Holiday shopping with a sea breeze, carolers along the sidewalks and fireworks above the pier - Manhattan Beach sure knows how to celebrate the season.
Three favorite Manhattan Beach holiday events are returning in 2026: the Manhattan Beach Pier Lighting and Holiday Open House, the North Manhattan Beach Holiday Stroll, and the 38th Annual Skechers Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Festival, produced by the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce.
Each offers a different way to enjoy the holidays, discover local businesses, and spend time with friends and family. Mark these dates, bring your shopping list and leave room for dinner.
Manhattan Beach Holiday Events at a Glance
Manhattan Village Friendsgiving: After Hours – Friday, November 13, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Pier Lighting and Holiday Open House – Wednesday, November 18, 6–9 p.m., with Metlox activities beginning at 5 p.m. and pier lighting at 7 p.m.
Manhattan Village Photos with Santa – November 19–December 24, inside the mall. Pet photos on Mondays. Reservations recommended.
Manhattan Village Holiday Tree Lighting – Friday, November 27, 4–6 p.m. on The Plaza.
Manhattan Village Giving Tuesday Mahjong Class – Tuesday, December 1, benefiting Sandpipers and led by the South Bay Mahjong Society.
Manhattan Village Merry MV Moves – Friday, December 4 at 9 a.m., led by Coreology.
Manhattan Village Menorah Lighting – Saturday, December 5 on The Plaza.
North Manhattan Beach Holiday Stroll – Sunday, December 6, 4–8 p.m.
Manhattan Village Holiday Gift Wrapping – December 12, 13, 19 and 20 with the Mira Costa High School Band; December 17, 18, 21 and 22 with Sandpipers.
38th Annual Skechers Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks – Sunday, December 13, 3–8 p.m., with fireworks at 7 p.m.
Schedules are subject to change. Check Downtown Manhattan Beach, Manhattan Village, and individual event organizers for the latest details before heading out.
Holiday Fun at Manhattan Village
Chamber member Manhattan Village has a packed holiday calendar this year! Festivities kick off November 13 with Friendsgiving: After Hours, followed by Santa photos from November 19 through Christmas Eve, including special pet photo days on Mondays. There's also a holiday tree lighting on November 27, a Giving Tuesday Mahjong class benefiting Sandpipers, a morning workout with Coreology, and a Menorah lighting on December 5. Need a hand with holiday wrapping? The Mira Costa High School Band and Sandpipers will be offering gift wrapping on select December dates.
Insider tip: Santa photo appointments fill up quickly, so book ahead!
Visit Manhattan Village for event details and Santa photo reservations.
November 18: Manhattan Beach Pier Lighting and Holiday Open House
The Manhattan Beach Pier Lighting and Holiday Open House welcomes the holiday season with an evening of music, shopping, and dining throughout downtown.
Local stores will stay open until 9 p.m., making this a lovely opportunity to browse for gifts, visit your favorite stores, and discover somewhere new. Restaurants will add to the evening with their menus and participating seasonal offerings.
The celebration is also downtown businesses’ way of thanking the community for its support throughout the year.
Start with Santa at Metlox
Bring the family to Metlox Fountain Plaza, at 13th Street and Morningside Drive, where festivities begin at 5 p.m.
The announced activities include Santa and Mrs. Claus, photographs by Karl Meyer Photography, face painting, balloon art, kettle corn, hot cocoa and cookies, and music by Michael Holmes.
Throughout downtown, look out for live musicians, strolling carolers, reindeer near {pages} a bookstore, and Buddy the Elf making his way through the evening’s festivities.
Be at the Pier Before 7 p.m.
The pier program begins with performances by local school choirs:
6 p.m.: Manhattan Beach Middle School Choir.
6:30 p.m.: Mira Costa High School Choir.
7 p.m.: Pier lighting.
Finish your shopping stop with enough time to reach the pier before the countdown. Then enjoy the lights and head back into downtown for dinner.
Bring a Toy to Share the Holiday Spirit
The Beach Cities Toy Drive, a partnership between Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach, collects new, unwrapped toys for children served by local charities.
The announced event collection point is the Police/Fire station lobby. Donations can also be brought to Manhattan Beach City Hall during normal business hours or Manhattan Beach fire stations. Check current collection instructions before dropping off your gift.
December 6: North Manhattan Beach Holiday Stroll
Head north to El Porto for another evening of neighborhood celebrations at the North Manhattan Beach Holiday Stroll, taking place Sunday, December 6, from 4–8 p.m.
Featuring more than 75 local businesses, the stroll brings holiday shopping, food and entertainment to Highland Avenue between 33rd Street and Rosecrans Avenue.
It’s a chance to explore the shops, restaurants and services that give North Manhattan Beach its neighborhood feel. Browse for gifts, stop for something to eat and enjoy participating merchants’ discounts, samples and seasonal offerings.
Holiday Fun Along Highland Avenue
The announced festivities include Santa, live entertainment, carolers, and a Holiday Market, alongside offerings from local shops and restaurants.
Make an afternoon and evening of it: arrive ready to browse, meet friends along the route, and stay for dinner. You may come for the holiday atmosphere and leave with a new favorite neighborhood business.
Plan Ahead for Street Closures
Highland Avenue is planned to close between 33rd Street and Rosecrans Avenue for the celebration. Additional parking restrictions may affect surrounding streets.
Walking, biking or using rideshare can make arriving easier. Check the organizer and City’s current notices for final closure hours, detours and parking access before setting off.
December 13: 38th Annual Skechers Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Festival
Save Sunday, December 13, for the 38th Annual Skechers Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Festival, produced by the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce.
The festivities run from 3–8 p.m., with the fireworks scheduled for 7 p.m. above the Manhattan Beach Pier. Holiday music, live entertainment, and family activities make this much more than a quick visit for the show.
Come Early and Enjoy Downtown
Give yourself time to shop, have something to eat, and enjoy the afternoon before finding your viewing spot.
Whether you’re watching with neighbors, bringing visiting family or making a tradition of it with friends, there’s something special about gathering by the ocean as the fireworks begin.
The Chamber’s production brings together local businesses, supporters and the community for one of Manhattan Beach’s signature holiday celebrations.
Check the festival website for schedules and updates.
Make Your Holiday Outings Local
These celebrations are also opportunities to support Manhattan Beach’s independent shops, restaurants and neighborhood businesses.
Pick up a gift while you’re downtown, try a restaurant in North Manhattan Beach or meet friends for an early dinner before the fireworks. A little extra time browsing can help you find places you’ll return to long after the decorations come down.
For each event, allow time for parking and walking, check street restrictions, and bring an extra layer for the evening by the water.
