Local Holiday Events You Don’t Want To Miss By Writer and Contributor Emily McGinn
’Tis the season for boots, scarves…and plenty of events. The Peninsula has plenty of activities going on in the next couple months to get you in the holiday spirit, so mark your calendars for these events!
Nov. 22-24: Peninsula School of Performing Arts Presents The Nutcracker
Where: 27570 Norris Center Drive, Rolling Hills Estates
The Peninsula School of Performing Arts is bringing a performance of “The Nutcracker” to the Hill. Enjoy the classical ballet that tells the adventures of Clara and her nutcracker at the Norris Theater, with multiple performance times to choose from.
Buy tickets and learn more: The Nutcracker
Nov. 30: Magical Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Terranea’s Front Drive
Where: Front Drive, 1 Terranea Way
Terranea Resort will be kicking off the holiday season with lighting a 30-foot tree. There will also be caroling, dance performances, photos with Santa and postcards for Santa. Gingerbread cookie decorating, hot chocolate and apple cider will also be available.
The event is free, but guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift to be donated to Toys for Tots.
Learn more: Terranea Tree Lighting
Nov. 30-Jan. 3: Terranea Resort’s Gingerbread Lounge
Where: Terranea Resort Lobby Lounge
Head over to Terranea Resort to enjoy its Gingerbread Lounge during the holiday season. The 7-by-7-foot gingerbread house is decorated with sweet treats, and it offers a bar that serves holiday cocktails, hot chocolate, apple cider, ginger snaps, peppermint bites and more.
Learn more: https://www.terranea.com/events/gingerbread-lounge-9201135
Dec. 3-8: Torrance Memorial's 41st Annual Holiday Festival
Where: At Skypark Drive and Medical Center Drive
This cost-friendly holiday event offers decorated trees and entertainment to enjoy, as well as children’s activities, food and holiday gifts. The festival costs $5 for adults and is free for children 5 years old or younger.
There are also other events that require a separate ticket, including a fashion show and a dinner gala.
Learn more: https://www.torrancememorialfoundation.org/holiday-festival/
Dec. 6: City of Rancho Palos Verdes Tree Lighting Ceremony
Where: Ken Dyda Civic Center
Join the City of Rancho Palos Verdes to light a 27-foot fir tree and menorah display. There will also be a pop-up shop, holiday music, inflatables for the children, winter crafts, food trucks and a cocoa-and-coffee bar. The event will run from 5:30-9:30 p.m.
There will also be roller skating in the park from Dec. 6-8. You have to register ahead online (tickets are $7 for residents and $10 for non-residents).
Learn more: https://rpvca.gov/1456/Skating-in-the-Park
Dec. 6-8: 32nd Annual Holiday Homes Tour and Holiday Market
Where: Neptunian Woman’s Club920 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
The Sandpipers’ holiday homes tour is back for another year. Join the tour to see three elegant homes in the South Bay, decorated for the holidays by local artisans and florists.
They will also host their Holiday Market, Boutique and Cafe, where you can shop for gifts such as jewelry, artisan goods, home goods and clothing. Food and beverages, including wine and spirits, will be available at the cafe.
Buy tickets and learn more: https://www.sandpipers.org/holiday-homes-tour
Dec. 7: Sand Snowman Contest
Where: Hermosa Beach
We might not have snow in Palos Verdes, but you can still build a snowman at this event, hosted annually by the City of Hermosa Beach. Join the competition to make your own sand snowman along the beach.
Prizes include the Hermosa Beach favorite, the most unique, the most traditional, best dressed and funniest. Make sure you come early to beat the crowds — registration begins at 9 a.m. and judging begins at 11:15 a.m. at 15th Street and the Shoreline.
Learn more: Sand Snowman Event
Dec. 7: Annual Peninsula Holiday Parade of Lights
Where: Promenade on the Peninsula
The City of Rolling Hills Estates is bringing back its annual Holiday Parade of Lights, where people can enjoy seeing floats, marching bands, equestrian units and Santa himself along Silver Spur Road and Deep Valley Drive from 6-7:30 p.m.
Learn more: Parade of Lights
Dec. 14: The California Great Santa Stroll
Where: Hermosa Beach Pier 1 Pier Ave.
One of the more unique local events, this stroll in Hermosa Beach is a 5K run and walk with a bunch of people dressed up as Santa! Join in on the fun by donning your own Santa outfit and making the trek from Hermosa Beach to Manhattan Beach and back.
It is also a fundraiser for Mychal’s Learning Place, a center that provides programs for youth and young adults with developmental disabilities.
Learn more: https://www.mychals.org/events/
Bio:
Emily McGinn is a journalist based in the Los Angeles area. She enjoys reporting on and writing about a variety of topics from lifestyle to news, especially in her areas of specialty, environmental science and political science.
