Thursday, December 7
Holiday boutique
Las Madrecitas invites the community to a holiday boutique from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, RB. Proceeds benefit Childrens Orthopaedic Hospital. 544-0108. Hermosa Tree Lighting A tree lighting ceremony in Downtown Hermosa Beach begins at 6 p.m. There will be snow from the North Pole, Santa Claus to hear childrens wishes, caroling, candy canes, sugar cookies, and hot cider. 318-0280. Friday, December 8 Joy to the world The Torrance Civic Choral presents "A Joyous Sound" in the James Armstrong Theatre, Torrance tonight and tomorrow, beginning at 8 p.m. $10. 781-7171. The Nutcracker with puppets Childrens puppeteer, Jim Gambel, presents an interpretation of the holiday favorite "The Nutcracker," performed by his marionettes and fanciful puppets at 10 a.m. James Armstrong Theatre, Torrance. For ticket information call 781-7171. Hermosa Sand Snowman Contest Build a sand sculpture at HB Piers waters edge. Check in time is 8:45 a.m. Judging takes place at 10:45 a.m. Awards for Most Californian, Most Traditional, Best Dressed, Best Couple, and Funniest. 318-0280 The Nutcracker
The Manhattan Beach Community Churchs Junior Choir is presenting "The Nutcracker" at the church tonight and tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. $6. 374-2252.
Sunday, December 10
Light up a life
Torrance Memorial Home Health and Hospice is sponsoring the sixth annual Light Up A Life Ceremony Tree Lighting Ceremony from 10 a.m. 4 p.m. at Torrance Memorial Medical Center. The event allows friends and family to memorialize or honor a loved one by sponsoring a light or ornament on the tree. The funds raised benefit hospice patients. 784-3761. 18th annual Christmas boutique Do your holiday shopping at the 18th Annual Christmas Boutique at Wilson Park in Torrance. Over 320 booths featuring hand-crafted goods, such as toys, ornaments, ceramics, needlework, quilts, dolls, jewelry, t-shirts and sweatshirts, stuffed animals and many one-of-a kind items. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 618-2930. Lots of spaghetti Before the fireworks join the Manhattan Beach Firefighters Association at the 4th Annual Spaghetti Dinner. Fire Station 1, 400 15th Street, from 4 7 p.m. Adults $5 and kids $3. All you can eat. 802-5200. Holiday Fireworks Manhattan Coolers in cooperation with the city of Manhattan Beach is presenting a firework display, rain or shine, at the MB Pier. Entertainment, a Santa float, and a toy and can food drive also. Events take place from 4:30 until 7 p.m. 546-7344.
Friday, December 15
Holiday harmonies
"Riders in the Sky: Holiday Spectacular" will present a distinctive holiday program with their unique blend of smooth harmonies and classic songs, beginning at 8 p.m. at the James Armstrong Theatre, Torrance. For ticket information and reservations call 781-7171.
Saturday, December 16
Wrapping party
Beach Cities toy drive wrapping party at Clark Building, Hermosa Beach begins at 11 a.m. until all toys are wrapped. Please bring scissors and any extra wrapping paper. 374-4528.
The Nutcracker ballet
The Metropolitan Ballet Company is presenting The Nutcracker at the James Armstrong Theatre, Torrance today at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and tomorrow, at 2 p.m. Guest dancer James Riely Joice of the Moscow Classical Ballet stars in this timeless favorite with a new twist. 781-7171.
King Harbor Christmas boat parade
The King Harbor Yacht Club proudly presents the 9th Annual Christmas Boat Parade from 5:30 7 p.m. at the main channel of King Harbor. The theme for this years parade is "Its a Great White Christmas." 376-2459.
Holidays in harmony concert The South Bay Childrens Choir is presenting its annual "Holidays in Harmony" concert at El Camino College at 7:30 p.m. and tomorrow Dec. 17 at 4 p.m. $4. 1-800-832-ARTS. Cruise of lights Enjoy an ocean cruise and view the brilliantly decorated waterfront homes along the channels of Huntington Harbor. Meet at Hermosa Beach Community Center at 5:30 p.m. 318-0280.
Saturday, December 23
Breakfast with Santa
Santa will be at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center Community Meeting Hall from 9 a.m. until noon. The program includes a continental breakfast, Jim Gamble holiday puppet show, cookie decorating, photo with Santa and more. Seating is limited. Call to register and purchase tickets before November 30 at 618-2930.
Toy run South Bay Car Club Magoos is sponsoring its 4th annual toy run for Redondo Beachs Head Start Program. Donate toys at Super Kmart, 500 Carson Town Center Dr., Carson. 1 3 p.m. 937-1084. Ongoing
Santas ride
Its that time again for "Santas Ride" through the city of Redondo Beach. The Redondo Beach Police and Fire Associations are proud to present Santa to their residents. Santa will ride in his custom sleigh and hand out treats to those who have been good this year. The event continues until Dec. 16. For route schedule visit www.commpages.com/RBPOA or call 937-6655 for recorded route information.
Holiday shuttle service Torrance Transit is providing the holiday "Shoppers Special" shuttle service between Del Amo Fashion Center along Hawthorne Boulevard and Artesia Boulevard. The "Shoppers Special" operates every Saturday and Sunday from Dec. 2 to Dec. 24. at 9:30 a.m. and runs every hour from 10 a.m. 6 p.m. The service is free to all riders. 618-6266.