Manhattan Beach Holiday Events 2025: Your South Bay Guide to the Season.

Holiday Cheer by the Sea: South Bay Events to Celebrate the Season

The South Bay knows how to do the holidays right — twinkling lights on the pier, sand snowmen by the sea, and community traditions that bring everyone together. Whether you’re strolling through downtown Manhattan Beach or catching fireworks over the ocean, there’s something extra special about celebrating the season here.

Here’s a look at the local favorites filling the calendar this November and December.

🎁 Manhattan Beach Holiday Open House & Pier Lighting

📅 Wednesday, November 19 | Downtown Manhattan Beach
One of the town’s most beloved traditions: an evening of holiday shopping, live music, and the lighting of the iconic Manhattan Beach Pier.
🔗 More info & schedule Manhattan Beach
Local tip: Arrive early to book a dinner downtown before the lighting — it gets cozy fast!

🎄 Hermosa for the Holidays Weekend Celebration

📅 Friday–Sunday, November 21-23 | Hermosa Beach Pier Plaza
The beach transforms into a holiday scene with vendor tents, a Ferris wheel, live music, and the tree lighting ceremony.
🔗 Event details Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce+1
Don’t miss: The “Letters to Santa” station and the Ferris wheel for that perfect photo moment.

⛄ Hermosa Beach Sand Snowman Contest

📅 Saturday, December 6 | 15th Street & the Shoreline, Hermosa Beach
Yes—sand snowmen! It’s a seasonal favorite where creativity meets beach fun.

🎄 North Manhattan Beach Holiday Stroll

📅 Sunday, December 7 | 5:00 pm-9:00 pm | Highland Ave (33rd St to Rosecrans), North Manhattan Beach
Join the community for the “Where Santa Surfs” Holiday Stroll — Highland Ave is closed off for the evening with Santa, carolers, live entertainment, a Holiday Market, and local shops all decked out for the season. More info MB News+3North Manhattan Beach+3North Manhattan Beach+3

🎅 7th Annual Santa Stroll (organized by Mychal’s Learning Place)

📅 Saturday, December 13 | Hermosa Beach → Manhattan Beach
Hundreds of Santas stroll/5K from the Hermosa Pier to the Manhattan Beach Pier, all for a great cause.
🔗 Register & details MyChals+1
Bonus: Dogs in costume are absolutely encouraged.

🎆 Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks

📅 Sunday, December 14 | Manhattan Beach Pier
The grand finale of the season: fireworks over the Pacific, afternoon “snow park” for kids, and community gathering on the Strand.
More info

✨ Other Festive Favorites

• Downtown El Segundo Holiday Parade – Dec 7: Floats, bands, and small-town charm.

• Redondo Beach Holiday Concert on the Pier – Dec 13: Live music + Santa sightings with ocean views.

• Skechers Manhattan Beach Holiday 5K – Dec 8: Mix fitness with festive spirit.

🌴 The Spirit of the Season What makes the holidays here so special isn’t just the palm trees wrapped in lights — it’s the sense of community that shines through it all. Whether you’re watching the pier sparkle, cheering on Santas in sneakers, or building a sand snowman with friends, each event is a reminder of how lucky we are to call the South Bay home. 

🏡 Thinking About Moving to Manhattan Beach?

There’s more to Manhattan Beach than beautiful homes and ocean views—it’s the sense of community, the walkable lifestyle, and the events that bring neighbors together. If you or someone you know is thinking about making a move, we’d love to help you find your perfect fit.

📩 Reach out or follow @JustAskMolly for real estate updates, local happenings, and the inside scoop on all things Manhattan Beach and the South Bay.