Upcoming:
Saturday, December 23 The Ratopia Surf Classic
The Ratopia Charity Fund was established in 2005 in support of local surfer Denny Bales, 22, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Since then, the Ratopia Charity Fund has raised approximately $137,000 in donations for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Surfers of all skill levels, from California, Hawaii, the East Coast, and Australia compete for a great cause. 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Torrance Beach, just south of Torrance Beach ramp, Via Riviera and Paseo de la Playa, Torrance. Sign Up: ratopiacharityfund.org/surfclassic.
Thursday, December 14
The Farce Day of Christmas
To keep her religious mother from knowing she’s divorced, Wendy pays her ex to pose as her husband when she goes home for the holidays, and of course, hilarity ensues. This farce of the highest order is guaranteed to light up the holiday season. Directed by Jim Rice. 8 p.m. Little Fish Theatre, 777 South Centre St., San Pedro. Tickets: littlefishtheater.org, (310) 512-6030.
El Segundo Menorah lighting
Celebrate Chanukah with the lighting of the menorah at El Segundo City Hall. 5:30 p.m. El Segundo City Hall, 350 Main Street.
Torrance Library holiday crafts
Connect with fellow crafters in-person to share your current project. 12 p.m.Henderson Library, 4805 Emerald St., Torrance. Questions: (310) 371-2075.
Madrona Marsh nature storytime and crafts
A hands-on program for preschoolers, ages 2-5 years. Discover the wonders of Madrona Marsh through stories, science activities, games, and hands-on crafts. Free. 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center, 3201 Plaza del Amo, Torrance. Pre-registration is required. Pre-register: Nature center (310) 782-3989.
Redondo library seasonal wreath class
Adults are invited to come create themed do-it-yourself wreaths. 3 p.m. El Retiro Library, 126 Vista Del Parque, Redondo Beach. Call (310) 375-0922 to register.
Life after covid-19 at BCHD
How often do you stop to think if and how your life would be different if it weren’t for COVID-19 interrupting just about everything? Share the good, the bad and maybe even the ugly about COVID-19. allcove Beach Cities is providing drop-in opportunities to get together with your peers to explore the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on your lives. 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. allcove Beach Cities, 514 Prospect Ave., 4th floor, Redondo Beach.
Manhattan Library smarty pants storytime
Enjoy books, songs, rhymes, and movement while learning school readiness skills and having fun. For ages 2 – 5 years with their parents or caregiver. 10:15 – 10:45 a.m. 1320 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach. Register: lacountylibrary.org/location/manhattan-beach-library.
Friday, December 15
Beach Cities Toy Drive dropoffs
Donate unwrapped new toys and bring them to any of the drop off locations: Manhattan Beach City Hall, 1400 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach Fire Department, 400 15th St., Los Angeles (Hermosa Beach) County Fire Station #100, 540 Pier Ave., and Hermosa Beach Police Department, 540 Pier Ave. The wrapping party takes place Sat., Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. until the toys are all wrapped. Joslyn Center, 1601 N. Valley Dr., Manhattan Beach. BeachCitiesToydrive@gmail.com, Sam Edgerton, HB, (310) 466-2012, Richard Montgomery, MB, (310) 780-3577, Jill Lamkin, MB, (310) 261-5555.
LA Ballet Nutcracker in Redondo
Journey with young Clara and her beloved Nutcracker as they battle a most memorable Mouse King, encounter dancing Snowflakes and travel to the Palace of the Dolls. Los Angeles Ballet stays true to the traditions of the holiday story with tastes of Southern California. Dec. 15 through Sun., Dec. 17. Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach. Tickets & Information: losangelesballet.org, tickets@losangelesballet.org, (310) 998-7782.
Keller Williams wrapping party
Volunteer opportunities for all ages. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Keller Williams at The Point, 830 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., Suite 200, El Segundo. Sign up: signup.com/go/hiEXxoP.
Redondo library holiday storytime
The whole family is invited to a special holiday storytime with special guest Santa Myk at the Redondo Beach Library. Enjoy cozy reading. 4 – 5 p.m. Main Library, 2nd floor meeting room, 303 N. Pacific Coast Hwy., Redondo Beach. Tickets will be handed out at the Children’s Reference desk at 3:45 p.m.
“The Grinch” at Hermosa Community Theater
Enjoy free crafts and games, give aways plus photos with Santa prior to the screening of the holiday animated movie, “The Grinch.” Children are $10, adults are free. 5 – 8 p.m. Hermosa Community Center, 710 Pier Ave. Tickets: hermosabeach.gov/movies, or at the door.
Zoom in o n Home Health and Care coverage
Via Zoom – Cancer Support Community South Bay (CSC South Bay) free workshop led by Jocelyn Fu, managing director at 24 Hour Home Care. Participants will learn the difference between the coverage areas and services provided for home health and home care. Presentation will include navigating the best way to get the most support at home. Noon 12:45 p.m. Register: CSCSouthBay.org and select the online calendar. Information: Rebecca Sul, Rebecca@CSCSouthBay.org.
Winter Wonderland Party at AdventurePlex
AdventureRoom play, arts and crafts, games, prizes, and inflatable bouncers. Children ages 4-12. Pizza dinner is included. AdventurePlex, 1701 Marine Ave., Manhattan Beach. Cost: $45. Registration & Information: adventureplex.org/seasonalcamps.
Saturday, December 16
Mighty Wurlitzer holiday concert
Join Rob Richards and Alex-Zsolt for Christmas favorites that come to life on the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ and the Bosendorfer Concert Grand Piano. It’s a holiday program for all ages. Two shows at 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Old Town Music Hall, 140 Richmond St., El Segundo. Tickets: oldtownmusichall.org, (310) 322-2592.
MCHS holiday carolers downtown
Through Sun., Dec. 17. The Mira Costa High School Strolling Band and Carolers. 12 – 2 p.m. Downtown Manhattan Beach. Downtownmanhattanbeach.com.
Flamenco guitar at Hermosa library
Susana Elena, accompanied by a classical Spanish guitarist, will perform tango flamenco. Stay after for a class on playing the castanets. For Adults. Generously sponsored by Hermosa Beach Friends Of the Library. 2 – 3 p.m. Hermosa Beach Library, 550 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach. (310) 379-8475.
Santa puppets at Hermosa Library Noteworthy puppets
Holiday Hijinks: Santa takes a spur of the moment vacation and winds up on a zany musical adventure in Halloweentown! Familiar characters offer up an important lesson. For ages 3 and up with parents or caregiver. 10:30 – 11 a.m. Hermosa Beach Library, 550 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach. Questions: (310) 379-8475.
BC Toy drive wrapping party
10 a.m. until all the toys are wrapped. Joslyn Community Center, 1601 North Valley Drive, Manhattan Beach. Please bring scissors, tape and any extra wrapping paper you may have. Information: Richard Montgomery (Manhattan Beach) – (310) 780-3577, Sam Edgerton (Hermosa Beach) – (310) 466-2012, Pete Tucker (Hermosa Beach) – (310) 218-7239.
Holiday harp at MB Library
Get into the spirit of the season with a performance by harpist Peggy Skomal. 1 – 2 p.m. Manhattan Beach Library, 1320 Highland Ave.
Zoom writing for Wellness
Via Zoom. Cancer Support Community South Bay (CSC South Bay) free monthly program for everyone affected by cancer including participants, family and friends. Led by Barbara Force, this workshop provides ways for participants to express themselves through writing. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Register: CSCSouthBay.org and select the online calendar. Information: Rebecca Sul, Rebecca@CSCSouthBay.org.
PV Conservancy volunteer day
Outdoor Volunteer Day at Agua Amarga Reserve with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Help remove invasive weeds and care for a community restoration site to benefit wildlife. Sign up: pvplc.volunteerhub.com.
Hermosa library book sale
Fill up your shelves with fresh fiction, nonfiction, sci-fi, romance, political selections, cookbooks, children’s books, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, and everything in between at the Friends of the Library monthly Saturday Book Sale. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. 701 11th Pl., Hermosa Beach.
Sunday, December 17
Torrance Antique Street Faire
200 talented vendors with antiques, furniture, holiday gifts, vintage treasures, home decor, and more, all on sale at bargain prices. Antique appraisals, live music from the Alley Oops, DJ OZZIE, great restaurants and more. Free admission, pet friendly, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Special Guest Santa Claus will be available for photos. Information: (310) 328-6107.
PV Conservancy volunteer day
White Point Nature Preserve with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy. Help care for the native plant demonstration garden by planting native shrubs, removing invasive weeds, watering native plants, grooming trails and more. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.Sign up: pvplc.volunteerhub.com.
Monday, December 18
MDR youth sailing
The Youth Sailing Camp is back for winter break. 11 to 17 years old, in Marina del Rey! Winter session (beginner level) 10 a.m. – 4p.m. Burton Chace Park, 13640 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey. Sign-up: Marinadelrey.Lacounty.gov. Questions: (424) 526-7897, kjohnese@bh.lacounty.gov.
AdventurePlex Winter Camp
Mon., Dec. 18 – Frid., Dec. 22. Flexible booking options, care before and after camp. Ages 4 – 12. Arts and crafts, sports, games, and an amazing play structure. AdventurePlex, 1701 Marine Ave, Manhattan Beach. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Information & Registration: adventureplex.org/seasonalcamps.
CSC South Bay welcome orientation
Via Zoom – Find out what Cancer Support Community South Bay (CSC South Bay) is all about in this virtual orientation meeting. Participants will be given a virtual tour of the community and learn about the many free programs that CSC South Bay offers for cancer patients and their loved ones. The opportunity to register for a virtual weekly support group or monthly networking group will also be provided. Register: CSCSouthBay.org and select the online calendar. Information: Carla Bick, Cancer Support Navigator, Carla@CSCSouthbay.org.
Tuesday, December 19
MB Farmers Market
Certified Farmers Market. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 326 16th Street, Downtown Manhattan Beach. Information: downtownmanhattanbeach.com/manhattan-beach-farmers-market.
Virtual Social Hour with BCHD Care Manager
Llearn more about the Beach Cities Health District. If you want to share ways you are keeping busy or are looking for advice on ways to keep busy, join us. These meetings are for all, a place to connect and feel heard. 10 – 11 a.m. Zoom link: bchd-org.zoom.us/j/87651635014. Information bchd.org.
Torrance Library marshmallow winter wonderland
Create a delicious winter wonderland with marshmallows. Build with marshmallows, play with them, and of course, to eat. 3:30 p.m. Katy Geissert Civic Center Library, 3301 Torrance Blvd., Torrance. Information: library.torranceca.gov/Home/components/calendar-month-view.
Manhattan library Nutrition 101
Learn about health eating and nutrition using MyPlate.gov’s guidelines and the MyPlate plan, then create your own healthy snacks. Advance registration is recommended. Recommended for teens ages 13-18. 4 – 5 p.m. Manhattan Beach Library, 1320 Highland Avenue. Register: lacountylibrary.org/location/manhattan-beach-library.
Ongoing:
Flair Cleaners Holiday drive
It’s time to clean your closets for charity and support the Flair Cleaners 21st Annual Holiday Clothing and Shoe Drive. Donate through Sunday, December 31. Customers and community members can donate at Flair Cleaners, 1900 Artesia Blvd., Redondo Beach. Information: FlairCleaners.com.
