15+ Greatest Things to do in Hermosa Beach at Christmas

Heading to Hermosa Beach, El Segundo and Marina Del Ray during the holidays will also make for a festive good time. You won’t get the chilly thanks to our warm temperatures in Southern California, but you’ll still be greeted with fantastic holiday decor, activities, and memorable moments with your family.

So, let’s dig into the best things to do in Hermosa Beach at Christmas, as well as in nearby El Segundo and Marina Del Ray, both just a short drive from Hermosa and worth checking out.

Reminder: please double check times and dates of all events, as each is subject to change.

Christmas in Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach California

These three small towns along the Pacific Coast Highway have a ton to offer during the holidays, just north of Redondo Beach.

Christmas in Hermosa Beach

The California Great Santa Stroll

  • Address: Hermosa Beach Pier Plaza Ave, Hermosa Beach CA
  •  Date: Second Saturday in December
  •  Website 

The Great Santa Stroll is a 5k that benefits Mychal’s Learning Place and raises funds for their after-school and job training programs. This world competition tries to get the most Santa in the same location simultaneously, and you can join the fun.

The stroll allows you to walk, run, or use a stroller or wheelchair to complete the stroll; it’s whatever fits your fancy.

Hermosa for the Holidays: Holiday Open House, Tree Lighting Ceremony, and more!

  • Address: Hermosa Beach Pier, 1 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach CA
  •  Date: Weekend before Thanksgiving
  •  Website

Hermosa Beach throws all its amazing holiday fun into one incredible weekend. Grab the family and be ready to spend some time outdoors with these awesome options throughout the weekend.

Friday

  • Kinecta Ice Skating from 5 pm to 8 pm.

Saturday

  • Open house shopping at all the retailers from 11 am to 5 pm.
  • Kinecta Ice Skating from 10 am to 8 pm.
  • Sun and sea collective artisan market from 11 am to 5 pm.
  • Letters to Santa from 11 am to 4 pm.
  • A variety of workshops from 11 am to 4 pm.

Sunday

  • Open house shopping at all the retailers from 11 am to 5 pm.
  • Kinecta Ice Skating from 10 am to 8 pm
  • Sun and sea collective artisan market from 11 am to 5 pm.
  • Pictures with Santa from 11 am to 6 pm.
  • Giving village and beach cities toy drive from 3 pm to 8 pm.
  • Tree lighting ceremony and community concert from 6 pm to 8 pm.

The Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt

  • Address: Hermosa Beach Pier, 1 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach CA
  •  Date: Two weeks in November
  •  Website

Go on the hunt for the Elf on the Shelf through the businesses in downtown Hermosa Beach. Gather the family and find the hidden elves, and if you can, identify all 25 elves’ names.

You can complete a postcard and submit it if you locate them all. Once you drop the postcard off, you’ll be entered to win a prize.

All age groups are welcome to participate, but keep in mind that you need at least 20 Elf names to enter the contest.

Santa Photos

  • Address: Hermosa Beach Pier, 1 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach CA
  •  Date: usually in late November

While shopping around downtown Hermosa Beach, take the opportunity to snag a photo with Santa.

The big man will be in his sleigh, which really is the perfect photo opportunity that will leave you with lasting memories through the years.

Sandpipers Annual Holiday Homes Tour

  • Address: Sandpipers Philanthropic Org, Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach CA
  •  Date:  First weekend in December, 10 am to 5 pm
  •  Website

The Sandpipers’ community opens their homes for the holidays to raise funds for families in need. Guests are welcome to tour the homes, enjoy live music, and go shopping around the holiday market.

If you get a tad chilly, have no fear– there are cafes where you can stop for some hot cocoa before continuing your home tour.

The holiday market will be from 10 am to 5 pm on Friday through Sunday.

Christmas in Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach California

Christmas in El Segundo

Annual El Segundo Holiday Parade

  • Address: Downtown El Segundo 
  •  Date: Second Sunday in December, 1 pm to 3 pm
  •  Website 

The Annual El Segundo Holiday Parade brings plenty of holiday spirit to share. The parade will march down Main Street with marching bands, vintage cars, floats, and more.

All the fun begins at 1 pm.

Joy Around the World: Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting

  • Address: 300 block of Main Street and City Hall Plaza, El Segundo CA
  •  Date: First Saturday in December, 3 pm to 7 pm
  •  Website 

This incredible holiday event is free to the public and welcomes everyone to join them for fun. The community will celebrate winter holidays worldwide, including Christmas, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Omisoka.

There’s live music, cultural dance performances, Christmas tree lighting, and holiday lights that everyone can enjoy.

Hotels in El Segundo

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Marina Del Rey California

Christmas in Marina Del Rey

Boat Parade Marina del Rey: Christmas 2022

  • Address: Marina Del Rey Marina, 13524 Bali Way, Marina Del Rey CA
  •  Date: Second Saturday in December, from 8 am to 8 pm
  •  Website 

Enjoy boats decked out in holiday lights this year for the Marina Del Rey boat parade. The harbor will also be decorated to join the festivities while everyone enjoys themed food and drinks, plus holiday entertainment perfect for the entire family.

Fireworks by the Water

  • Address: Marina Del Rey Marina, 13524 Bali Way, Marina Del Rey CA
  •  Date: Second Saturday in December, from 5:55 pm to 6 pm
  •  Website 

A 5-minute pyrotechnic display will light the night sky with colors and holiday cheers. Ring in the holiday season with this celebration and sit right near the main channel entrance for the best view of the show.

Marina Lights at Burton Chace Park

  • Address: Burton Chace Park, Marina Del Rey CA
  •  Date: The entire month of December
  •  Website 

Throughout December, you can enjoy festive lights that glow every night in Burton Chace Park. The lights will shine bright from 4 pm to 10 pm, making it even easier for everyone in the community to get into the holiday festivities.

Concerts at Fisherman’s Village

  • Address: Fisherman’s Village, Marina Del Rey CA
  •  Date: Every weekend in December 
  •  Website

Every weekend in December at Fisherman’s Village, you can enjoy free concerts from 1 pm to 4 pm. There will be live entertainment with R&B, Jazz, Latin, Pop, and Blues performers in the plaza. You can head to their website to see the full lineup.

LOOKING FOR MORE CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN Southern CALIFORNIA?

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Christmas in Hermosa Beach, El Segundo and Marina Del Rey California

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