Terranea Resort officially kicked off the holiday season with its Tree Lighting Ceremony with KTLA’s own Wendy Burch serving as the Mistress of Ceremony. In the spirit of this season of mistletoe and holly, families and friends gathered together and celebrated throughout the resort as they shared memories and created many more.

*Terranea President Ralph Grippo, RPV Council Member Barbara Ferrero, and Wendy Burch*

Throughout the evening, guests were treated to live performances. On the Front Drive stage The Joanna Medawar Nachef in their Dickens inspired costumes performed a selection of a cappella carols. Olivia Pucci and Louise V. continued the upbeat atmosphere with their solo performances featuring holiday tunes and other selections.

Down on the Catalina Lawn youngsters and the young at heart were treated to a live performance of excepts from the Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker by the San Pedro Ballet School, home of American Ballet Theatre Principal Dancer, Misty Copeland, and slight of hand magic by David Groves.

In addition, the Catalina Lawn and Marineland Ballroom was the backdrop for a variety of arts and crafts activities as well as a place to draft a post card to the North Pole and ride on Terranea’s Express Holiday Train Ride.

In the spirit of the season of giving, Terranea offered guest an opportunity to donate an unwrapped gift to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots holiday toy drive in lieu of their admission fee. Members of the Reserve Unit were on hand to receive the gifts as well as greet guests while taking a few moments to celebrate the evening with family.

*Lance Corporal Romo, Staff Sgt. Rhynne, Lance Corporal Dominguez, and Sgt. Jiminez*

As twilight gave way to evening the anticipation grew. Mrs. Claus greeted visitors young and old. Naturally, she was most gracious with her time as she talked with guests and posed for family photos.

Meanwhile, joining Burch on stage to offer their own holiday greetings to all those on hand was Terranea President, Ralph Grippo, and Barbara Ferrero, longtime city of Rancho Palos Verdes (RPV) Council Member and former Mayor and former Mayor Pro-Tem.

Within minutes visitors cast their eyes to the balcony above the Resort’s entrance waiting for Santa Claus to emerge and extend his holiday greeting to one and all before taking his place in front of the Resort’s Christmas Tree.

With everyone in place, Burch, along with her son Brady, Grippo and Ferrero asked the crowd to join them in the brief countdown leading to luminating the tree. As the switch was thrown, the star atop and the colorful lights surrounding the tree lit up the night and the faces of all those who gathered around.

For those not able to join in the evening festivities Terranea has other holiday celebrations and activities planned throughout the month. On December 21st, the Resort will be hosting Breakfast with Santa Claus from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. On New Year's Eve, the Resort will be hosting two celebrations, a family celebration “Under the Big Top: New Year's Eve Family Dinner” from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and “Midnight Circus: New Year’s Eve Extravaganza” from 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Terranea’s famous Gingerbread Lounge is open from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily throughout the holiday season featuring festive cocktails, hot chocolate, and made from scratch holiday treats.

SUBSCRIBE FREE TO PALOS VERDES PULSE

Steve Tabor

This South Bay native’s photographic journey began after receiving his first 35 mm film camera upon earning his Bachelor of Arts degree. As a classroom teacher he used photography to share the world and his experiences with his students. Steve began his photography career photographing coastal landscapes and marine life. His experiences have led him to include portraits and group photography, special event photography as well as live performance and athletics in his portfolio. As a contributor and photojournalist, he has published stories about the people, places and events in and around the Palos Verdes Peninsula and beyond.

Interested in seeing more of Steve’s work, visit website at: www.stevetaborimages.com