2019 Holiday Season in the South Bay

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, Torrance and Manhattan Beach. Also, find out how to ring in the New Year around the South Bay, we have put together a list of parties, open bars and a free concert on Hermosa Pier.

 

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 holiday months.

Manhattan Beach Open House & Pier Lighting

November 20, 2019 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Manhattan Beach Pier

One of the South Bay’s favorite annual events, the Downtown Manhattan Beach Business Association presents its Holiday Open House and Pier Lighting! Unofficially kicking off the holiday season, the

Manhattan Beach Pier in Manhattan Beach, California

downtown businesses will open their doors until 9 p.m., where the public can stop in and check out the shops that are the lifeblood of the neighborhood.

Christmas carolers, Santa Claus and other festive additions will be on hand. The mayor will light up the pier with Christmas lights at 7 p.m., with live music kicking off at 6 p.m.

 

Riviera Village Holiday Stroll

December 5, 2019 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Riviera Village, Redondo Beach

Start your holiday celebrating in Riviera Village at the annual Holiday Stroll on Thursday, December 5, from 5 to 9 pm. This wonderful collection of upscale shops will stay open late that night, offering fabulous finds and delectable treats to all. The Holiday Parade down Catalina Avenue steps off at 6 pm. The Village takes on a cheerful holiday atmosphere with lights, decorations and festive music for your enjoyment as you stroll along the avenues admiring the festooned store fronts… more info

Redondo Beach Santa Float

December 2 – December 19, 2018
All over Redondo Beach

Santa Claus will be parading through the streets of Redondo Beach every night from December 2 – December 19. Beginning in North Redondo and gradually ending up in South Redondo on Thursday, December 19, the float and parade is accompanied by an impressive police escort.

Bring the kids and line up before 4:45 to make sure you catch a glimpse of Santa and his reindeer! Full schedule of streets and dates can be found here: http://southbayevents.com/redondo-beach-santa-float/

 

 

 

Manhattan Beach Santa Float

December 2 – December 20, 2019
All over Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach will have its own visit from St. Nick as well, following a similar structure as Redondo Beach. He’ll be cruising through the city from December 2 – December 20 2019.

More info: http://southbayevents.com/manhattan-beach-santa-float/

 

 

 

Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights Extravaganza

December 1, 2019  – January 1, 2020 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Torrance near PCH & Calle Mayor

A normally quiet neighborhood in south Torrance turns into one of the largest displays of Christmas lights and decorations in the country every year. Bring the whole family or some friends – you can choose to drive slowly through, or walk the hilly neighborhood. Walking offers a much more relaxed, up-close view of all the displays, without worrying about holding up the cars behind you.

Every house in the neighborhood attempts to outdo their neighbor with spectacular decorations that get more creative each year. Make sure to bring cash for the hot cocoa and snack stands sprinkled throughout the neighborhood.  Bring the kids for an experience they will never forget, with a Santa Claus, sleighs in yards and much more. There is always a diverse array of themes on display from military, Christian, Jewish, Spongebob, Chicago Cubs, etc. so you’re bound to find something you like.The extravaganza is hidden down the hill behind PCH near Calle Mayor on Doris Way and Linda Drive. SHCLE is on display from 6-10 p.m. every night until the evening of New Year’s Day.

More info: http://southbayevents.com/sleepy-hollow-christmas-lights-extravaganza/

 

Holiday Homes Tour by Sandpipers

December 6 – 8, 2019  10:00 am – 5:00 p.m.
South Bay

Come celebrate with us at The Sandpipers 27th Annual Holiday Homes Tour! This year’s tour will showcase four distinctive homes in the South Bay. Each home is magnificently decorated and magically transformed for the holiday season. In addition, the Sandpipers Holiday Market featuring local artisans and restaurants provide a unique shopping and dining experience. The Holiday Homes Tour is a popular event in the community that annually attracts over 2,000 patrons and garners tremendous support from numerous local businesses and community partners.

More info and tickets: Sandpipers page

 

Sleepy Hollow Fun Run

December 3, 2019  6:30 pm
Torrance

Join other members of the community for a fun walk/ run through the famous Sleepy Hollow area of Torrance! Meeting at Starbucks on PCH and Calle Mayor, they’ll head down to the secret neighborhood which is decked out with some of the biggest and brightest holiday displays in California.

 

Palos Verdes Peninsula Holiday Parade of Lights

December 7, 2019  6:00 pm – 7:30 p.m.
Rolling Hills Estates

The City of Rolling Hills Estates is pleased to present the Annual Palos Verdes Peninsula Holiday Parade with the assistance from Pageantry Productions.  The “Parade of Lights” theme is designed to showcase the unique character of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

The parade route is along Silver Spur Road and Deep Valley Drive, through the Promenade on the Peninsula to Norris Center Drive (Crossfield Drive) in the City of Rolling Hills Estates.  After which, the Award’s Ceremony is held at The Promenade on the Peninsula.

More info: www.ci.rolling-hills-estates/

 

Hermosa Beach Tree Lighting Ceremony & Toy Drive

December 7, 2019  2:00 pm – 7:00 p.m.
Hermosa Beach Pier

The Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau will host the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony from 2 PM to 7 PM at the Hermosa Beach Pier.

The official lighting of the Hermosa Beach Holiday Tree happens to help kick off the holiday season near where the Hermosa Beach Pier and Strand meet. Highlights will include a visit from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, a holiday carousel sponsored by Kinecta. Event goers are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy ($5-$10) to the tree which will be donated to the charities supported by the Annual Beach Cities Toy Drive. Tree lighting happens at 6 PM.

Sand Snowman Contest

December 7, 2019 9:00 a.m. – Noon
Hermosa Beach Pier

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 9th from 9:00 AM – 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.

More info: HB Facebook page

 

Holiday Cheer at the Redondo Beach Pier With Surfing Santa & Live Concert

Redondo Beach Pier
December 14th, 2019  2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Surfin’ Santa Claus & Holiday Music

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 and an appearance by Mr. Claus himself. This event is family friendly and parking is FREE!  Legendary bassist, Johnny “Spazz” Hatton of the Brian Setzer Orchestra will be performing for the annual holiday concert & toy drive. Stick around to watch 28th King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade.

 

28th Annual King Harbor Boat Parade “Surfing the Yule Tide”

December 14th, 2019  4:30 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 Holiday Boat 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.

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. Free bleacher seating is available inside King Harbor Marina at Moonstone Park (enter at Marina Way).

More info: www.southbayevents.com/27th-annual-king-harbor-holiday-boat-parade-deck-the-hulls-with-love/

 

31st Annual Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks

December 8th, 2019 4:00 p.m.
Manhattan Beach Pier

The Manhattan Beach Holiday Firework show is held at the Pier every year in December. This year’s 31st Annual Fireworks Show will take place on Sunday, December 8th with festivities starting around 4:00 pm. This is a very popular event and crowd size can swell up to 15,000… for good reason. Manhattan Beach, with the help of sponsors like Skechers and others, puts on one of the most spectacular firework shows west of Carson. Traditional holiday favorites like a snow park, toy & canned good drive, and live music by Hyperion Outfall highlight this annual event… and of course there will be fireworks:

2:00 Streets Close
4:00 Hyperion Outfall wishes you a “Dixieland Christmas”
4:00 ’till 6:30 SKECHERS Snow Park and Sled Hill – bring a new, unwrapped toy or cash donation to benefit the YMCA Adventure Guides Toy Drive
4:00 Santa Float; Holiday Bounce Park opens
5:00 Award-winning Mira Costa Jazz Ensemble
6:00 Joe’s Band – Holiday Music Family Singalong
7:00 31st Annual SKECHERS Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Show with Extended Finale sponsored by Belkin

 

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.

Find out more about this year’s 31st Annual Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks!

 

A Joyful Sound

Torrance Civic Chorale & Orchestra
December 13th and 14th, 2019 8:00PM
David Burks – Conductor

Celebrate the holiday season at the James R. Armstrong theatre in Torrance. Torrance Civic Chorale presents:  A Joyful Sound.  A celebration of holiday music from the Americas, including some sing-along favorites. This incredible music features modern rhythmic and harmonic structures written for mixed choir, soprano soloist, pipe organ and chamber orchestra. The Torrance Civic Chorale’s concerts are held in the beautiful James R. Armstrong Theatre located at 3330 Civic Center Drive. Reserved seating is available for $25.00, call the theatre box office at (310) 781-7171.

The Nutcracker – Presented by Los Angeles Ballet

December 28th, 2019, 12:00 PM & 5:00 PM
December 29th, 2019, 12:00 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, and everything in between. Grab a jacket or at least a hoodie and join your fellow locals for these unique holiday events.

Happy Holidays to everyone from South Bay Events!

Holidays in the South Bay
“Surfing Santa” Vince Ray; Photo Courtesy of Ray Vidal