As the festive season sweeps across the South Bay, Manhattan Beach emerges as a radiant hub for holiday cheer and community spirit. With its sandy shores, charming streets, and a vibrant local scene, Manhattan Beach offers an array of delightful events that capture the essence of the holiday season. Let's explore the enchanting celebrations that make December in Manhattan Beach truly magical.
Pier Lighting Ceremony & Holiday Open House
November 15th from 5-9pm
Kicking off the holiday festivities is the annual Pier Lighting Ceremony. Join the community on the iconic Manhattan Beach Pier for an evening of joy and wonder as the pier transforms into a dazzling display of lights. The event typically includes live music, festive treats, and, of course, the magical moment when the switch is flipped, bathing the pier in a warm holiday glow. Manhattan Beach's charming downtown area comes alive during the Holiday Open House. Local shops and boutiques extend their hours, welcoming visitors with special promotions, seasonal treats, and unique gift ideas. Stroll through the festively decorated streets, enjoy live music, and savor the holiday ambiance while crossing off items from your gift list.
More information HERE.
Photos with Santa at Manhattan Village
November 17th - December 24th
With Pets: Every Monday from November 20th to Dec 18th
Get ready for the holiday season! Santa will be granting wishes and taking photos from November 17 to December 24. Book your reservation by clicking HERE. Don’t forget to bring your furry friend on Mondays for pet photos with Santa, sponsored by Modern Animal in Manhattan Beach, a new kind of veterinary clinic.
Letters to Santa at Manhattan Village
November 18th - December 20th
We are making a list and checking it twice! As the holiday season approaches, a special mailbox has been set up at the Santa set near Macy’s. Children are encouraged to write letters to Santa, expressing their holiday wishes. The mailbox provides direct access to the North Pole, ensuring that Santa will receive all the letters. It is important to clearly write the recipient’s name and return address on the letter. The letters can be written and delivered starting from November 18, 2023. The first 100 children to write and deliver a letter to the mailbox will receive a response from Santa. Please visit the Concierge for any questions. Learn more HERE.
Sandpipers Holiday Homes Tour
December 1st-3rd from 10am-5pm
Come to experience Sandpipers’ 31st Annual Holiday Homes Tour! For 31 years, homeowners have opened their homes for our annual Holiday Homes Tour for guests to enjoy. This popular community fundraising event attracts over 2,500 patrons annually and garners tremendous support from small businesses and community partners. This year's tour boasts three distinctive homes in the South Bay. Each home is magnificently decorated and transformed for the holidays by local artisans and florists. Our festive Holiday Market features a Boutique with luxurious gifts for purchase, including but not limited to jewelry, artisan goods, home goods, and clothing. Food and beverages including wine/spirits are also available for purchase at the Café located inside the Holiday Market.
For more information and tickets, click here.
Local Love Weekend
December 2nd - 3rd from 8am-8pm
Music and lights welcome the holiday season throughout downtown Manhattan Beach. On Saturday, Dec. 2 from 12 to 2 p.m., enjoy music on steel drums. Performances on Sunday, Dec. 3 include the Mira Costa High School carolers from 12 to 2 p.m., and a colorful Golf Cart Parade at 4 p.m. Find updates on downtownmanhattanbeach.com/events.
Sand Snowman Contest
December 9th from 9am to 11:15am
Embrace the coastal holiday spirit at the annual Sand Snowman Contest, where creativity knows no bounds. This family-friendly event encourages participants to trade snow for sand, sculpting imaginative snowmen on the beach. Prizes are awarded for the most inventive creations, making it a fun and lighthearted way to celebrate the season. It’s open to all ages and abilities. Registration begins at 9 a.m., and judging will start at 11:15am. Come early and choose a spot on the beach near 15th Street. Prizes will be awarded for Hermosa Beach Favorite, Most Unique, Traditional, Best Dressed, and Funniest.
The Great Santa Stroll
December 9th from 9am to 12pm
Join hundreds of ‘Santas’ and stroll from Hermosa Beach pier to Manhattan Beach pier along the Strand in a fundraiser, The Great Santa Stroll, benefiting Mychal’s Learning Place. Bring family and friends to kick off the holiday season with this fun event. Registrants receive a free Santa Suit; find details online at mychals.org/events.
Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks
December 10th from 3-7pm
Gaze up at the night sky and be captivated by the spectacular Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks show sponsored by Skechers. This dazzling display, set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and the Manhattan Beach Pier, is a beloved tradition that brings the community together to marvel at the beauty of the season. Pack a blanket, gather with friends and family, and enjoy the show from one of the many vantage points along the coastline. Activities include carolers starting at 3pm; a sledding hill from 4 to 6:30pm; Dixie-style music at 4pm; and the Mira Costa High jazz band starting at 5 p.m. Street closings will be in effect throughout the day. Details are online at mbfireworks.com.
Santa at the Farmer’s Market
December 12th from 11am-1pm
Come join the BIG holiday celebration at the Farmers Market. Bring your cameras and grab a photo with Santa!
Santa & Sleigh: 11-1pm
Holiday Storytime with Friends of MB Library: 12:30pm
Happy Chanukah Demo & Tasting with South Bay Jewish Community Center: 12-2pm
Live Holiday Entertainment
December 16th, 17th, & 23rd from 12-2pm
Students from Mira Costa High School bring holiday bands and choral music to the streets!
Surfin' Santa
Once a year in Manhattan Beach, even Santa catches a wave! Witness the jolly man in red donning his board shorts and catching some waves. This unique twist on a classic tradition captures the essence of the beachside community, offering a playful and festive experience for locals and visitors alike. See if you can spot him!
As December unfolds in Manhattan Beach, the community comes together to create lasting memories against the backdrop of sandy shores and ocean breezes. From the enchanting Pier Lighting Ceremony to the lively downtown Holiday Open House, each event contributes to the vibrant tapestry of holiday celebrations in this coastal paradise. So, whether you're a resident or a visitor, immerse yourself in the magic of Manhattan Beach this December and experience the warmth, joy, and unique charm of the holiday season by the sea!
