Most Joyful Things to Do in the South Bay (LA) in December
The holiday season is in full swing! From trees and lights to treats and sweets, there is so much to do and see this month. Between the presents and the parties, enjoy some quality family time with these joyful events and activities.
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.
Upcoming Featured Events & Program Highlights:
Wednesday, December 3: Annual Holiday Stroll in Downtown Torrance
Saturday, December 6: Let It Snow Redondo
Saturdays, December 6, 13, 20, 27: Snow Showers at The Point
Saturday, December 13: The California Great Santa Stroll
Friday Fun at Madrona Marsh Preserve
Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center
3201 Plaza del Amo, Torrance, CA, 90503, United States
Hermosa for the Holidays
Hermosa Beach Pier
South Bay Island Fair – Holidays 2025
503 S Catalina Ave, Redondo Beach, CA 90277-4157, United States
Hermosa for the Holidays
Hermosa Beach Pier
“Cruise At The Beach!” Thanksgiving Food Drive Car Show
Cruise at the Beach
Torrance Antique Street Faire
Torrance Antique Street Faire
Hermosa for the Holidays
Hermosa Beach Pier
2025 South Bay Gobble Gallop
Hermosa Beach Pier
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Our Favorite Family-Friendly Things to Do in December
The list of events and activities this month is endless! Check out some of our favorites below and at the end of the post you’ll find all of our holiday guides for even more festive fun.
Events & Activities in the South Bay This Month
Astra Lumina
All month long
This immersive experience invites visitors to explore a celestial journey through illuminated pathways, dazzling light projections, and mesmerizing soundscapes.
Annual Holiday Stroll in Downtown Torrance
December 3
Join the community in the heart of Downtown Torrance where charming shops and delicious eateries make it the perfect backdrop for this holiday celebration. The festive event features live performances, vendors, games, carolers, Santa, and more!
2025 Riviera Holiday Stroll
December 4
With the roads closed to car traffic you can enjoy an evening at the Riviera Village celebrating the season! The annual event features interactive attractions for kids and adults, a procession with Santa and the Grinch, and loads of photo opportunities for your annual holiday greetings cards. Stores will be open late serving refreshments while you shop.
33rd Annual Sandpipers Holiday Homes Tour
December 5 – 7
Get into the holiday spirit with a beloved South Bay tradition, the Annual Holiday Homes Tour presented by Sandpipers. This year’s event features three distinctive homes in the South Bay that have been magnificently transformed for the holidays. Local artisans and florists have worked their magic, turning these homes into winter wonderlands.
Let It Snow Redondo
December 6
The Redondo Beach Department presents, “Let it Snow Redondo!” at Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach. Enjoy an afternoon of real snow, cocoa, cookies, crafts, photos with Santa Claus and more! be sure to bring a new unwrapped toy, coat or gift card to donate for children and families in need.
Snow Showers at The Point
December 6, 13, 20, 27
Every Saturday through the month of December head to The Point to experience a snow fall! Each evening from 6 to 8pm you’ll be treated to a snow shower every 30 minutes accompanied by holiday tunes in The Point Plaza.
Peninsula Parade of Lights
December 6
The City of Rolling Hills Estates is excited to once again light up the season with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Holiday Parade of Lights. The annual event features festive floats and cheerful participants parading through the commercial district along Silver Spur Road and Deep Valley Drive, through the Promenade on the Peninsula to Norris Center Drive.
Breakfast With Santa
December 13
Santa Claus is coming to zinc@shade from 9 AM to noon. Families can enjoy a festive brunch filled with seasonal favorites while the little ones delight in a special visit from Santa in the courtyard.
The California Great Santa Stroll
December 13
The California Great Santa Stroll is a fundraiser benefitting Mychal’s Learning Place. The festive event is a 5K run or walk for all ages and abilities where everyone dresses up like Santa and strolls from Hermosa Beach to Manhattan Beach and back.
Redondo Beach Pier Holiday Concert
December 13
The Redondo Pier Association is hosting its annual Pier Holiday Celebration on Saturday, December 13 from 2 PM to 4 PM at the west end of the Redondo Beach Pier. This free community event invites families to enjoy a festive afternoon by the water with holiday activities for all ages. Enjoy live carolers, music from a DJ, holiday arts and crafts, and more.
King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade
December 13
Celebrate the season with festive boats parading through King Harbor. Enjoy glittering light displays, community spirit, and holiday cheer as the boats light up the water in this beloved December tradition.
Skechers Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Festival
December 14
Enjoy a festive day with holiday activities, including the Skechers Snow Park, live performances, a Santa photo op, and more, all leading up to the spectacular fireworks show at 7:00 PM. Bring your blankets, beach chairs, and a picnic to enjoy the evening with family and friends.
Giant Chanukah Celebration
December 14
On the first night of Chanukah, join the Giant Celebration at the Hermosa Beach Pier Plaza. The event will include, hot latkes and donuts, holiday crafts, live music and fun for the whole family.
Grinch Day Drive In Movie in Rancho Palos Verdes
December 14
Rancho Palos Verdes will host a festive Grinch-themed drive in movie experience on Sunday, December 14 from 3 PM to 7 PM at the Ken Dyda Civic Center. Pre-movie activities include gift wrapping, face painting, crafts, and a character meet and greet with the Grinch. The movie will begin at 5pm.
Chanukah on Ice
December 24
Celebrate Chanukah at the Toyota Training Center the LA Kings Practice Rink. Food will be available for purchase.
Worth the Drive: Events & Activities in Los Angeles and Beyond This Month
Enchanted Forest of Light
All month
Enchanted is back for 2025! This magical one-mile trek takes visitors through several lighting experiences in some of the most adored locations of Descanso Gardens. It is an immersive experience unlike anything else in Los Angeles.
Winter Fest OC
All month
Southern California’s largest Winter Festival is back for 2025 at the OC Fair & Event Center with a festive winter wonderland featuring all-new attractions, live entertainment, holiday shopping, delicious food and more.
Festival of Lights at Mission Inn
All month
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa’s Festival of Lights is one of the nation’s largest holiday light collections, voted “Best Public Lights Display” by USA Today. The Festival of Lights began at The Mission Inn in 1992 as a present to the neighborhood, and it has since become a cherished annual event.
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort
Through January 7
Decked out in festive lights and holiday decorations, Disneyland Resort is a great place kick off the holiday season. Both theme parks, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, feature plenty of holiday-themed events and activities, like the Christmas parade, The Nightmare Before Christmas Haunted Mansion, and snow on Main Street. And, of course, tons of delicious holiday treats can be found across the resort.
About South Bay Credit Union
South Bay Credit Union is for all who live, work, or worship in the South Bay.
Banking with South Bay Credit Union offers numerous advantages. Their exceptional features include a local presence in the South Bay, personalized attention to detail, tailored banking and lending solutions, access to over 30,000 fee-free ATMs, specialized Youth Accounts, and private insurance coverage of up to $1,000,000 per account.
For small businesses, banking with South Bay Credit Union offers a range of advantages. These include online banking, bill payment services, debit and credit business cards, and low fees. You can enjoy all these benefits while receiving the same level of care and attention as a personal account.
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HOLIDAY GUIDES:
2025 Guide to Holiday Events in the South Bay
Celebrate the Light at these Chanukah Events in the South Bay and Los Angeles
Celebrate with Holiday Events in Los Angeles and Orange County
Coolest Things to Do in the South Bay and Los Angeles for Winter Break
Ultimate Guide to Holiday Tree Lighting Events in the South Bay 2025
Guide to Winter Break Camps in South Bay
Magical Places to See Holiday Lights In the South Bay and Los Angeles 2025
Astra Lumina Returns to South Coast Botanic Garden for a Magical Night Walk
Things To Do For New Year’s and Noon Year’s in South Bay + Los Angeles with Kids (2025)
