim, you will be transported to a magical place filled with adorable children, marching toy soldiers, a glowing giant Christmas tree that seemingly grows forever, mischievous mice, crystalline waltzing snowflakes, the Land of Sweets and some of the most glorious dancing on earth.
There you go…fireworks, santa, snowmen on the beach, snoboarding in Hermosa Beach and everything in between. Grab a jacket or at least a hoodie and join your fellow locals for these unique winter season events.
Happy Holidays to everyone from South Bay Events

Photo Courtesy of Ray Vidal