37th Annual Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Festival

Overview

The Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Festival returns on Sunday, December 14, 2025, and the city is preparing for one of the most festive days of the year. From 3:00 to 8:00 PM, the Manhattan Beach Pier and the surrounding downtown area will transform into a joyful holiday village filled with music, community traditions, and the iconic fireworks display that draws tens of thousands to the South Bay every December. This event has long been considered one of the most cherished holiday celebrations in Southern California, bringing locals and visitors together for an evening of winter magic by the ocean.

Festivities Begin

Festivities begin at 3:00 PM with the opening of the Skechers Snow Park for Friendship Foundation families, located in the upper south parking lot above the pier. At 4:00 PM, the Snow Park opens to the general public in exchange for a donation of an unwrapped toy or canned food item benefiting the YMCA Adventure Guides Charity Organization. As the afternoon unfolds, the Mira Costa Choir begins strolling through downtown from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, filling the air with holiday carols and spreading festive cheer. Santa also makes a special appearance along Manhattan Avenue near Manhattan Beach Boulevard, delighting children and adding to the holiday excitement.

Live Performances on the Pier Stage

The entertainment schedule on the pier stage begins at 4:00 PM with a live performance by Hiatus, presented by the South Bay Music Connection. Their energy carries the afternoon forward until 5:00 PM, when the Mira Costa High School Jazz Band takes over and fills the pier with an hour of music from talented local students. At 6:00 PM, the lighting of the Menorah celebrates the first night of Hanukkah, offering a meaningful moment of reflection and tradition. Immediately after, Joe’s Band performs holiday hits from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, building anticipation for the fireworks finale.

The Fireworks Show

At exactly 7:00 PM, the 37th Annual Skechers Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Show begins. The display is known for its creativity, vibrant colors, and synchronized choreography, with fireworks reflecting over the Pacific Ocean and illuminating the pier. The show continues rain or shine unless severe weather conditions arise. For attendees looking to secure a prime viewing spot, blanket placement on Manhattan Beach Boulevard—from Highland Avenue to the pier—is permitted starting at 4:00 PM or as soon as safety officials confirm the area is ready.

History of the Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks

The Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks have a rich history dating back to 1989, when local business owner Pete Moffett noticed that the community lacked a holiday celebration that truly brought everyone together. Instead of following the traditional Fourth of July format, Pete proposed a bold idea: fireworks in December to kick off the holiday season and show appreciation for residents who supported local businesses.

With backing from local merchants and approval from the city, the first show debuted to a crowd of just 500 people. Over the years, the event has grown into one of the largest holiday traditions in the South Bay, now drawing an estimated 40,000 attendees annually. Produced by Fireworks America—the same company behind fireworks at major theme parks like SeaWorld—the show has earned national recognition. In 2012, the Travel Channel named the Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks one of the top two holiday festivals in the nation and later awarded it the title of Best Holiday Fireworks Show in America.

Although Pete Moffett passed away in 2023, his legacy remains strong. His family and supporters continued the tradition before entrusting its future to the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Today, with the partnership of Skechers, the City of Manhattan Beach, and numerous dedicated sponsors, Pete’s vision of unity, community pride, and holiday magic lives on.

Event Schedule

3:00 PM
Skechers Snow Park opens for Friendship Foundation families in the upper south parking lot above the pier.

4:00 PM
Skechers Snow Park opens to the general public with a donated toy or canned food item for YMCA Adventure Guides.

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Mira Costa Choir carolers stroll through downtown Manhattan Beach.
Santa appears on Manhattan Avenue at Manhattan Beach Boulevard.

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Hiatus performs on the Pier Stage, presented by South Bay Music Connection.

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Mira Costa High School Jazz Band performs on the Pier Stage.

6:00 PM
Menorah lighting ceremony celebrating the first night of Hanukkah.

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Joe’s Band performs holiday hits on the Pier Stage.

7:00 PM
37th Annual Skechers Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Show begins.
Rain or shine unless severe weather conditions occur.

Blanket Seating
Blankets may be placed on Manhattan Beach Boulevard from Highland Avenue to the pier beginning at 4:00 PM or once public safety confirms the area is safe.

A Holiday Tradition That Brings the Community Together

As the city prepares once again for this magical December night, one thing remains certain: the Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks continue to shine as a timeless tradition. Families return year after year, friends reunite on the sand, and visitors travel from across Southern California to be part of this beloved annual celebration. It is a night filled with warmth, excitement, nostalgia, and community spirit—a holiday experience unlike anything else in the South Bay.

Hope to see you all there.
Jaime @MySouthBay