1 Friday
DECEMBER
Holiday Festival
Torrance Memorial’s Holiday Festival is a one-of-a-kind holiday event that includes beautifully decorated trees, entertainment, holiday gifts, children’s activities, food court and special ticketed events featuring a fashion show and dinner gala. Located in the white tent at Skypark Drive and 3325 Medical Center Dr., Torrance. Questions: (310) 517-4703. Tickets and Information: torrancememorialfoundation.org/events/holiday-festival-tickets.
Holiday homes tour
Sandpipers Holiday Homes Tour showcase distinctive South Bay homes beautifully decorated for the holiday season. Holiday Decor & Market Cafe & Shops. Tour dates: Friday, Dec. 1 – Sunday, Dec. 3. 920 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach. Tickets and Information: sandpipers.org/holiday-homes-tour, eventbrite.com, secretary@sanpipers.com.
Craft Festival
The Uptown Village Market has 65+ vendors with handmade crafts. The festival features an outdoor and inside shopping area, live music, food trucks, and craft centers. Free to attend. 5 – 10 p.m. 4321 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach. Information: uptownvillagemarket.com.
Troll stroll
Thomas Dambo is considered the world’s leading recycle artist, having been taught from a young age the value of recycling, sustainability and unlimited imagination. Today, Thomas is known internationally for his larger-than-life Troll sculptures made from recycled wood. With 87 sculptures all over the world, these Trolls have begun to have a life of their own. Come meet the Trolls now through January 14 at the South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes. Garden hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tickets: southcoastbotanicgarden.org, (424) 452-0920.
Sarah Lee Guthrie
Sarah Lee Guthrie sings originals plus the iconic folk songs made famous by her father Arlo, grandfather Woody and their comrades in music. Enjoy holiday cider and sing-alongs. 8 p.m. The Grand Annex, 434 W. 6th Street, San Pedro. Tickets: grandvision.org, (310) 833-4813.
Christmas at the Pike
Free family friendly event with special guest Mickey at 7 p.m. 50 businesses, delicious food, and free raffles. Dress up in an ugly sweater for free raffle tickets and get into the holiday spirit. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. The Pike Outlets, 95 S. Pine Ave., Long Beach.
Family overnight
Bring your whole family and spend the night on the battleship. Dinner, ship tour, continental breakfast, and souvenir memento. Sleepover starts at 6 p.m. and ends Saturday at 9 a.m. Battleship IOWA, 250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro. For more details email: overnights@labattleship.com, (877) 446-9261.
Farmers market
San Pedro Certified Farmers Market every Friday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Parking Lot 735 at the corner of 6th and Mesa, San Pedro.
Opening reception
Palos Verdes Art Center presents Lawrence T. Yun: Engineered Botanicals, on view from Dec. 1 – Jan. 6. The exhibition surveys the artist’s extensive catalog of watercolor paintings from 1999- 2019—featuring 51 botanical depictions and explorations ranging from observational to imaginary compositions. Reception on Dec. 1, 6 – 9 p.m. 5504 Crestridge Rd, Rancho Palos Verdes. Information: pvartcenter.org.
2 Saturday
DECEMBER
Harbor boat parade
The Holiday Harbor Boat Parade is a great way to get in the holiday spirit. Tickets $75 adults, $25 children 12 and under. 5 – 9 p.m. Berth 78, behind the Maritime Museum, foot of 6th St., San Pedro. Tickets: lamitopsail.org/events.
Shine on
Shine On is a So Cal eleven-piece ensemble modeled after Pink Floyd’s last two touring bands. The band captures the near orchestral soundscape that is the Pink Floyd live experience. 8 p.m. Alvas Showroom, 1417 W. 8th Street, San Pedro. Tickets: Alvasshowroom.com, (310) 833-3281.
Playtime at the library
Playing helps babies and toddlers get ready to read, and we have a special playtime just for them. Drop by anytime between 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. to explore amazing toys, check out some great books and make friends, too. Aimed at children 5 years and younger and their parent or caregiver. No registration required. Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur road, Rolling Hills.
Aquarium Holiday show
Aquarium holidays feature festive decor, shopping, snowfall in the Great Hall, and appearances by Santa Diver. On weekends Dec. 2 – Dec 17 the Aquarium will have photo opportunities with Santa. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach. Check the website for event times and ticket purchase: aquariumofpacific.org.
TechKnows
Have a question about how to download e-books? Can’t get your Kindle to work? Drop in and have our knowledgeable team of TechKnows assist with all your techy questions. Meet us in the PC Community room, Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Rd., Rolling Hills. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Questions: (310) 377-9584 ext. 601.
Nachef singers
Joanna Medawar Nachef Singers, will be presenting Bach’s Cantata 140 with a professional instrumental ensemble and featured soloists from among JMNS Singers. 7 p.m. James R. Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Dr., Torrance. Tickets: $35 General Admission, $25 Senior/Student, $10 Children 4 – 12. Tickets: itkt.choicecrm.net/templates/TORR/?prod=JMNSingers#/events, (310) 781-7171.
Book club
The Malaga Cove Library Book Club meets on the first Saturday of the month at 2 p.m. 2400 Vía Campesina, Palos Verdes Estates. All are welcome to join at any time. Each month we will read and discuss a single novel. Contact: Eve Wittenmyer, (310) 377-9584 ext. 551, ewittenmyer@pvld.org.
3 Sunday
DECEMBER
Spirit of the holidays parade
Each year, this festive tradition brings families, little leagues, scouts, students, high school bands, equestrian units, and volunteers to downtown San Pedro to celebrate the holiday season and our community. More than 9,000 individuals will line the streets to view the parade. The holiday parade will kick-off at 13th and Pacific Avenue and head north on Pacific, turn right on 6th Street and head east to Palos Verdes Street. 1 – 3 p.m. Information: San Pedro Chamber of Commerce (310) 832-7272.
Elegance and music
Christmas with the Kiwanis
An afternoon of Elegance and music to set the holiday spirit. Savor the flavors of exceptional wines by Susan Brooks. Silent auction. Champagne greeting. Delicious Hors d’oeuvres by “Entertaining Friends.” Networking opportunities. Richard Sherman at the ouai Palos Verdes Bay Club, 328212 Seagate Dr., Rancho Palos Verdes. 2 – 5 p.m. Tickets and Inquires: Susan (310) 541-2971, kiwanisclubrhe.org/shop.
Snowglobe Fantasy
Great opportunities to shop for holiday gifts, fun raffles, and exciting games to play with prizes, three course lunch, and holiday entertainment. Put on our festive attire and celebrate the holiday season together! All proceeds benefit PV Juniors’ 2023-2024. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Palos Verdes Golf Club, 3301 Vía Campesina. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.Tickets: pvjuniors.org.
La Venta holiday
The iconic landmark, located atop the cliffs of Palos Verdes, welcomes guests into a SoCa winter wonderland full of holiday cheer, festive fare and activities for the whole family. Holiday food stations, signature cocktails, holiday crafts, and complimentary professional family photos. Guests are encouraged to bring a new pair of pajamas to donate to local children in need. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 796 Vía Del Monte, Palos Verdes Estates. Tickets: Eventbrite.com, $55 for adults 21+, $35 ages 13-20 and $25 ages 3-13.
Aves al viento-Birds to the Wind
Birds to the Wind is an extraordinary multidisciplinary show, with original text, lyrics and music by Emmy winner 2013 Cristina Rebull, and orchestrated by Grammy winner 2016 Jorge Gómez. 6 p.m. Alvas Showroom, 1417 W. 8th Street, San Pedro. Tickets: Alvasshowroom.com, (310) 833-3281.
Holiday concert
Jump start your holiday spirit with a free concert by the Palos Verdes Symphonic Band. Music Directors Mark Hamamura and Eric Hankey will conduct new and old Holiday favorites at this free Holiday Concert, “Festive Joy” at 4 p.m. Riviera United Methodist Church, 375 Palos Verdes Blvd., Redondo Beach.
4 Monday
DECEMBER
The Christmas miracle
Every year we feature a specific aspect of the Christmas story. And each year we learn something new about Nativity and how it has been celebrated throughout history. This year we have focused on the animals – those in the stable, those who played a part in Mary and Joseph’s remarkable event, those who have made an appearance in scenes throughout the world. Monday, Dec. 4 – Thurs. December 21. Sunday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 am – 9 pm Admission is free. Reservations required. Information: (310) 377-4867 ext. 221, Sydne at sjongbloed@maryjoseph.org.
5 Tuesday
DECEMBER
Beginners yoga
Practice gentle yoga in a calming environment. All levels welcome. Bring your own mat or use one of theirs. No registration required. 10 – 11 a.m. Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Rd., Rolling Hills. Consult your medical provider before attending PVLD movement classes. Do not attempt any movement which causes pain or discomfort. Age group: seniors/adults. Questions: (310) 377-9584 ext. 601.
Writer’s workshop
Tuesday, Weekly writer’s group. 1 – 3:30 p.m. Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Rd.
6 Wednesday
DECEMBER
PVP Village
Learn more about the Palos Verdes Peninsula Village, an organization dedicated to creating a sense of community for older adults living on the Peninsula. Our goal is to create connections, foster friendships, and provide invaluable volunteer support for our members. Learn more about our flexible volunteer opportunities and engaging membership program! Join us for an Information Session at 10 a.m. Wednesday,, December 6 in the Purcell Room, Palos Verdes Peninsula Library, eninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Rd. Hear from Village members and volunteers about our enriching program and meaningful volunteer opportunities. Information: peninsulavillage.net
7 Thursday
DECEMBER
Knitting circle
All are welcome to join. 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Malaga Cove Library, 2400 Vía Campesina, Palos Verdes Estates. Contact: Eve Wittenmyer, (310) 377-9584 ext. 551.
Coloring & coffee
A monthly program every first Thursday of the month. Participants can enjoy a cup of coffee (or tea), coloring, and conversations. Supplies will be provided. Dro-in. No registration. Peninsula Center Library community room, 701 Silver Spur Rd, Rolling Hills Estates.
8 Friday
DECEMBER
Opening reception
Mike Ishikawa is a retired architect by profession, and a pastel painter by discovery. During his vacations, or any time he had some free time, he sketched with pen and ink, filling many sketch books with interesting places he visited. Reception 4 – 7 p.m. Malaga Cove Library, 2400 Vía Campesina, Palos Verdes Estates. You can also view his exhibit during regular library hours until January. Information: pvld.org.
Chuck Alvarez and Friends
Original blues/rock and Americana with Chuck Alvarez being joined by some world class musicians. 8 p.m. Alvas Showroom, 1417 W. 8th Street, San Pedro. Tickets: Alvasshowroom.com, (310) 833-3281.
9 Saturday
DECEMBER
Jim “Kimo” West and Friends
Grammy-winning “slack key” guitarist Jim ‘Kimo” West brings his annual holiday show to Alva’s as he has for many years. His show features selections from his two acclaimed holiday slack key albums, new original material plus Hawaiian classics and traditional hula. 8 p.m. Alvas Showroom, 1417 W. 8th Street, San Pedro. Tickets: Alvasshowroom.com, (310) 833-3281.
10 Sunday
DECEMBER
Nature walk
Come explore Abalone Cove Ecological Reserve with its beaches, tide pools and bluff top views. The 109-acre Preserve contains an official State Ecological Preserve with important natural marine resources, and the bottom of the Portuguese Bend landslide complex. Tour the tide pools teeming with fascinating marine life. 12 – 2 p.m. 5970 Palos Verdes Dr. S., Rancho Palos Verdes. Information: losserenosrpv.org, (310) 544-5375.
Stevie Ray visited
A tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan is back for the third time. Roby Duron and his band literally took the room by storm with an explosive performance that had the audience standing on several occasions throughout the evening and ultimately left them screaming for more. 4 p.m. Alvas Showroom, 1417 W. 8th Street, San Pedro. Tickets: Alvasshowroom.com, (310) 833-3281.
Concerts by the coast
Glissando Music and Arts Foundation and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church will present the 7th concert of the Concerts by the Coast series at 7 p.m. 31290 Palos Verdes Drive West, Rancho Palos Verdes. It will be the Glissando Christmas Gala Concert featuring performances by prizewinners of the 2023 Glissando International Youth Piano Competition and the 2023 Sergei Rachmaninoff International Youth Piano Competition. Information: Glissando.org.
14 Thursday
DECEMBER
Open mic
Come on down to the Grand Annex on the second Thursday of each month for open mic night. Sign up at 6:30 p.m. The first 12 sign-ups are guaranteed to perform, with additional artists as time allows. 7 – 9 p.m. 434 W. 6th Street, San Pedro. Hosted by: Ken Creighton, Andrew Aragon and Taran Schindler. For more information, contact Andrew@GrandVision.org. Grandvision.org.
Knitting circle
All are welcome to join anytime. 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Malaga Cove Library, 2400 Vía Campesina, Palos Verdes Estates. Contact: Eve Wittenmyer, (310) 377-9584 ext. 551.
15 Friday
DECEMBER
Frank Unzueta
Join Frank Unzueta for a jazz christmas concert featuring his original arrangements of traditional christmas music and Charlie Brown Christmas songs. 8 p.m. Alvas Showroom, 1417 W. 8th Street, San Pedro. Tickets: Alvasshowroom.com, (310) 833-3281.
Book sale
Peninsula Friends of the library book sale open to the public. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Malaga Cove Library, 2400 Vía Campesina, Palos Verdes Estates. Contact: Gene Roeder, (310) 377-9584 ext. 553.
16 Saturday
DECEMBER
A celtic christmas
“World’s Most Recorded Piper” Eric Rigler (Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Outlander, Braveheart, Titanic) and multi-talented guitarist Dirk Freymuth return to create a night of Celtic holiday cheer. Saturday 8 p.m. and Sunday (Dec. 17) 5 pm. Alvas Showroom, 1417 W. 8th Street, San Pedro. Tickets: Alvasshowroom.com, (310) 833-3281.
The Nutcracker: a piano performance
A special solo piano performance of The Nutcracker by renowned pianist Dr. James Lent. 1 – 2 p.m. Peninsula Center Library community room, 701 Silver Spur Rd, Rolling Hills Estates.
17 Sunday
DECEMBER
Native plant garden
Come on down to the garden and enjoy ocean views, a fresh sea breeze and meet new folks while learning how to maintain a native plant garden. Every third Sunday of the month. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Native Plant Garden, 31501 Palos Verdes Drive W., Rancho Palos Verdes. RSVP: megan@seenps.org.
19 Tuesday
DECEMBER
Gentle yoga
Practice gentle yoga in a calming environment. All levels are welcome. Bring your own mat or use one of theirs. No registration required. Every Tuesday at 10 – 11 a.m. Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Rd, Rolling Hills Estates. Questions: (310) 377-9584 ext. 601.
28 Thursday
DECEMBER
Library movie
Enjoy a free film at the Peninsula Library. Tom Hanks is A Man Called Otto. 2:30 – 4:40 p.m. Peninsula Center Library community room, 701 Silver Spur Rd, Rolling Hills Estates. Questions: (310) 377-9584 ext. 601.
30 Saturday
DECEMBER
Let’s talk music
A listen and discuss program of selected albums from the music reference book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. Each month we select three albums to discuss. Listen to one or all of the picks and join us to talk about your favorite tracks. 12 – 1 p.m. Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Rd, Rolling Hills Estates. Questions: (310) 377-9584 ext. 215.
31 Sunday
DECEMBER
Bring in the new year
South Bay’s favorite folk-rockers return to the Annex to ring in the New Year. Andy & Renee & Hard Rain! Celebrate the New Year on the dance floor while the band delivers hits from across the decades. Includes late-night pizza, party favors, and a champagne toast to welcome in 2024. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., show starts at 8:30 p.m. The Grand Annex, 434 W. 6th Street, San Pedro. Tickets: grandvision.org, (310) 833-4813.
Night dive
New Year’s Eve Night Dive at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Celebrate with music and the fishes. A live band will play in the Aquarium’s Great Hall, and DJ’s will be spinning in the galleries. 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach. Information: (562) 590-3100. Advance reservations required. Reservations: aquariumofpacific.org/events.
