10+ Unique Things to do in Manhattan Beach this Christmas (2023)

No matter the weather, California is one of the best places to celebrate Christmas, and Manhattan Beach is no exception. Oh sure, we might have palm trees, but we also have one of the most authentic Santa Clauses in the United States, as well as plenty of gingerbread house workshops, holiday strolls, Christmas fireworks and tree lightings.

Are you ready to dig into the best things to do in Manhattan Beach this Christmas? Just west of Los Angeles, you will want to throw on your most festive short to check out one of our favorite piers in Southern California to ring in the holidays.

Manhattan Beach Christmas

Local Love for the Holidays Weekend

Address: Manhattan Beach Pier, 2 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach CA
Date: Thursday-Sunday, First weekend in December
Website

Manhattan Beach is giving back to the community with one weekend of holiday cheer. Join your community for a plethora of fantastic holiday activities that will make everyone in the family smile.

Thursday

North Manhattan holiday stroll from 5 pm to 9 pm

Saturday

Kids scavenger hunt
Holiday village market in Manhattan Village Shopping Center
Sharlene Lurie of My Mulberry Trunk Show from 10 am to 3 pm
Samantha Change Trunk Show from 11 am to 5:30 pm
Holiday photos with Santa from 11 am to 8 pm
Roving carolers from 12 pm to 3 pm
Craft Hours from 1 pm to 2 pm
Photos with Mr. Monopoly from 5 pm to 7 pm

Sunday

Kids scavenger hunt
Holiday photos with Santa from 11 am to 8 pm
Roving carolers from 12 pm to 3 pm
Downtown MB Holiday Golf Cart Parade at 4:30 pm
Menorah Lighting with the Jewish Community Center from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Holiday Stroll & Walk – About

Address: North Manhattan Beach, 3738 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach CA
Date: December 1 from 5 pm to 9 pm
Website

North Manhattan Beach businesses are holding their annual Holiday Stroll from 5 pm to 9 pm on December 1. Ring in the holidays with food, drinks, carolers, special treats, and discounts to all our favorite shops.

There will be artist pop-up shops and more to help bring holiday cheer to all who join.

Gingerbread House workshop in California

Family Gingerbread Decorating Workshop

Address: Manhattan Heights Park Community Center, 1600 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach CA
Date: Second Saturday in December, 10 am to 12 pm
Website

Families are welcome to head over to the Manhattan Heights Park Community Center for a gingerbread decorating workshop. Each family will get a constructed gingerbread house from Torrance Bakery that is perfect for everyone to decorate.

Let your imagination go wild and have fun making these houses into your very own.

Pre-registration is required for the event and is open for kids ages 5 to 12.

Oh What Fun!

Address: Manhattan Village, 3200 N Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach CA
Date: First Saturday in December, 12 pm to 3 pm
Website

Oh What Fun! is the perfect place to shop, mingle, and donate to a great cause during the holidays. Stores and restaurants throughout the Manhattan Village Shopping Center will have passports that are pre-loaded with discounts and prizes, plus there will be live music and holiday activities.

All donations will benefit Mychal’s Learning Place, and there will be drawings to win prizes, so make sure to attend this event.

Letters for Santa

Address: Manhattan Village, 3200 N Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach CA
Date: late November, 1 pm
Website

Take your little ones out to create a letter for Santa at the Manhattan Village Shopping Center. The afternoon will be filled with treats, Christmas crafts, friends, and a letter activity center.

The admission fee is $5 in advance or $7 at the door, and you can reserve your tickets on their website.

Holiday Crafts with Santa

Address: Manhattan Heights Park Basketball Courts, North Herrin Ave & Manhattan Beach, Manhattan Beach CA
Date: Second Sunday in December, 9 am
Website

The entire family can get into the holiday spirit with handmade crafts and ornaments at the Manhattan Heights Community Center. Besides fun crafts, the family will enjoy delicious food, special treats, and hot cocoa.

Santa will make his appearance, so dress to impress and snatch a photo with the big guy.

Annual Pier Lighting & Annual Holiday Open House

Address: Downtown Manhattan Beach and Manhattan Beach Pier
Date: Mid-November from 5 pm to 9 pm
Website

Take your friends and family to the Manhattan Beach Pier to enjoy holiday music, shopping, and dining during their annual Pier Lighting and Holiday Open House.

Merchants will be open until 9 pm with distinctive gifts and offers, perfect for the holiday season. The streets will be lined with snowflake lights, street banners, and a toy drive, so make sure you bring an unwrapped toy to donate.

Skechers Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Festival

Address: Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach CA
Date: Second Weekend in December, 3 pm to 8 pm
Website

Welcome in the holidays with the Skechers Manhattan Beach Holiday Firework Festival. The festival has a snow park for kids, Santa photo ops, carolers, and more. Fireworks begin around 7 pm, and they will have an extended finale this year.

All the fun begins at 3 pm, so arrive early to get ahead of the crowd.

Holiday at Manhattan Village

Address: 3200 N Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Dates: December
Website

Grab your photos with Santa, write a letter to Santa and get all of your holiday shopping done in one jolly holly spot in Manhattan Beach. Every year this shopping complex offers exclusive Black Friday savings and deal, so make sure you arrive early with coffee in hand to score some amazing Christmas deals.

Santa in the Sand

Address: Manhattan Beach Pier
Dates: November/December (varies on appointment availability)
Website

This is one holiday tradition that families sign up for year after year. I love getting friends holiday cards with their new babies in the arms of one of the most authentic looking Santas in California.

Santa Greg Ferguson, a grandfather of 16, teams up with photographer Mark De John every year to make your Santa family photo dreams come true. Book as early as possible, as this Santa/photographer duo are in very high demand, and their photos are proof that they are worth it.

Christmas Dinner at Shade Manhattan Beach

Address: zinc@shade Lounge, 1221 N Valley Dr, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Dates: December 24 & 25, 2023 | Christmas Eve 2pm – 8pm, Christmas Day 12pm – 8pm
Website

Join your friends and neighbors at zinc@shade Lounge inside of the Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach this Christmas to celebrate with a gourmet, three-course meal the entire family will love. From Winter Frisee Salad to Norwegian Salmon with Crispy Skin, Prime Rib, Honey Glazed Ham, and Golden Beet Risotto, plus your choice of desserts, no one should be able to go home hungry.

Book online to make sure you get your table.