2024 Guide to 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.
Looking for more family-friendly events this holiday season? Sign up for our newsletter and get it all delivered to your inbox, or check out our events calendar.
Join us for our Local Anchor 3rd Annual Project Holiday Helpers and adopt local families in need this holiday season!
This post is sponsored by South Bay Credit Union. South Bay Credit Union is for all who live, work, or worship in the South Bay.
Before we get started, check out these additional holiday guides for the Holiday Season in and around the South Bay.
- Where to Find Santa in the South Bay
- Magical Places to See Holiday Lights In the South Bay and Los Angeles 2024
- Ultimate Guide to Holiday Tree Lighting Events in the South Bay 2024
- 9 Best Places To Go Sledding In Big Bear
- 15 Ways To Volunteer as a Family During the Holidays
- Guide to Winter Break Camps in South Bay
- Celebrate with Holiday Events in Los Angeles and Orange County
- Coolest Things to Do in Los Angeles and the South Bay for Winter Break
- (COMING SOON) Celebrate the Light at these Chanukah Events in the South Bay and Los Angeles
2024 Holiday Events In Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Village Holidays 2024
November 17 – December 24, 2024
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.
34th Annual Pier Lighting and 29th Annual Holiday Open House
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Downtown Manhattan Beach and Manhattan Beach Pier
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
Wednesday, November 20
Aquarium Hours: 3:30 PM – 8:30 PM
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!
32nd Annual Holiday Homes Tour in the South Bay
Friday, December 6 – Sunday, December 8, 2024
Embrace the holiday spirit at the 32nd Annual Holiday Homes Tour presented by Sandpipers, a cherished South Bay tradition running from Friday, December 6 through Sunday, December 8, 2024. This year’s tour is set to be more dazzling than ever, showcasing three unique South Bay homes beautifully transformed for the season. Local artisans and florists have crafted stunning winter wonderlands, making this a festive experience not to be missed.
Skechers Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Festival
December 8, 2024
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.
2024 Holiday Events In Redondo Beach
2024 Riviera Village Holiday Stroll
December 5, 2024 5pm- 9pm
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.
Let It Snow Redondo
December 7, 2024 12 PM to 4 PM
The Redondo Beach Department presents, “Let it Snow Redondo!” December 7th 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.
Seaside Lagoon, 200 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Debbie Allen’s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker
December 5-8, 2024
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.
Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA 90278
2024 King Harbor King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade
December 14, 2024
Indulge in the holiday spirit and delight in the sight of festive boats gracefully gliding through the harbor. This year’s parade theme is “A Tropical Holiday.” 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 14, 2024
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.
2024 Holiday Events In Hermosa Beach
Hermosa for the Holidays
November 22-24, 2024
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.
The California Great Santa Stroll
December 14, 2024
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.
2024 Holiday Events In El Segundo
60th Annual El Segundo Holiday Parade
Sunday, December 8, 1 – 3pm
Join the community on December 8, 2024, for the 60th Annual El Segundo Holiday Parade, themed “Candy Cane Lane on Main”! This beloved holiday tradition brings together local schools, organizations, joyful marching bands, vintage cars, businesses, and creative floats for a dazzling display of festive cheer. The parade lineup begins at 11:00 am on Imperial Ave & Main Street, with lineup numbers distributed during the week of December 2.
The parade route starts on Main Street at Imperial Avenue and proceeds south to El Segundo Blvd. Don’t miss the excitement from 1:00 to 3:00 pm as we celebrate this cherished annual event. Be sure to submit applications by November 25, 2024!
2024 Holiday Events In Palos Verdes Peninsula
Astra Lumina Returns to South Coast Botanic Garden for a Magical Night Walk
November 9 – December 31, 2024
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.
South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
Peninsula Parade of Lights
Saturday, December 7, 2024
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!
2024 Holiday Events In Torrance
Torrance Turkey Trot Fun Run
Thursday, November 28, 2024, at 8 a.m.
One of the most unique South Bay holiday events, the 44th 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.
2024 Torrance Memorial Holiday Festival
December 3 – 8, 2024 (Closed to the Public on Friday)
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.
Downtown Torrance Holiday Stroll
December 4, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
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.
Southern California Steamers Holiday Lights Train Rides
Friday, December 20 & Saturday, December 21, 5:00pm to 8:30pm
All aboard for a Holiday-themed train ride through a half mile of lights and displays. In Wilson Park. Riders must be at least 32″ to ride; no infants are allowed to ride the trains.
2024 Holiday Events In San Pedro
San Pedro Spirit of the Holidays Parade
Sunday, December 1, 2024 1pm-3pm
Downtown San Pedro
Don’t miss the special holiday fun with the 44th 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.
Outdoor Holiday Market Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
November 29, 2024
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.
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Address 3720 Stephen M White Dr, San Pedro, CA 90731
2024 Holiday Events In Lomita
Santa at the Lomita Railroad Museum
December 8, 2024
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.
2024 Holiday Events In Lawndale
Coming Soon
2024 Holiday Events In Lawndale
Coming Soon
Don’t Miss Santa’s Sleigh! (COMING SOON)
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
