South Bay holiday guide spans four cities in 2026

The Manhattan Beach Pier lights up Wednesday, Nov. 18, and the South Bay's holiday calendar fills fast from there.

Here is a city-by-city look at the season's biggest events across Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and El Segundo, according to Local Anchor's 2026 holiday guide and city listings.

Manhattan Beach

Pier Lighting and Holiday Open House — Wednesday, Nov. 18, 6 to 9 p.m., downtown Manhattan Beach and the Manhattan Beach Pier. Choirs perform starting at 6 p.m. and the pier lights up at 7 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at Metlox Plaza starting at 5 p.m., with carolers and live entertainment along Manhattan and Highland avenues. The city's parks and recreation page confirms the date and time. Attendees can bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Beach Cities Toy Drive.

Roundhouse Aquarium Teaching Center Holiday Open House — Wednesday, Nov. 18, 3 to 8:30 p.m., at the end of the pier. The aquarium stays open late on pier-lighting night with free hot cocoa starting at 6 p.m. while supplies last. Visit their event listing for more details.

Manhattan Village Tree Lighting — Friday, Nov. 27, 4 to 6 p.m., Manhattan Village. The free event features the Mira Costa High School Marching Band, music from Stefano and DJ Wes Quave, holiday activities for kids and the lighting of the Christmas tree. More information is available on the Eventbrite page.

34th Annual Holiday Homes Tour — Friday, Dec. 4, through Sunday, Dec. 6. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday. The Sandpipers open decorated South Bay homes for this fundraiser. A Holiday Market runs at the Neptunian Woman's Club during the same weekend. Proceeds support local charities. Tickets and more information are available on their website.

Holiday Fireworks Festival — Sunday, Dec. 13, 3 to 8 p.m., Manhattan Beach Pier. The 38th Annual Skechers Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks includes live bands, a menorah lighting at 6 p.m. and a Snow Park open 4 to 6 p.m. Admission to the Snow Park requires a new, unwrapped toy or canned food item. Fireworks launch at 7 p.m., rain or shine. Additional details can be found on the event website.

Hermosa Beach

Hermosa for the Holidays — Nov. 21-22, Pier Plaza and downtown Hermosa Beach. The weekend wraps up with a tree lighting ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 22. Patch reported the event is presented by the Hermosa Beach Chamber Foundation and includes a Pier Plaza Ferris wheel, Santa photos and a Giving Village supporting local nonprofits.

The California Great Santa Stroll — Saturday, Dec. 12, 9 a.m. to noon, starting at the Hermosa Beach Pier and running along the Strand to Manhattan Beach and back. The festive 5K benefits Mychal's Learning Place, which supports young adults with developmental disabilities. Check their event website for additional information.

Redondo Beach

Riviera Village Holiday Stroll — Thursday, Dec. 3, 5 to 9 p.m., Riviera Village. Shops stay open late, streets are lit up and Santa makes an appearance. The event is free.

Redondo Beach Pier Holiday Celebration — Saturday, Dec. 12, 1 to 4 p.m., west end of the pier at Fisherman's Wharf. The Redondo Pier Association hosts a free afternoon with a holiday concert, carolers, a photo station, arts and crafts and Candy Cane Lane on the pier and boardwalk from 1 to 2 p.m. More information can be found here.

King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade — Saturday, Dec. 12. A Paddle Craft Parade runs 3:30 to 5 p.m., followed by the Holiday Boat Parade from 5:30 to 7 p.m. This year's theme honors the country's 250th anniversary. The official parade website lists Moonstone Park and Mole D along the Splash Wall as viewing spots. King Harbor Yacht Club is not open to the public for the event. A Holiday Market runs the same day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. between R10 and the California Surf Club.

El Segundo

El Segundo Holiday Parade — Sunday, Dec. 13, Main Street. The free parade features marching bands, vintage cars, community groups and floats. A start time had not been announced as of Nov. 10. Check the parade's Facebook for more information.