Manhattan Beach Pier Lighting and Holiday Open House
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Manhattan Beach Pier Lighting and Holiday Open House

Kick off the holiday season at the Manhattan Beach Pier Lighting and Holiday Open House. This festive evening features the magical illumination of the pier, extended hours at the Roundhouse Aquarium to explore local marine life, and a vibrant downtown atmosphere with music, shopping, and dining. Enjoy free hot cocoa and contribute to the Beach Cities Toy Drive.

What to Expect

Holiday pier lighting and aquarium evening hours.

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $
  • Parking: Parking available near the pier. Refer to Manhattan Beach Parking Info.
  • Accessibility: Ally Accessibility tools available on the website.
  • Pets: No pets allowed (service animals welcome)

Other Christmas Events Near Manhattan Beach

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

Families and holiday enthusiasts

Vibe

Festive and community-oriented

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

$

Photo Friendly

๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Special Events & Promotions

  • Pier Lighting Ceremony
  • Holiday Open House
  • Beach Cities Toy Drive
  • Extended Aquarium Hours
  • Local merchant offers and dining specials

Tags

community celebrationholiday traditionSanta visitsfamily friendlyfestive foodholiday shoppinglive musiccharity event

Featured Video

Location

Manhattan Beach Pier
Manhattan Beach, CA

Event Details

Duration

6 hours

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Manhattan Beach

Timed Entry

No

Featured Performers

  • Manhattan Beach Middle School (MBMS) Choir
  • Mira Costa High School (MCHS) Choir
  • Harmony Carolers
  • A Holiday Affair
  • Dallas Greene
  • Matt Kalin
  • The Right Vibe (Dietz Brothers Band)
  • All About Animals (Diana Freiling)
  • Michael Holmes

Organizer

City of Manhattan Beach and Downtown Business and Professional Association

Food & Drink

Free hot cocoa, food sampling, and full menus available from local restaurants.

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early to secure parking, as the event is popular and street closures will be in effect.
  • Bring new, unwrapped toys to donate to the Beach Cities Toy Drive at the Police/Fire station lobby.
  • Check the event map and schedule beforehand to plan your evening and catch specific performances.
  • Dress in layers as the event takes place on the pier and downtown, with potential for cooler ocean breezes.
  • Take advantage of the extended aquarium hours to enjoy a unique marine-themed holiday experience after the pier lighting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the pier lighting ceremony begin?

The pier lighting ceremony officially begins at 7:00 PM, with pre-lighting entertainment starting at 6:00 PM.

Are there activities for children?

Yes, the event features Santa's Sleigh for family pictures, face painters, a balloon twister, and the Roundhouse Aquarium.

Where can I find food and drinks?

Local restaurants will be open with their full menus, and vendors will offer hot chocolate and other festive treats.

Is there parking available?

Parking is available near the pier, but be aware of potential street closures and high attendance.

What is the Beach Cities Toy Drive?

It's an initiative where attendees can donate new, unwrapped toys to local charities, with a collection booth at the Police/Fire station lobby.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 30, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team

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