Spotlight:
Saturday, December 9
King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ is the 2023 theme of King Harbor’s holiday boat parade. The whole harbor area will be decorated with holiday lights. Santa and a helper elf will be visiting the Redondo Beach Marina, and the Redondo Beach Pier throughout the day and at 5 p.m. the boat parade begins. The parade can be seen from many restaurants, on the piers, or along the break wall. Information: kingharborboatparade.org.
Upcoming:
WATER youth sailing
WATER Youth Sailing Camp is back for Winter Break, ready to share exciting outdoor adventures with eager campers (11–17 years old) in Marina del Rey! Winter session (beginner level) starts Monday, December 18. Burton Chace Park, 13640 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey. Sign-up: Marinadelrey.Lacounty.gov. Questions: (424) 526-7897, kjohnese@bh.lacounty.gov.
Thursday, December 7
Tyke hike
Bring your young child (0-6 yr.) for a docent-led walk around the Madrona Marsh Preserve and an introduction to nature. Listen to birds, look for frogs, get refreshed in the sun and the cool breeze. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 10 a.m. 3201 Plaza del Amo, Torrance. Register: (310) 782-3989.
North MB holiday stroll
Festive activities for you and your family to enjoy. Meet Santa! Petting zoo, face painting, and holiday pop-up stores. Stroll the streets with carolers singing your favorite holiday tunes. Spreading Christmas cheer for all to hear and more. 5 – 9 p.m. Highland Ave. between 32nd and Rosecrans Ave.
Holiday stroll
It’s the most wonderful time in Riviera Village. The beloved Holiday Stroll continues its tradition. The streets are aglow with festive lighting, set to background music of the season’s best tunes. Shops stay open to welcome you as you stroll through the Village socializing, shopping, and getting in the holiday spirit. 5 – 9 p.m. Downtown Riviera Village, Catalina Ave., between S. Elena Ave. and Avenida del Norte, Redondo Beach.
Acupressure for a Natural Holiday Facial – via Zoom
Cancer Support Community South Bay (CSC South Bay) free workshop led by Ana Paula Duarte, LAc. Participants will be guided through the pressure points on the face for a mini facial acupressure session. 5 – 6 p.m. To join this virtual workshop, visit CSCSouthBay.org and select the online calendar. Information: Rebecca Sul, Rebecca@CSCSouthBay.org.
Chanukah aboard Battleship Iowa
Light up the darkness Israel solidarity event. Grand Menorah lighting, sizzling Latkes, donuts, hot chocolate, live music and more. Free. Fun for the whole family. 5:30 p.m. Pacific Battleship Center, 250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro. Information: chabadsb.org.
ArtWalk San Pedro
The last FirstThursday ArtWalk and guided tour of 2023! Your last chance to find some holiday gifts for those special folks on your list. Come out, visit with your friends, and see some art. The Guided ArtWalk Tour will gather at 5:30 p.m. and walk at 6 p.m. at JDC Records, 447 W. 7th Street. The tour goes from 5:30 – 7 p.m. Tickets and Information: 1stthursday.net.
Easy Reader Art show
Featuring original artwork by: Chip Herwegh, Kimie Joe, Rafael McMaster, Armelle Ngo, and Millie Velasco. 6 – 9 p.m. 67 14th Street, Hermosa Beach. Easyreadernews.com.
Hot chocolate nutcracker
Debbie Allen has taken the ballet classic and given it a fresh, new context with lively characters, new music by industry legends, diverse choreography, spectacular aerial arts, and state-of-the-art projection to create an immersive, vibrant and memorable theater experience for all ages. 7:30 p.m. Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach. Additional show through Sunday, Dec. 10. Tickets: Eventbrite.com. Questions: (310) 937-6607.
Friday, December 8
Holiday concert RB Pier
Free community event with live holiday music, charity toy drive, holiday photos, and more. Donate a new unwrapped toy at this event, for a chance to win pier prizes. 2 – 4 p.m. Fisherman’s Wharf, west end of The Pier, behind Tony’s. Information: redondopier.com.
A Nutcracker weekend
San Pedro Ballet presents The Nutcracker: 30th Anniversary. Dance, magic, gorgeous sets and costumes. Fun for the whole family. Don’t miss this magical holiday tradition! Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Warner Grand Theatre, 478 W. 6th St., San Pedro. Tickets: sanpedrocityballet.org/upcoming-events/nutcracker.
Successful Aging: What is it?
In Person and via Zoom Cancer Support Community South Bay (CSC South Bay) offers a free workshop led by Helen Dennis, a nationally recognized leader in the areas of aging. Learn what it means to age successfully based on the knowledge that everyone can do it. Discussion will include a successful aging model and ways to slow the aging process leading to optimal aging. Lunch provided from 12:30 – 1 p.m. to those attending in-person. The program will be from 1 – 2 p.m. 2601 Airport Drive, Suite 100, Torrance. Register for in-person and virtual workshop: CSCSouthBay.org and select the online calendar. Information: Rebecca Sul, Rebecca@CSCSouthBay.org.
Saturday, December 9
Santa stroll
The California Great Santa Stroll is part of a world competition for the most Santas gathered in one location. The festive event is a 5K run and walk for all ages and abilities. Even 4 legged friends can join the walk and costume contests! Join hundreds of Santas strolling The Strand from Hermosa Beach to Manhattan Beach and back. A fundraiser for Mychal’s Place, the event starts at 8 a.m. mychals.org/events.
Sand snowman contest
Bring your family and friends, shovels, scarves and mittens because in Hermosa Beach, we make Sandsnowmen! Open to all ages and abilities. Come early and grab your spot. Prizes will be awarded for: Hermosa Beach Favorite, Most Unique, Most Traditional, Best Dressed, and Funniest. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and judging will start at 11:15 a.m. 15th Street and the shoreline, Hermosa Beach. Information: Community Resources at (310) 318-0280.
Nature walk
Guided Nature Walk at Portuguese Bend Reserve with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy. 9 a.m. Enjoy one of the best overlooks of the 1,500-acre PV Nature Preserve. Ocean views and walk through habitat restored after a 2009 wildfire. Moderate. Burma Rd. and Crenshaw Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes. Sign up: pvplc.org/calendar. Questions: (310) 541-7613 x201.
PVPLC Native Plant Sale
Visit the nature center to learn more about growing local native plants and purchase some for your garden. 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. George F Canyon, 27305 Palos Verdes Dr. E., Rolling Hills. More information: pvplc.org/calendar.
Victorian holiday party
The city of Redondo Beach Historical Commission and the Historical Society’s annual Victorian holiday party and toy drive. Carolers, treats, activities for kids, and Santa! 12 – 3 p.m. The Morrell House, 302 Flagler Lane, Redondo Beach. Bring an unwrapped toy valued at $10 or more to benefit Harbor UCLA Child Life Department.
Duclos garden
Dedication of the Jeff Duclos Community Garden located at South Park, 412 Valley Dr., Hermosa Beach. 1 p.m.
Mural unveiling ceremony
Be part of the formal mural unveiling at the Los Angeles Maritime Institute (LAMI) at 3 p.m. Berth 73, San Pedro. Tickets are $10 and will go toward the creation of the next mural project. Learn more about the mural and ticket purchase: sanpedrotoday.com/2023/10/26/new-mural-coming-to-the-waterfront.
Random Fools
Family-friendly comedy improv show featuring the April’s Fools. The actors and audience work together to create characters, scenes and hilarity before your very eyes. 7:30 p.m. Pier Avenue Second Story Theater, 710 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. Tickets: AprilsFoolsImprov.com, (310) 318-1705, foolstickets@aol.com.
Sunday, December 10
Chanukah light
Family-friendly installation and lighting of the holiday menorah on Pier Plaza, Hermosa Beach. 3:30-6 p.m. Sponsored by Jewish Community Center. Hot latkes and donuts, gelt drop, crafts, games, live music and more. For more information contact Rabbi Dovid Lisbon, rabbidovid@jccmb.com or 310-214-4999.
Skechers holiday fireworks
Every year the Skechers Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Festival takes place at the Manhattan Beach Pier. Bring blankets, beach chairs, and snacks. Carolers, snow park, Santa float, Live music by Mira Costa High School Jazz band, Joe’s Band, and lots more. Check the website for the event schedule: Manhattanbeach.gov.
Monday, December 11
Santa Claws
Get your pet’s photo taken with Santa at Manhattan Village. Mondays only, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with a cookie break from 3-4 p.m. Best to make a reservation to secur Spot’s spot. 3200 Sepulveda Blvd. shopmanhattanvillage.com/events.
Social Hour with BCHD
If you have a question regarding community resources, want to learn more about Beach Cities Health District or share and learn ways to keep busy, please attend this informative meeting. These meetings are for all, a place to connect and feel heard. 2 – 3 p.m. MB Joslyn Center, Sunset room, 1601 N. Valley Dr. Information: bchd.org.
Tuesday, December 12
Cancer Mythbusters– via Zoom
Cancer Support Community South Bay (CSC South Bay) free workshop led by Neil Bhayani, MD, director of liver, pancreatic and complex cancer surgery at the Association of South Bay Surgeons. This 30-minute workshop aims to address some common myths and misperceptions on cancer and cancer treatments. 5 – 5:30 p.m. Join workshop: CSCSouthBay.org and select the online calendar. Information: Rebecca Sul, Rebecca@CSCSouthBay.org.
Virtual families connected parent chat
Provided in partnership with South Bay Families Connected, Beach Cities Health District and Thelma McMillen Center, the Parent Chat offers participants a confidential and supportive space to share their parenting challenges and successes. Second Tuesday of the Month. 10 – 11 a.m. Zoom: us06web.zoom.us/j/87374623578. Information: bchd.org.
Virtual Happiness Chat
This is a casual discussion group with light-hearted activities to spark conversation. Share ideas, tips, resources, jokes, quotes, anything that supports our happiness. Second Tuesday of the month. 12:30 – 1 p.m. Register: bchd.org/series.
Wednesday, December 13
Update on Radiotherapy Techniques and Outcomes– via Zoom
Cancer Support Community South Bay (CSC South Bay) free workshop led by Thyra Endicott, MD, alternating medical director of the Radiation Oncology department at Torrance Memorial. Advances in radiation oncology technology, effectiveness, and management of adverse effects will be discussed . A question-and-answer period will also be included. 5 – 6 p.m. To join this virtual workshop: CSCSouthBay.org and select the online calendar. Information: Rebecca Sul, Rebecca@CSCSouthBay.org.
Menorah lighting
Welcome Chanukah with hope and light at the lighting of a giant menorah at Manhattan Village plaza. Music, treats and gifts for children. 5:30 p.m. Sponsored by Jewish Community Center. 3200 Sepulveda Blvd.
Friday, December 15
Grinch movie
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 to 8 p.m. Hermosa Community Center, 710 Pier Ave. Purchase tickets online, hermosabeach.gov/movies, or at the door.