What’s Happening This Holiday Week in the South Bay

Hello South Bay

Mid-December is here, and the South Bay is settling into its own kind of holiday rhythm. Lights are going up along The Strand, the evenings feel a little cozier, and the community energy gets stronger as we all lean into the season. Whether you’re out catching a sunset, exploring a neighborhood tree lighting, or just enjoying the slower moments, it’s a great time to be here. If you’re looking for a little local holiday magic, you’ll find plenty of it this week.

Here’s what’s happening around town.👇

🗓️ This Week in the South Bay

Thursday, December 11
🎄 Holiday Tree Lighting @ Downtown Hermosa Beach
🩰 Debbie Allen’s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker @ Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center
🎭 A Nice Family Christmas begins @ Torrance Theatre Company

Friday, December 12
🎬 Santa Sleigh Parade and Frozen Movie Night @ Hermosa Beach Community Center and Pier area
❄️ Rancho Palos Verdes Tree Lighting Celebration @ Ken Dyda Civic Center, Rancho Palos Verdes

Saturday, December 13
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 California Great Santa Stroll @ Hermosa Beach Pier to Manhattan Beach Pier and back
🎶 15th Annual Redondo Beach Pier Holiday Concert @ Redondo Beach Pier
🚤 King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade @ King Harbor Marina, Redondo Beach
🚒 Palos Verdes Estates Santa Parade @ Lunada Bay to Malaga Cove and Civic Center
❄️ Snow Day Event @ Wilson Park Softball Fields, Torrance
🛍️ Come Together Holiday Market @ Redondo Beach Harbor

Sunday, December 14
🎆 Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Festival @ Manhattan Beach Pier and Downtown
🕎 Hermosa Beach Chanukah Celebration @ Pier Plaza, Hermosa Beach
🎉 61st Annual El Segundo Holiday Parade @ Main Street, El Segundo

All Weekend, December
🩰 Debbie Allen’s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker @ Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center
🎭 A Nice Family Christmas @ Torrance Theatre Company

❄️ Snow Day Event 2025 - Torrance

📍 Wilson Park, 2200 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance
🕗 Saturday, December 13 | 3:30 pm – 7:00 pm (registration required)
💰 Free admission

Snow arrives right in the heart of Torrance as Wilson Park turns into a winter play zone with real snow, live music, vendors, and family-friendly holiday fun. Kids can run, climb, and slide through snow areas while families enjoy seasonal treats, community performances, and festive décor. Live reindeer photo ops make a return, so bring your camera and capture some unforgettable holiday memories.

🔹 Real snow play zones for kids and families
🔹 Live music and festive entertainment
🔹 Food trucks and holiday vendors

👉 Event Info

🎄 Holiday Tree Lighting – Hermosa Beach

📍 Downtown Hermosa Beach (Pier Plaza Area)
🕗 Thursday, December 11 | Evening ceremony
💰 Free

Hermosa kicks off the season with a classic tree lighting in the heart of downtown. Music, families bundled in sweaters, hot cider from local vendors, and a festive crowd make it feel like a cozy neighborhood moment. Stroll the plaza, grab dinner at a local spot, and watch the tree light up with the ocean breeze rolling in.

🔹 Great photo spot and family-friendly atmosphere
🔹 Local restaurants and shops stay lively afterward
🔹 A short but meaningful community gathering

👉 Event Info

🩰 Debbie Allen’s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker

📍 Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Redondo Beach
🕗 Thursday, December 11 to Sunday, December 14 | Various showtimes
💰 Ticketed, prices vary

Experience the magic of the holidays with a fresh, cultural twist on the classic ballet as the legendary Debbie Allen Dance Academy presents its award winning production. This is not the Nutcracker you grew up with. Expect a high energy journey through Candy Cane Land, the Rainforest, Bollywood, and Egypt, all guided by three wise cracking rats who keep everyone laughing. With a stellar cast, vibrant costumes, and an original score, it has become a Southern California favorite that mixes theater, dance, and a lot of festive spirit.

🔹 Written and directed by Debbie Allen
🔹 Mix of ballet, hip hop, tap, and Bollywood
🔹 Great pick for families and dance lovers

👉 Event Info

🎭 A Nice Family Christmas (Full Weekend Showing)

📍 Torrance Theatre Company, 1316 Cabrillo Ave, Torrance
🕗 Multiple Dates | Thu–Sun (evenings & matinee)
💰 Ticketed

Though listed in the weekly schedule already, here is a full post ensuring it’s covered properly. This holiday comedy follows one family unraveling secrets, grudges, and affection during Christmas week. The intimate venue makes it engaging, relatable, and a great option when you want something cozy and indoors.

🔹 Local cast and charming small theater setting
🔹 Funny and heartfelt storyline
🔹 Easy pre- or post-show dinner spot downtown

👉 Event Info

🎅🏼 Santa Sleigh Parade and Frozen Movie Night

📍 Starts at Pier Plaza, then Hermosa Beach Community Center, 710 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach
🕗 Friday, December 12 | Parade at 3:30 pm, activities & crafts at 5 pm, movie at 6:30 pm
💰 Free

Kick off the weekend with Hermosa’s Santa Sleigh Parade rolling through town with twinkling lights, elves, and plenty of waves from Santa, then settle in for an outdoor screening of Frozen at the community center. Kids can make ornaments, meet Santa, and sing along to Let It Go under the coastal night sky while the grown ups sip something warm and catch up with neighbors.

🔹 Festive parade route with lots to see for little ones
🔹 Craft stations and photo ops with Santa
🔹 Outdoor movie setup, blankets and beach chairs encouraged

👉 Event Info

California 7th Annual Great Santa Stroll | Mychal’s Learning Place

📍 Hermosa Beach Pier to Manhattan Beach Pier and back along The Strand
🕗 Saturday, December 13 | Check in 8 am, stroll starts 9AM-12PM
💰 $27-$48, includes Santa suit or shirt, kids free with adult

Picture a whole Strand full of Santas. This fun 5K stroll brings hundreds of red suited walkers and runners out for a coastal walk between Hermosa and Manhattan, all to support Mychal’s Learning Place, a local nonprofit serving young adults with disabilities. Expect plenty of ho ho hos, sea breeze, and kids grinning at the sight of so many Santas in one place.

🔹 Walk or jog at your own pace with a finisher medal
🔹 Special perks and surprise gifts for kids
🔹 Proceeds support inclusive local programs

👉 Event Info

15th Annual Redondo Beach Pier Holiday Concert

📍 West end of Redondo Beach Pier, 100 Fishermans Wharf, Redondo Beach
🕗 Saturday, December 13 | 2PM- 4PM
💰 Free

Head to the pier for an easy going afternoon of live holiday music with ocean views. Local bands bring a mix of carols and upbeat favorites while people spread out on benches, the sand, and railings along the water. It is a simple, very South Bay way to slide into the weekend with songs, sea air, and a relaxed crowd.

🔹 Live bands performing holiday hits by the water
🔹 All ages and very picnic friendly
🔹 Part of the pier’s free community event series

👉 Event Info

King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade

📍 King Harbor Marina, Redondo Beach
🕗 Saturday, December 13 | Afternoon activities, main boat parade 5:30 pm to 7 pm
💰 Free

King Harbor feels especially festive on this night as boats, kayaks, and paddleboards move through the channel lit up for the holidays. Some go classic winter style, others lean tropical, and it all reflects beautifully on the water. Most people bundle up and find a spot along the marina paths, Moonstone Park, or near the pier to watch the lights drift by.

🔹 Boats, kayaks, and paddleboards decorated for the holidays
🔹 Easy viewing from the marina paths, Moonstone Park, and the pier
🔹 Early kayak and paddleboard procession before sunset

👉 Event Info

Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Festival | Skechers

📍 Manhattan Beach Pier and Downtown Manhattan Beach
🕗 Sunday, December 14 | Festivities from about 3 pm, fireworks at 7 pm
💰 Free

One of the most popular times of the year, this tradition has been going strong for 37 years and still brings families, neighbors, and longtime locals downtown. There will be snow play for kids, entertainment leading into the evening, and fireworks shot directly off the pier. People usually arrive early because close viewing spots fill quickly. Blankets, beach chairs, and picnic dinners are allowed, and most people make an evening out of it.

🔹 The sand near the pier is where most families settle early
🔹 Manhattan Beach Boulevard offers a clear view once it reopens after 4 pm
🔹 Heading slightly north or south along The Strand gives more space with the same full view

👉 Event Info

🛍️ Come Together Market

📍 179 N Harbor Dr, Redondo Beach
🕗 Saturday, December 13 | 12 pm – 5 pm
💰 Free

A relaxed afternoon market right by the harbor featuring local makers, artisan goods, and seasonal treats. Families stop by for Santa photos, holiday shopping, and a mellow outdoor vibe that feels perfect for a weekend stroll. It’s an easy place to pick up gifts from small businesses and enjoy the waterfront at the same time.

🔹 Santa photo pop-ups throughout the afternoon
🔹 Small-batch goods from local artisans
🔹 Good spot to shop small, walk the harbor, and take it slow

👉 Event Info

Hermosa Beach Chanukah Celebration

📍 Pier Plaza, Hermosa Beach
🕗 Sunday, December 14 | 3PM - 5PM
💰 Free

Celebrate the first night of Chanukah right by the sand with a grand menorah lighting, live music, crafts, and plenty of treats. There are hot latkes, donuts, and a crowd favorite gelt drop, where chocolate coins rain down from a firetruck ladder. It is a warm, welcoming event that feels like a big neighborhood gathering with a gorgeous ocean backdrop.

🔹 Lighting of a giant menorah at sunset with blessings and songs
🔹 Free treats including latkes, donuts, and chocolate gelt
🔹 Live entertainment and activities for kids

👉 Event Info

61st Annual El Segundo Holiday Parade

📍 Main Street, El Segundo
🕗 Sunday, December 14 | 1PM - 6PM, Parade at 2PM
💰 Free

Main Street brings that classic small town feel as marching bands, floats, local groups, and classic cars roll past packed sidewalks. Kids wave from curbside chairs, neighbors shout across the street to each other, and Santa usually finds a way to make an appearance. It is a long time El Segundo tradition that keeps things friendly and low key in the best way.

🔹 Marching bands, community groups, and decorated vehicles
🔹 Plenty of room along Main Street for chairs and blankets
🔹 Very family friendly and easy to make a day of it with local shops and cafes

👉 Event Info

Rancho Palos Verdes Tree Lighting Celebration

📍 Ken Dyda Civic Center, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd, Rancho Palos Verdes
🕗 Friday, December 12 | 5:30PM - 9:30PM
💰 Free

The Civic Center turns into a mini winter playground with real snow on the lawn, sledding, inflatables, crafts, and a big community tree lighting to kick things off. You get that crisp hilltop air, views in the distance, and neighbors gathered with cocoa and coffee while kids run between activities.

🔹 Real snow play and sledding for kids and grown ups
🔹 Crafts, hot drinks, and live entertainment
🔹 Community tree lighting that officially starts the season on the hill

👉 Event Info

Palos Verdes Estates Santa Parade

📍 Neighborhoods of Palos Verdes Estates, Lunada Bay to Malaga Cove to Civic Center
🕗 Saturday, December 13 | 4:30PM to 8PM
💰 Free

Santa rides through the quiet streets of Palos Verdes Estates aboard a decorated firetruck with police and fire vehicles in tow. The route starts in Lunada Bay, rolls through neighborhoods, makes a stop at Malaga Cove Plaza for cookies and photos, and finishes near City Hall. People step out onto porches and sidewalks to wave as the lights and sirens announce Santa’s arrival.

🔹 Santa on a fire engine touring local neighborhoods
🔹 Meet and greet stop at Malaga Cove Plaza with photo opportunities
🔹 Escorted by police and fire with holiday music and lights

👉 Event Info

📸 South Bay Snapshot

That’s it for this week

Thanks again for being here and spending part of your week with us. Whether you’re heading out to an event, catching a moment by the water, or just enjoying the season in your own way, we hope something in here sparked a little joy.

If you found something worth checking out or thought of a friend who’d love one of these events, feel free to forward this along. Every share helps us reach more neighbors and keep this community growing.

See you next Thursday!
Jaime
Editor @MySouthbay