2023 Jolly Holiday Events in the South Bay
There’s so much to do, see, eat, shop, and experience in the South Bay of Los Angeles during the holidays! Check out our list of all the South Bay Holiday events – from magical light displays to enjoying hot cocoa with Santa.
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Join us for our Local Anchor 2nd Annual Project Holiday Helpers and adopt local families in need this holiday season!
The Best Holiday Events in the South Bay
Manhattan Village Holidays 2023
November 17 – December 24, 2023
From photos with Santa to live music performances and a tree-lighting ceremony, there’s something for everyone in your family to enjoy, even the dog! Join in the festivities as they kick off the holiday season with Santa’s arrival on Friday, November 24, from 3 – 6 pm. The celebration includes live performances and a tree-lighting ceremony. Reserve your spot to see Santa and get the perfect family photos. Kids can deliver their wishlists to a special mailbox to be sent straight to the North Pole, and the first 100 letters will receive a response.
RELATED: Where to Find Santa in the South Bay
South Coast Botanic Garden’s Astra Lumina in Los Angeles
November 9 – December 31, 2023
Astra Lumina returns with one of the best holiday events in the South Bay: enchanting night walks at the South Coast Botanic Garden. This immersive experience features the magic of projections, lighting, and music to transform the garden into a celestial pathway.
Light Up the Night Tree Lighting and Santa Arrival
November 17, 2023
Kick off the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony and the arrival of Santa at 2nd & PCH. The festivities include live musical performances, visits with holiday characters, and more!
54th Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Faire
November 11 – 12, 2023
Over 60 artists are selling handcrafted goods for holiday gift-giving. Free admission and parking. Hosted at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center from 10 am – 3 pm, Madrona & Torrance Blvd.
2023 Manhattan Beach Pier Lighting
November 15, 2023
Kick off the holiday season with live performances and the annual pier lighting ceremony. Enjoy an evening of holiday music, shopping, and dining all at one great location, Downtown Manhattan Beach.
Roundhouse Aquarium Holiday Open House
November 15, 2023
During the Pier Lighting, the Roundhouse will be open late so you can enjoy the lights and animals after dark. Stop in for holiday shopping, visit your favorite animals, and enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies from 3:30 to 8:30 pm!
RELATED: Guide to Winter Break Camps in South Bay
Torrance Turkey Trot Fun Run
November 23, 2023
One of the most unique South Bay holiday events, the 43rd Annual Harry Sutter Memorial Turkey Trot Fun Run is the perfect way to start your day before the Thanksgiving feast! On Thanksgiving Day, the three-mile fun run will begin at 8:00 am. Stay after the race for a chance drawing with mountain bikes and other amazing prizes. An official Turkey Trot shirt will be given to each registered participant. Please be aware that the Turkey Trot will continue regardless of the weather.
Hermosa for the Holidays
November 17 – 19, 2023
This 3-day holiday event hosted by the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau features music, shopping, dining, family-friendly activities, and a tree lighting ceremony.
Outdoor Holiday Market Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
November 26, 2023
Shop local for the holidays this year at the Outdoor Holiday Market. Several accomplished local artists and artisans will showcase and sell their wares, including pottery, knitting, glass jewelry, recycled and upcycled sea debris, children’s wear, and more. You can also support a great cause by shopping at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Gift Shop. Shop and enjoy food and live entertainment from 10 am to 3 pm.
2023 Torrance Memorial Holiday Festival
November 28 – December 3, 2023 (Closed to the Public on Friday, December 1)
Beautifully decorated trees, concerts, seasonal gifts, kid-friendly activities, a food court, and unique ticketed events like a fashion show and dinner gala are all included in the Holiday Festival, a one-of-a-kind holiday celebration. Located at the Torrance Memorial Medical Center in a white tent at the intersection of Medical Center Drive and Skypark Drive.
Angel Tree Lighting
December 1, 2023
The City of Lawndale invites you to bask in the glow of their annual tree lighting ceremony. The holiday event includes a live DJ, ice skating rink, visits with Santa, food vendors, a snow sled run, and trackless train rides. Brand new for 2023 is a large snow play area!
Sandpipers Holiday Homes Tour
December 1 – 3, 2023
Experience the 31st Annual Sandpipers Holiday Homes Tour, which showcases distinctive South Bay homes beautifully decorated for the holiday season. The event also features a Holiday Boutique and Cafe with gifts, food, and drinks for purchase.
Let It Snow Redondo
December 2, 2023
The Redondo Beach Department presents, “Let it Snow Redondo!” December 2nd from 12 PM to 4 PM at Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach. Enjoy an afternoon of real snow, cocoa, cookies, crafts, photos with Santa Claus and more! Support the Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy Program and donate a new unwrapped toy, coat or gift card for children and families in need.
Winter Wonderland and Visit with Santa
December 2, 2023
The Gardena City Hall is transforming into a Winter Wonderland of snow for a tree lighting ceremony and a visit from Santa. The event includes snow play, children’s activities, hot cocoa, and s’mores from 3 – 7 pm.
Downtown Torrance Holiday Stroll
December 6, 2023
Go ice skating on the outdoor ice rink, enjoy holiday carolers singing Christmas songs, and check out the photo ops and cookies! Stores will be open late with special sales and treats. Santa will be there with a snowfall and more festive fun from 4 – 8 pm.
Peninsula Parade of Lights
December 2, 2023
The City of Rolling Hills Estates is excited to once again light up the season with holiday cheer with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Holiday Parade of Lights. This unique annual event is perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. The parade features community and civic groups, school and youth organizations, marching bands, drill teams, equestrian units, local businesses, and of course, Santa!
San Pedro Spirit of the Holidays Parade
December 3, 2023
Don’t miss the special holiday fun with the 43rd Annual San Pedro Spirit of the Holidays Parade. This wonderful tradition will feature bands, equestrian units, dancers, and Santa Claus! The parade starts at 1 pm at 13th and Pacific Avenue, makes a right at 6th Street, and heads west to the water.
2023 Riviera Village Holiday Stroll
December 7, 2023
Celebrate the season at Riviera Village, where they will hold their annual Holiday Stroll. The best holiday songs play in the background while Christmas light displays illuminate the streets! In addition to the open shops, you’ll enjoy a visit from Santa, the Grinch, and other holiday characters, as well as plenty of fun photo ops.
Debbie Allen’s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker
December 7 – 10, 2023
The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker is an international sensation that gives the ballet classic 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. Ticketed performances take place at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center.
The California Great Santa Stroll
December 9, 2023
The California Great Santa Stroll is a fundraiser for Mychal’s Learning Place and easily one of the most unique South Bay holiday events. This fun run/ walk is a 5K open to people of all ages and abilities. Thousands of participants dressed like Santas will trek from the Hermosa Beach Pier to Manhattan Beach this year.
2023 King Harbor King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade
December 9, 2023
Indulge in the holiday spirit and delight in the sight of festive boats gracefully gliding through the harbor. This year’s parade theme is “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The parade runs from 5:30 – 8pm and the best spots for viewing are the Portofino Hotel, Moonstone Park, and Mole B.
Redondo Beach Pier 13th Annual Holiday Concert
December 9, 2023
Join in the Christmas cheer with live performances from 2 – 4 pm. There will be a holiday activity book giveaway, a holiday selfie station, and more! Bring a new, unwrapped toy for the toy drive for a chance to win prizes.
59th Annual El Segundo Holiday Parade
December 10, 2023
On December 10th from 1 – 3 pm, “A Home Run for the Holidays” will make its way down Main Street in Downtown El Segundo. This year’s theme celebrates the parade’s Grand Marshalls, the El Segundo Little League 2023 World Series Championship Team!
Skechers Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Festival
December 10, 2023
Watch the sky light up with fireworks over the Manhattan Beach Pier. In addition to the fireworks show, you can enjoy live bands, a snow park, and more! Be sure to bring a new toy for the toy drive.
Santa at the Lomita Railroad Museum
December 10, 2023
Santa is coming to the Lomita Railroad Museum! In addition to visits and photo ops with Santa, you can explore the Lomita Railroad Museum and check out holiday activities like cookie decorating, holiday crafts and games, and tasty holiday treats.
Ice Fantasy Skating Rink – Downtown Torrance
November 3, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Experience the thrill of gliding on a state-of-the-art Synthetic Ice Rink in the middle of downtown Torrance. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a first-timer you’re guaranteed to have a great time.
Southern California Steamers Holiday Lights Train Rides
Date: TBA
All aboard for a Holiday-themed train ride through a half mile of lights and displays. In Wilson Park, $8.00 per rider. Riders must be at least 32″ to ride; no infants are allowed to ride the trains.
Don’t Miss Santa’s Sleigh!
Santa is making his way across the South Bay. Check out our guides to all of his stops and what dates and times he will be visiting your neighborhood:
2023 Redondo Beach Santa Float Schedule
2023 Manhattan Beach Santa Float Schedule
2023 Lomita Santa, Palos Verdes Estate Santa, & Rolling Hills Santa Float Schedule
2023 Torrance Santa Float Schedule
More holiday fun:
Catered Thanksgiving Dinners in the South Bay
Celebrate Holiday Events in Los Angeles and Orange County
