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This Week in the South Bay: Thanksgiving Edition
What's happening around town November 27 – December 3.
Happy Thanksgiving, South Bay.
Before the day fills up with cooking, family, friends, and whatever traditions you hold close, I just want to say how grateful I am that you’re here. Whether you read every week or only when something catches your eye, it means a lot.
There’s something about this week that feels a little softer than the rest of the year. The mornings are quieter, the evenings feel calmer, and the whole community seems to settle into a slower rhythm for a moment. If you find yourself wanting to step outside and enjoy a bit of it, there are some great things happening around town that make the week feel even better.
Here’s what’s going on this week.👇
🗓️ This Week in the South Bay
Thursday, November 27
🦃 Harry Sutter Memorial Turkey Trot (Fun Run) @ Sam’s Club Parking Lot, Torrance
🏃 Gobble Gallop Fun Run @ Hermosa Beach Pier
🥾 Thanksgiving Day Hike @ Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes
Friday, November 28
🎅🏼 Santa’s Grand Arrival & Tree Lighting @ Manhattan Village, Manhattan Beach
🛍️ A Very Merry Black Friday @ Manhattan Village, Manhattan Beach
🎬 Beach Cove Movie Night: Wonka @ Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes
Saturday, November 29
🛍️ Small Business Saturday @ Downtown Manhattan Beach
🎄 Terranea Tree Lighting Ceremony @ Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes
Sunday, November 30
🎶 Yacht Rock Party with Yachtzee @ The Lighthouse Cafe, Hermosa Beach
All Weekend (Nov 28–30)
🏓 5th Annual Manhattan Beach Turkey Pickleball Tournament @ MB
Tuesday–Wednesday, December 2–3
🎉 Torrance Memorial Holiday Festival @ Torrance Memorial Medical Center
Wednesday, December 3
🎉 Downtown Torrance Holiday Stroll @ Old Torrance (Sartori Ave & El Prado)
All Season / Ongoing
🎉 Sleepy Hollow Holiday Lights Extravaganza @ Seaside Ranchos, Torrance
🎨 Astra Lumina Enchanted Night Walk @ South Coast Botanic Garden
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🎉 Downtown Torrance Holiday Stroll
📍 Downtown Torrance (Sartori Ave and El Prado, Torrance)
🕗 Wednesday, December 3 | 4PM – 8PM
💰 Free
Old Torrance transforms into a festive winter village for its annual Holiday Stroll, filling the historic streets with twinkling lights, lively entertainment, and cheerful community spirit. Visitors can wander through charming shops, enjoy seasonal treats, and soak in a cozy holiday atmosphere perfect for families and friends.
🔹 Browse unique gifts and seasonal specials from local boutiques
🔹 Carolers and a DJ create a joyful soundtrack throughout the evening
🔹 Kids can enjoy crafts, scavenger hunts, and surprise visits from Santa and holiday characters
🎉 Torrance Memorial Holiday Festival
📍 Torrance Memorial Medical Center, 3330 Lomita Blvd, Torrance
🕗 Tuesday–Wednesday, December 2–3, Public Hours Vary
💰 Free (public entry)
Step inside a spectacular twenty three thousand square foot tent filled with beautifully decorated Christmas trees, festive displays, entertainment, shopping, and family activities as Torrance Memorial celebrates its annual Holiday Festival. The event brings the community together in a vibrant setting of lights, music, and holiday charm.
🔹 Explore dozens of themed Christmas trees and intricate winter scenes
🔹 Enjoy live performances, local gift vendors, craft areas, and festive treats
🔹 Visit the twelve foot Heroes Tree where guests can dedicate ornaments honoring community heroes
🐶 Santa’s Grand Arrival and Tree Lighting
📍 Manhattan Village Mall Plaza, 3200 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach
🕗 Friday, November 28 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
💰 Free (open to the public)
Celebrate the start of the holiday season as Santa and Mrs. Claus make their festive entrance at Manhattan Village. Guests can enjoy live performances, creative family activities, and a magical tree lighting ceremony complete with snowfall to bring the holiday spirit to life.
🔹 Kids can write letters to Santa, craft ornaments, and decorate cupcakes
🔹 Live performances by holiday entertainers add seasonal excitement
🔹 Bring canned goods or toys to donate and receive raffle tickets as a thank you
🛍️ A Very Merry Black Friday
📍 Manhattan Village, 3200 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach
🕗 Friday, November 28 | 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
💰 Free entry (shopping event)
Manhattan Village kicks off the holiday shopping season with festive energy as guests enjoy exclusive shopping passports, live entertainment, and special treats throughout the center. Early arrivals are greeted with complimentary coffee and the chance to capture a holiday photo with Santa.
🔹 Score limited time discounts at premium retailers with the shopping passport
🔹 Enjoy complimentary coffee while exploring early morning specials
🔹 Visit Santa for a one day photo session and earn raffle entries for every one hundred dollars spent
🦃 Harry Sutter Memorial Turkey Trot - Fun Run
📍 Sam’s Club Parking Lot, 2601 Skypark Dr, Torrance
🕗 Thursday, November 27 | 8AM
💰 Paid entry for participants, free for spectators
Start Thanksgiving morning with Torrance’s beloved three mile Turkey Trot, where thousands gather to run or walk a flat and friendly course. Participants receive a commemorative shirt and can stay afterward for a lively raffle featuring generous prizes and community cheer.
🔹 Family friendly run and walk suitable for all ages and strollers
🔹 Every participant receives a long sleeve Turkey Trot shirt
🔹 Stay for the post race raffle offering bikes, gift cards, and more
🏃 Gobble Gallop Fun Run
📍 Hermosa Beach Pier, 1 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach
🕗 Thursday, November 27 | 8AM
💰 Free (donations optional)
Join locals for a relaxed Thanksgiving morning run along the Hermosa shoreline. This casual community gathering welcomes runners, walkers, families, and pets for a refreshing coastal outing with optional donations supporting local families.
🔹 Enjoy a casual five kilometer style route along the beach path
🔹 Donations and shirt sales support the Good Shepherd Shelter
🔹 Festive costumes and holiday themed outfits encouraged
🥾 Thanksgiving Day Hike at Terranea
📍 Pointe Discovery, Terranea Resort, 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes
🕗 Thursday, November 27 | 12PM - 2PM
💰 Free (RSVP recommended)
Explore the dramatic Palos Verdes coastline on a guided holiday hike led by Terranea’s expert naturalists. The scenic three mile route offers breathtaking ocean views, opportunities to spot wildlife, and a peaceful way to balance the day’s celebrations.
🔹 Walk along picturesque cliffside trails overlooking the Pacific
🔹 Learn about local history, geology, and wildlife from naturalist guides
🔹 Suitable for all ages at an easygoing pace
🎬 Beach Cove Movie Night: Wonka
📍 The Beach Cove, Terranea Resort, 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes
🕗 Friday, November 28 | 5PM - 7PM
💰 Ticketed Event
Settle under the night sky for a cozy oceanfront screening of Wonka at Terranea’s Beach Cove. Families and friends can enjoy the whimsical film while listening to the gentle sound of waves and savoring warm treats.
🔹 Family friendly movie experience steps from the sand
🔹 Open to both resort guests and local visitors
🔹 Popcorn, hot cocoa, and snacks available to enhance the evening
🛍️ Small Business Saturday
📍 Downtown Manhattan Beach, Manhattan Beach Blvd and surrounding streets
🕗 Saturday, November 29 | 10AM – 8PM
💰 Free
Support local artisans and boutiques during a festive shopping day in downtown Manhattan Beach. Seasonal decorations, special offers, and coastal charm create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for discovering unique holiday gifts.
🔹 Explore independent shops offering curated gifts and seasonal specials
🔹 Enjoy free two hour parking around downtown throughout the holiday season
🔹 Experience festive window displays and a lively community ambiance
🎄 Terranea Tree Lighting Ceremony
📍 Front Drive, Terranea Resort, 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes
🕗 Saturday, November 29 | 4:30PM – 7PM
💰 Free
Celebrate the wonder of the season at Terranea’s annual tree lighting ceremony, where a grand Christmas tree and the resort grounds illuminate in a festive coastal glow. Guests can enjoy entertainment, treats, and holiday spirit against the backdrop of the Pacific.
🔹 Live music, carolers, and seasonal entertainment build excitement
🔹 Complimentary treats such as cookies and hot cocoa available
🔹 Guests are encouraged to bring a toy to support Toys for Tots
🎉 Sleepy Hollow Holiday Lights Extravaganza
📍 Seaside Ranchos Neighborhood, Candy Cane Lane Area, Torrance
🕗 Nightly, December 1 – January 1 | Around 6PM – 10PM
💰 Free
Step into one of Southern California’s most spectacular neighborhood light displays as Seaside Ranchos transforms into Sleepy Hollow. Streets come alive with dazzling decorations, themed displays, and festive music that create an unforgettable holiday experience.
🔹 Enjoy millions of lights, inflatables, and elaborate yard displays
🔹 Walk or drive through the neighborhood while enjoying treats sold by residents
🔹 Weeknights offer lighter crowds and easier parking
🎨 Astra Lumina Enchanted Night Walk
📍 South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Peninsula
🕗 Nightly through November and December | Entry times 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
💰 Ticketed ($27.90+ adults, $19.90+ kids)
Experience a luminous outdoor journey through the South Coast Botanic Garden as Astra Lumina transforms the landscape into a dreamlike cosmic trail. The immersive one mile path invites guests to wander through glowing installations, music, and visual artistry that tell a celestial story.
🔹 Explore nine themed zones blending light, sound, and imaginative design
🔹 Take your time on a serene one hour stroll perfect for families or date nights
🔹 Children under four receive free admission
🏓 5th Annual Manhattan Beach Turkey Pickleball Tournament
📍 Manhattan Heights Park, 1600 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach
🕗 Friday–Sunday, November 28–30 | Matches begin at 8:00 AM
💰 $60/team (MB residents), $66/team (non-residents)
Spend Thanksgiving weekend enjoying three days of energetic pickleball play in women’s, mixed, and men’s doubles divisions. Players of varying skill levels can compete in a spirited atmosphere with plenty of court time and friendly community engagement.
🔹 Each day features a different division with morning and afternoon matches
🔹 Round robin pool play guarantees multiple games before playoffs
🔹 Entry includes a tournament shirt, with medals awarded to top teams
🎶 Yacht Rock Party with Yachtzee
📍 The Lighthouse Cafe, 30 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach
🕗 Sunday, November 30 | 2PM
💰 Tickets Required
Set sail on a smooth musical journey with Yachtzee as they perform soft rock classics at the legendary Lighthouse Cafe. This lively afternoon show invites guests to relax, sing along, and enjoy the laid back vibes of Hermosa Beach.
🔹 Eight piece live band performing iconic Yacht Rock favorites
🔹 Drinks and food available for guests ages twenty one and older
🔹 All ages welcome until late afternoon
📸 South Bay Snapshot
🌊 That’s a Wrap on This Week’s Lineup
Really appreciate you taking a moment during a busy holiday week to check in on what’s happening around the South Bay. This place has a way of bringing people together, and it’s always nice to be part of that. If you know someone who’d enjoy being in the loop, pass this along.
See you around the neighborhood,
Jaime
Editor @MySouthBay
How’d we do this week? |

















