South Bay Community Calendar 12-6-18
Get up close to migrating gray (and sometimes fin, minke and humpback) whales, dolphins, sea lions and more. Local whale watching and nature cruise excursions leave from King Harbor most days (except Tuesdays and Wednesdays). rbwhales.com. Owner of Olympus Board Shop Jeremy Godo Kiss for the awesome photo. Photographer Marisa Rodriguez for snapping this great pic!
Ongoing
Shop local, park free
The City of Hermosa Beach once again welcomes visitors throughout Southern California to enjoy the beach community’s shops, restaurants and downtown area with free Holiday Parking. Through December 25, free 3 hour parking will be offered at meters in downtown Hermosa. Meters included in the program are clearly marked with festive red holiday bags.
And in Manhattan
Fre holiday parking in downtown Manhattan Beach through December 26. Meters included in the program will be clearly marked with festive holiday bags or the display will read “Happy Holidays – Free Parking.” You may park for free for two hours. All other restrictions will be enforced.
Santa photo op
Children and families will be able to meet with Santa and take photos at Del Amo Fashion Center’s Santa set through Dec. 24. Hours vary by day. A full schedule can be found at simon.com/mall/del-amo-fashion-center. Del Amo Fashion Center, 3525 W. Carson St., Torrance. Elimate the hassle fo waiting in line with a FastPass. Get your FastPass at santasfastpass.com/scheduling3jrs716Z:del-amo-fashion-center.
Whale Watching
The Gray Whale Migration runs from December through April with the whales travelling through our local waters from Alaska to Baja, Mexico and back. Make reservations aboard the 65ft/45 passenger excursion vessel “Indian” to experience the spectacular adventure of whale watching and nature cruises. The boat is docked just north of the Redondo Beach Pier, 140 International Boardwalk. $35. (310) 944-1219 or rbwhales.com.
Candy Cane Lane
The 1200 block of E. Acacia Avenue in El Segundo has magically transformed into Candy Can Lane every holiday season since 1919. The homes are festooned with lights and decorations and Santa’s sleigh stops for a visit on certain nights. The street will be closed to through traffic through Christmas night, and most houses will still have their lights up through New Year’s weekend. The lights are generally on until about 10 p.m. Located west of Sepulveda and south of Imperial.
Thursday, December 6
Chanukah
Del Amo Fashion Center will celebrate Chanukah with a grand menorah lighting of South Bay’s first donut menorah. The event includes latkes, face painting, games and live music. The entire week of Chanukah, December 1 – 8, there will be a giant menorah illuminating the center’s Outdoor Lawn. The Grand Menorah Lighting will take place 5 – 8 p.m. Del Amo Fashion Center, 3525 W. Carson St., Torrance. For questions call (310) 542-8525 or visit simon.com/mall/del-amo-fashion-center.
Michael Petroni exhibit
Opening reception for paintings by Manhattan Beach-born Michael Petroni at the Dekor Gallery. He works as an independent consultant to major aerospace firms in the area of graphic design. 5 p.m. Dekor Gallery 445 W. 6th Street, San Pedro. DekorGallery@gmail.com or call the gallery at (310) 831-1800.
Friday, December 7
Warren Miller’s Face of Winter
Hermosa Beach filmmaker Warren Miller, who passed away this year, is honored in “Face of Winter, the 69th installment from Warren Miller Entertainment (WME), presented by Volkswagen. 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Hermosa Beach Community Theatre, 710 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach. $19 per person. Prior to the screening, friends and admirers are invited to an exhibit of Miller’s memorabilia at the Hermosa Historical Museum, adjacent to the theater. Film tickets at Eventbrite/Volkswagen Presents Warren Miller’s Face of Winter.
Saturday, December 8
Sand Snowman
The City of Hermosa Beach presents the Sand Snowman Contest. Bring your family or friends, shovels, scarves and mittens because in Hermosa Beach, we make Sandsnowmen. 15th Street at the shoreline. Registration begins at 8:45 a.m. Building begins at 9 a.m. Judging at 11:15 a.m. Prizes for Hermosa Beach favorite, most unique, most traditional, best dressed and funniest. For more information call the Hermosa Beach Community Resources Department at (310) 318-0280 or email hbconnect@hermosabch.org.
Santa at the Peninsula
Families are invited to enjoy complimentary photos with Santa, a live onstage performance by the PV Ballet, plus holiday-themed kids’ crafts, games, face painting, DJ, and balloon art. The weather that day will also call for magical “snowfall” and be on the lookout for a strolling Christmas tree for more fun holiday photo opps. The event will take place in the drive aisle near La Salsa. 12 – 2 p.m. Peninsula Shopping Center, 67 Peninsula Center, Rolling Hills Estates. Information visit peninsulashoppingcenter.com.
Aquarium fish-mas
In celebration of the holiday season, Santa Diver will be delivering an ocean of gifts to the Aquarium of the Pacific for its animals. Guest can see Santa Diver with sharks and watch the Aquarium’s animals receive their special treats during the Holiday Treats for the Animals weekend. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach. $29.95 adults, $26.95 seniors, $17.95 children (3-11), free for children under 3. For info call (562) 590-3100 or visit aquariumofpacific.org.
Kids Holiday Music
Enjoy a special Holiday Music Show with Craig Newton. Dance, listen, and sing along with Craig as he shares holiday songs from a variety of cultures. Free. For children of all ages. 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Manhattan Beach Library, 1320 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach. For questions call (310) 545-8595.
Snow on the hill
Families are invited to enjoy complimentary photos with Santa, a live onstage performance by the PV Ballet, plus holiday-themed kids’ crafts, games, face painting, DJ, and balloon art. The weather that day will also call for magical “snowfall” and be on the lookout for a strolling Christmas tree for more fun holiday photo opps. The event will take place in the drive aisle near La Salsa. 12 – 2 p.m. Peninsula Shopping Center, 67 Peninsula Center, Rolling Hills Estates. Information visit peninsulashoppingcenter.com.
RB Pier Santa, concert
Annual Holiday Concert and Santa on the Redondo Beach Pier. Live music, giveaways and surfing Santa photos. 2 – 4 p.m. 100 Fisherman’s Wharf, Redondo Beach. Attendees are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy (valued at $5) for the Love in the Mirror Toy Drive. For information visit redondopier.com.
Library gingerbread
Make “gingerbread house” style paper luminaries. Cut, fold, color and create your own unique house that can be lit from within by a battery powered tea-light. All supplies will be provided, while supplies last. Ages 4 – 12. Free. 3:30 – 5 p.m. Manhattan Beach Library, 1320 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach. For questions call (310) 545-8595.
Holiday Craft night
A Night handmade crafts and ornaments night for the whole family. Delicious treats, hot cocoa, and a light supper served. This is a free event brought to you by the City of Manhattan’s REC Program Staff. 5 – 8 p.m. Manhattan Heights Park, 1600 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach. For questions call (310) 802-5448.
Holiday Boat Parade
The King Harbor Yacht Club’s 26th Annual Holiday Boat Parade features brightly decorated boats and paddle-craft parade. Don’t know how to begin decorating your boat. Sea Scout elves are available to assist. For more information contact April Pitcairn (310) 721-1758. SUP/ Paddle Craft info contact Chris Schmidt (310) 918-2731. 4:30 – 11:30 p.m. King Harbor, Redondo Beach. To register visit eventbrite/King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade 2018.
Historic Holiday
Annual Victorian Holiday Party and Toy Drive at the historic Morrell House and Queen Anne Museum. Entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, and merriment. Both the Morrell House and the Museum will be decorated for the holidays and open to the public. 6 – 9 p.m. 298 Flagler Lane, Redondo Beach. Admittance is an unwrapped toy. All toys will benefit Cheer for Children, which provides holiday gifts to acutely ill children. If you are unable to attend our event, you can drop off your unwrapped toy at the Morrell House between now and December 11 during regular museum hours 12 noon – 4 p.m. Sat. and Sun. For more information visit redondohistorical.org or call (310) 379-6409.
Sunday, December 9
Santa photos cover the spectrum
Children within every spectrum of special needs and their families are invited to a private photo session, to experience the time-honored tradition of a visit with Santa Claus during dedicated hours. Reserve your complimentary ticket on Eventbrite – One ticket per group/family. Visits with Santa are free. Photo packages that capture holiday memories will be available for purchase at the event, pricing varies by location. 9 – 10:30 a.m. South Bay Galleria, 1815 Hawthorne Blvd., Redondo Beach. For more information visit autismspeaks.org.
El Segundo Holiday parade
The El Segundo Chamber of Commerce and Chevron present the 55th Annual Holiday Parade. The route begins on Main Street at Imperial Avenue and proceeds south to El Segundo Blvd. Grandstands will be located at Main Street and Holly Avenue. Floats, music, marching bands, antique cars, giveaways, and Santa. 1 p.m. For more information visit elsegundochamber.com/events-and-news.
Holiday Fireworks
Skechers Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Festival. Santa arrives at 4 p.m. and The Hyperion Outfall Serenaders kick off the entertainment. Skechers Snow Park and Sled Hill will be open 4 – 6:30 p.m. Bring an unwrapped toy or cash donation for the YMCA Guides’ toy drive. Live entertainment continues until 7 p.m. when the fireworks begin. Bring blankets, beach chairs, and picnic dinner to pick a spot for the spectacular show. Manhattan Beach Pier.
Furry friend Santa
Del Amo Fashion Center will host pet photo nights where pet owners can bring their fur babies for photos with Santa Claus. Free. 6 – 8 p.m. Del Amo Fashion Center, 3525 W. Carson St., Torrance. For questions call (310) 542-8525 or visit simon.com/mall/del-amo-fashion-center. Register at Eventbrite/Holiday Pet Nights.
Monday, December 10
Holiday 3D at the library
Learn about 3D technology and make holiday gifts and cookie cutters. Grades 6 to 12. Free. 4 – 5 p.m. Manhattan Beach Library, 1320 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach. Call the front desk (310) 545-8595 for questions.
Tuesday, December 11
Meditation circle
Torrance Memorial’s HealthLinks offers an opportunity to enhance meditation skills through a free, drop-in Meditation Circle. Benefits of regular meditation include: quieting the mind, developing inner peace, adding balance to life, relaxation for health and well-being, and shared energy. Free. Drop-ins are welcome during the hour. 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Hoffman Health Conference Center Room 3, 3315 Medical Center Dr., Torrance. For more information visit TorranceMemorial.org/SupportGrops or call (310) 517-4711.
Torrance Chorale concert
The Torrance Civic Chorale has been sharing its passion for outstanding choral music with the South Bay since the early 1960s. This incredible music features modern rhythmic and harmonic structures written for mixed choir, soprano soloist, pipe organ and chamber orchestra. 8 p.m. James R. Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Dr., Torrance. Reserved seating is available for $14. Call the theatre box office at (310) 781-7171.
Wednesday, December 12
Library STEM Makmo
Learn about science, technology, engineering, art, and math with our Maker Mobile (MakMo). Children ages 5 and up are welcome. Free. 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Manhattan Beach Library, 1320 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach. For questions call (310) 545-8595.
Flamenco in Hermosa
Seattle-based Flamenco dancer, Savannah Fuentes brings her latest show, Pasajera, an evening of Flamenco. Savannah will be joined by two exceptional Spanish Flamenco artists; acclaimed Spanish-Romani guitarist Pedro Cortes and singer/percussionist/dancer Jose Moreno. 8 p. m. 2nd Story Theater, 710 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. General admission $22, VIP seating $35, child $8, student $15. To purchase tickets visit brownpapertickets.com/event/3899028.
Thursday, December 13
Tableside Melodies
The Admiral Risty presents the Los Cancioneros Master Chorale Ensemble who will perform Christmas and Chanukah favorites tableside for the enjoyment of dining guests. Admiral Risty’s, 31250 Palos Verdes Drive West, Rancho Palos Verdes. Reservations recommended, call (310) 377-0050 or visit admiralristy.com.
Shade ugly sweater party
The 3rd Ugly Sweater Party at Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach. Wear your ugliest/best Christmas attire. No cover charge. Winter drink specials, bites, DJ, and ugly sweater competition. 7 – 11:30 p.m. Shade Hotel, 1221 N. Valley Dr., Manhattan Beach. Call (310) 469-3466 for questions and or reservations.
For the animals
Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles Annual Holiday Donation Drive. A fun-filled family day where supporters enjoy story time, holiday gift shopping, live music by the award winning duo Andy & Renee, and, most importantly, the chance to be a big part of helping injured seals and sea lions by bringing wish-list supplies or cash donations. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Marine Mammal Care Center, 3601 S. Gaffey Street #8, San Pedro. For more information about the great work done by Marine Mammal Care Center, visit marinemammalcare.org. Free admission and parking.
Friday, December 14
Food decorating
Learn the art of food decorating, using fresh fruits and vegetables. Galin will provide hands on instruction on how to make fruit and vegetable decorations, design the platter and platter presentation. Participants will get to keep their work. Food decorating opens great opportunities for creativity and imagination. See how simple garnishes can transform long-familiar dishes into works of art that will impress your guests. $5 per person. 12 noon – 1 p.m. Hermosa Five-0 Activity Center, 710 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. RSVP to Galina at fooddecorating@gmail.com. Visit Galina’s website at fooddecoration.info/ to see what you will learn.
Saturday, December 15
Dockweiler wonderland
Bring the whole family to the Dockweiler Youth Center for this free holiday event and enjoy bouncers, winter activities, and real snow at the beach. Free. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Dockweiler Youth Center, 12505 Vista Del Mar, Los Angeles. Call (310) 726-4128 for more information. RSVP for faster check-in at Eventbrite/2018 Beach Winter Wonderland.
Cozy time
Come snuggle up for a family storytime celebrating warm feelings & winter. Then join us for seasonal card making. For children and families. 3 – 4 p.m. Hermosa Beach Library, 550 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. For questions call (310) 379-8475.
Starlight Train Ride
The 4th Annual Starlight night run begins as you depart the Station under the blanket of darkening skies. Your train will crawl through holiday displays and lights. The Starlight Train Ride is a fundraiser event. Boarding tickets are $7/rider for one ride on the evening of the event (or $5 in advance during regular run days). 5 – 8 p.m. Wilson Park, 2290 Washington Ave., Torrance. Southerncalifornialivesteamers.org.
Nutcracker Ballet
Palos Verdes Ballet students from various South Bay area schools will share the roles of the main Marie. Marie enters a moonlit living room in desperate search for her Nutcracker. For tickets visit palosverdesballet.org. 7 p.m. Additional show on Sunday, December 16, 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets are $38 for adults and $28 for children. Call (310) 544-0403 or visit palosverdesballet.org.
Do you mind
Mindfulness is paying attention in the here and now with a quality of openness, curiosity and kindness. At first, you might not immediately feel its impact or know how it will benefit you. However, over time and with practice, many find they gain more clarity about circumstances in their life and are better able to handle stress at home and in the workplace. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Redondo Beach Main Library, 303 N. Pacific Coast Hwy., Redondo Beach. Free. No rsvp required.
Sunday, December 16
Classic Holiday music
Renowned Metropolitan Opera tenor Aaron Blake joins the Los Cancioneros Master Chorale for an evening of classic holiday favorites, including Robert Shaw’s “Many Moods of Christmas” with orchestra. 7 p.m. General admission $25/students $15. To purchase tickets call Diana at (310) 779-3072 or buy from the Armstrong Theatre Box Office at (310) 781-7171. Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. LCMasterChorale.com.
Saturday, December 22
Beach Cities Toy Wrapping Party
The Beach Cities Toy Drive gift wrapping runs from 10 a.m. ‘til the toys are wrapped at the Manhattan Beach Joslyn Center, 1601 N. Valley Dr, Manhattan Beach. If possible, bring scissors, tape and wrapping paper. For more information email BeachCitiesToyDrive@gmail.com.