Fun things to do in the South Bay this December
The holidays are hard to beat, especially when the weather in Southern California still allows us to spend much of the time outdoors. This year I thought it would be fun to share some of our favorite holiday outings around the South Bay and Palos Verdes, most requiring just a warm jacket, comfortable shoes, and friends and family to enjoy it with. (Click on each subtitle for links for more information).
December 5-7th – Manhattan Beach
Sandpipers 33rd Annual Holiday Homes Tour Dec 5-7th
This is a popular event and a fun way to tour amazing homes that are decorated for the holidays. They also host a holiday market that benefits local charities.
Saturday December 6th
Hermosa Beach Sand Snowman Contest – 15th Street in Hermosa Beach, starts at 9am
Let It Snow – Redondo Beach
200 Portofino Way, 12-4pm – Real snow in Redondo Beach! Bring an unwrapped toy, coat, or gift card. Benefits the Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy Program.
Friday December 12th – Sunday December 14th
RPV Tree Lighting and Snow and more
This event has grown to include 3 days of fun starting with the tree lighting and snow. It’s on our list this season for sure!
Saturday December 13th
The Great Santa Stroll Fundraiser
Hermosa Beach
The King Harbor Boat Parade and more
Sunday December 14th
Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks – Manhattan Beach Pier – 7pm
This is one of the big events not to miss if you want something much of the South Bay looks forward to each year. If you can make it down to the pier before hand, there are carolers, fun for the kids, and of course the fireworks show off the pier. We like to pick a spot in the sand on on The Strand 6 or 7 blocks away to get the full perspective without being in the thick of the crowd. It’s a great event to park somewhere to the south of the pier, and ride bikes to dinner, and then find a spot to watch the show.
Ongoing through New Years
Torrance Christmas Lights
When an area becomes famously known, so much so that it’s call the “Candy Cane Lane” to locals, it’s probably worth checking out. The area I’m speaking of is the Seaside Ranchos neighborhood in Torrance on the Redondo Beach/Hollywood Riviera border. We love to get an early dinner at one of the local spots in Hollywood Riviera, then park at Tulita Elementary School, bring a thermos of hot chocolate for the kids, and enjoy the lights and festive atmosphere in this tree-lined neighborhood. The neighbors go all out so it can get pretty crowded on the weekends, so if you can spare a free weeknight, go early and enjoy it without the gridlock the weekends can bring.
Naples Island Boat Parade and Neighborhood Lights
This one has been a family tradition for over 30 years and another good excuse to try a new restaurant outside of our usual spots. Naples is a small island in Long Beach harbor with canals and walking paths much like the Strand. We like to get dinner at one of the many options in Belmont Shores, then find a parking spot and walk the 1 mile loop. Another option is to hire a gondolier to guide your tour around the island via a gondola (think Venice, Italy), or if you are really brave, bring your Stand Up Paddleboard and paddle around the island.
Astra Lumina at the South Coast Botanic Gardens in Rolling Hills Estates
I have heard great things about this light show at the Botanic Gardens. Described as “an immersive night walk experience that uses light, scenography, original soundscape and projection,” it is about an hour long experience and had made our list of things to do during Christmas break this year.
