Baywatch Community Calendar 12-26-24

LA County-Hermosa Beach firefighters light the Giant Menorah each year on Pier Plaza. This year’s Hermosa Chanukah celebration is Sunday, December 29. Photo by Kevin Cody

Spotlight:

Menorah Lightings all over the Beach Cities: El Segundo, Hermosa, Redondo, and Manhattan Beach

Sunday, December 29

Giant Chanukah Celebration, Hermosa Pier

The Jewish Community Center’s largest annual Chanukah Celebration in town features entertainment, activities, and the lighting of the Giant Menorah. Gifts for the children. Hot Latkes & Donuts. Holiday crafts, music, live entertainment, and fun for the whole family. Giant Gelt Drop from a Firetruck Ladder. Live Chanukah performance by the Academy of the Arts. 3:30 p.m. Pier Plaza, 1 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. More information and event times: jccmb.com.

 

Thursday, December 26

Giant Menorah Lighting Ceremony, RB Civic Center

Celebrate Chanukah as they light giant menorahs across the South Bay with music, dancing, donuts, and hot latkes. 5:30 p.m. Redondo Beach Civic Center, 415 Diamond Street. 

AAU Volleyball Grand Prix series

The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) youth qualifier volleyball tournament for the national AAU competitions. North side of the Hermosa Pier. Free. For more information and event times visit aauvolleyball.org

 

Friday, December 27

Clarity of Mind Silent Retreat

Through Sunday, December 29. Would you like to explore the nature and function of the mind? Meditations from the Mahamudra tradition will lead us on a voyage to discover our own inner potential for everlasting inner peace and happiness. Everybody is welcome.  Friday: 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. Mahamudra Kadampa Meditation Center, 500 6th Street, Hermosa Beach. Questions? Call Crista Riccio at (310) 848-9680. Tickets: meditateinthesouthbay.org/clarity-of-mind. $50 Fri. & Sat. only. $75. all 7 sessions Fri., Sat., and Sun. Questions? Call Crista Riccio at (310) 848-9680.

Greenbelt Trail restoration with SBPC

In an ongoing effort to establish wildlife connectivity for the El Segundo Blue Butterfly, the Monarch Butterfly, and other pollinators, South Bay Parkland Conservative welcomes volunteers out to the Hermosa Greenbelt to restore and enhance native habitat. Volunteers will learn about the importance of native plants, and will work to target invasive monocultures, such as ice plant, along the Greenbelt for replacement with California native plants from the Coastal Sage Scrub plant community, with a focus on Seacliff buckwheat, the host plant for the El Segundo blue butterfly and other native pollinators that bloom in each season. Bring: Clothes to get dirty in, Sturdy closed toed shoes, Water bottle (drinking fountains are available for refill), Sunscreen, and a hat. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 3rd Street and the Greenbelt, Hermosa Beach. For volunteer information and sign up visit: business.hbchamber.net/events.

 

Saturday, December 28

Buffett Birthday Bash, Saint Rocke

Jimmy Buffet was born on Christmas day so every year we have a birthday bash to celebrate and raise funds for a great cause. All the profits from the show will directly go to Merkel Cell Carcinoma Research. Merkel Cell Carcinoma is the cancer that took Jimmy from us. 7 p.m. Saint Rocke, 142 Pacific Coast Hwy., Hermosa Beach. Learn more at merkelcell.orgTickets: saintrocket.com or call (310) 374-2505.

Two Giant Menorah Lightings

Celebrate Chanukah as they light giant menorahs across the South Bay. Both lightings are at 6:30 p.m. Manhattan Village, 3200 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach and Miramar Park, 201 Paseo De La Playa, Redondo Beach. Free and no registration required. 

Peck Park Canyon nature walk

4th Saturday guided nature walk where a naturalist will guide you, point out some of the flora and fauna, relay a little history and the geology of the canyons that make up Peck Park. Free and no registration required. 9 a.m. Meet at the lower parking lot trailhead behind the Peck Park Community Center, 560 N. Western Ave., San Pedro.

 

Sunday, December 29

Holiday Beach Qi Gong + Soundbath, Avenue I

Loosen your body and clear your energy system with a powerful oceanside Qi Gong session led by Kate Alyssa Gaydos. You will relax with the beautiful sounds of gongs, chimes, and drums, then surrender into the sand as you receive the healing frequencies of the Alchemy Crystal Bowls to calm, heal, and balance your nervous system, body, and mind. Bring a yoga mat, blankets to lie on, blankets and layers to cover up with, a hat, and eyemasks. Dress in layers as it might get chilly. 9 a.m. Avenue I on the sand, Redondo Beach. Tickets: eventbrite.com/e/holiday-beach-qi-gong-soundbath-tickets-1106719671329

Rabbi Yossi Mintz brings the 2022 Chanukah celebration at Hermosa Plaza to a close as the sun sets. Photo by Kevin Cody

Monday, December 30

Two more giant Menorah lightings

Celebrate Chanukah as they light giant menorahs across the South Bay with music, dancing and food. Both lightings are at 5:30 p.m. El Segundo City Hall, 350 Main St., El Segundo and Metlox Plaza, 451 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach.

Tango Argentino

Argentine Tango in a beautiful vintage setting by the beach, hosted by Daniel Ledesma. This weekly event brings the community together with dance and light snacks. All levels are welcome. Donation fee goes to the Woman’s Club of Redondo Beach. 6 – 10 p.m. 400 S. Broadway, Redondo Beach. $10-$35. Information: danitangoargentino.com

Rabbi Yossi Mintz, of the Jewish Community Center, with Thelma Greenwald at the Hermosa Beach Chanukah celebration in 2022. Greenwald was lifelong supporter of Hermosa Beach, and the local Jewish community. She passed away October 23, at age 94. Upon her passing, Rabbi Mintz recalled her as the “The Queen of Hermosa.” Photo by Kevin Cody

Tuesday, December 31

Andy & Renee & Hard Rain Party

New Year’s Eve Party. South Bay folk-rockers return with hits from across the decades. 8:30 p.m. Grand Annex, 434 W. 6th Street, San Pedro. Tickets: grandvision.org or call (310) 833-4813.

Diamond celebration concert, Kentwood Players

The 75th Anniversary Gala Fundraising event with Champagne and Hors D’oeuvres. Since 1950 Kentwood Players has been presenting high quality theatre at affordable prices. Come join as they kick off their 75th year with 2 evening performances of the most requested songs from the great Broadway musicals we have brought to our stage over the last 74 years. Two shows at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets $50. 8301 Hindry Ave., Los Angeles. To purchase tickets visit kentwoodplayers.org or call the box office at (310) 645-5156.

Tiki Tuesday featuring The Royal Rats

The last Tuesday of every month is free entry to Saint Rocke, 142 Pacific Coast Hwy., Hermosa Beach. Sip on exotic cocktails, enjoy the music, and let the island take you away. Doors open at 7 p.m. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets: saintrocke.com.

My totally awesome New Year’s party

Jon the New Year’s party at The Slip, International Boardwalk, Redondo Beach. 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. 

NYE 2025, The Lighthouse Cafe

Get ready to rock the house at NYE 2025 with Randy Coleman and Dick The Citizen. 8 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. 30 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach.

 

Wednesday, January 1

Alchemy & Soundbath

Welcome the New Year with a heart-centered celebration that combines reflection, energy alchemy, and renewal. Flow through a session of self-discovery, emotional release, and a soothing sound bath to amplify your intentions to feel empowered and fully aligned with your authentic self. 4:30 – 6 p.m. Wellspring, 1612 S. Catalina Ave., Redondo Beach. $50. RSVP:  wellspring88.com/calendar/ney-year-circle

Under the big top, Marineland 

A delightful way for the whole family to welcome the New Year, Under the Big Top offers a festive buffet experience complete with live entertainment and champagne toast for guests 21 and over. 7:30 p.m. $45-$100. 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes. Tickets and information: terranea.com.

Midnight Circus, Terrana New Year’s

This cirque-inspired celebration features an open bar for guests 21 and over, VIP bottle service, casino games, and a decadent array of culinary delights – all set to the vibrant beats of DJ Ricky Rocks. 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. 100 Terranea Way, Ranch Palos Verdes. Tickets and information: terranea.com.

 

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