As the Holidays Begin, Random Lengths has pulled together a host of traditional Seasonal Events for your enjoyment. You will find more holiday events in our upcoming issues.
The Los Angeles Harbor communities of San Pedro and Wilmington will celebrate the Holiday Harbor Boat Parade at 5 p.m., Dec. 2, along the LA Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles.
Sponsored by the port, the parade starts in the East Basin near Banning’s Landing Community Center in Wilmington and takes approximately 90 minutes to cover the entire parade route through the Los Angeles Main Channel. Officials and community leaders will take part in the parade as judges or passengers on as many as 60 participating vessels of all shapes and sizes, from tugboats to tall ships.
Spectators may view the procession from several points along the LA Waterfront, including:
Banning’s Landing Community Center, 100 E. Water Street, Wilmington
Cruise Ship Promenade, Harbor Boulevard and Swinford Street, San Pedro
Battleship IOWA, 250 S. Harbor Blvd, San Pedro
Downtown Harbor, 504 S. Harbor Blvd, San Pedro
Ports O’ Call Village, 1100 Nagoya Way, San Pedro
22nd Street Landing, 141 W. 22nd Street, San Pedro
SS Lane Victory, 3600 Miner Street, San Pedro
Holiday Harbor – Cabrillo Marina, 285 Whalers Walk, San Pedro
Dec. 2
Random Happening Events Near West Harbor and LAMI
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony: 5:30 p.m. at San Pedro Town Square.
Holiday Pop-Up Market presented by West Harbor: 3 to 8 p.m. along the San Pedro promenade near the San Pedro Town Square.
CRAFTED Arts & Crafts: Red trolley service will run regularly between downtown parking areas and this artisan craft hub along the San Pedro Promenade. Arts & Crafts run from 5 to 8 p.m.
Maritime Merriment at the Los Angeles Maritime Museum: Free hot chocolate and cookies: 5 to 8 p.m. with nominal entrance fee into the Museum, located at the foot of the San Pedro Town Square.
Live entertainment, including scenes from the San Pedro City Ballet’s The Nutcracker at 5 p.m. at the San Pedro Town Square.
Photo by Chris Villanueva
Additionally, find a list of Spirit of the Holiday Parade participants at the bottom of listed events.
Happy Holidays!
Dec. 1
37th Annual Weymouth Corners Candy Cane Lane
This traditional holiday celebration includes shopping and dining at more than 25 locations in this favorite destination. There will be music and other entertainment, food, fire trucks, cookie decorating, face painting, carnival games, a jumper, and of course Santa Claus and the opportunity for photos with him.
Time: 5 to 9 p.m., Dec. 1
Cost: Free
Venue: Weymouth Corners, 8th St. between Weymouth and Averill avenues, San Pedro.
Dec. 1
Irish Christmas in America
This family-friendly performance features lively instrumental tunes on fiddle, flute, uilleann pipes and harp, along with Irish old-style dancing from Samantha Harvey. In addition, evocative photographic images provide a backdrop to some of the rich historical traditions of Ireland.
Time: 8 p.m., Dec. 1
Cost: $30 to $45
Details: 310-781-7171; https://torrancearts.org/show/irish-christmas-in-america
Venue: TOCA, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance
Dec. 1
City of Lomita Tree Lighting Ceremony
Get in the holiday spirit and celebrate with a visit from Santa, local vendors, hot chocolate, snow activities, performances and more.
Time: 5:30 p.m., Dec. 1
Cost: Free
Details: www.lomitacity.com
Venue: Lomita City Hall, front lawn, 24300 Narbonne Ave.
Dec. 2
Holiday Harbor Boat Parade
Join the Holiday Harbor Boat Parade on one of the tall ships. This tradition is a great way to get in the holiday spirit. This sail usually sells out, so get your tickets early.
Time: 5 to 9 p.m., Dec. 2
Cost: $25 to $75
Details: https://tinyurl.com/Holiday-harbor-boat-parade
Venue: LAMI, 550 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro
Dec. 2
Peninsula Parade of Lights
The Peninsula Parade of Lights once again lights up the season. This annual event brings festive floats and cheerful participants parading through the commercial district along Silver Spur Road and Deep Valley Drive, through the Promenade on the Peninsula to Norris Center Drive.
Community and civic groups, school and youth organizations, marching bands, drill teams, equestrian units and local businesses are encouraged to participate in the parade. And of course, Santa himself will be joining in on the fun.
Awards will be given in various categories. Free parking is available at the Town & Country Center, Promenade on the Peninsula, Peninsula Shopping Center and Peninsula High School.
Time: 6 to 7:30 p.m., Dec. 2
Cost: Free
Details: www.RHE.city/parade
Venue: Silver Spur Road, Deep Valley Drive, through the Promenade to Norris Center Drive, Rolling Hills Estates
Dec. 2
ILWU 3rd Annual Toy Drive
Join the International Longshore and Warehouse Union toy drive. Bring a bicycle or an unwrapped toy and get a raffle ticket for a big screen TV. Enjoy live music and entertainment from MC Pancho – DJ Zeke – DJ Doeshja, food trucks and pop ups, plus, lowriders and classic cars. Featured bands will be Down the Hatch, The Floaters and In Contempt.
Time: 10 a,m, to 4 p.m., Dec. 2
Cost: Free
Details: https://www.bgclaharbor.org
Venue: Port of Los Angeles Boys and Girls Club,100 W. 5th St. San Pedro
Dec. 2
39th Annual Belmont Shore Christmas Parade
Over a dozen local marching bands, 100 entries, floats designed by Long Beach businesses and associations, marching bands, and local personalities and dignitaries, all make this the hometown favorite to get you in the holiday spirit. No Christmas Parade would be complete without an appearance by St. Nick! Entries return to Livingston Avenue heading west along the north side of East Second Street. S
The parade route is along East Second Street and begins heading east from Livingston Avenue to Bayshore Avenue
Time: 6 to 9 p.m., Dec. 2
Cost: Free
Details: https://tinyurl.com/Belmont-Shore-Christmas-Parade
Venue: Belmont Shore, Long Beach
Dec. 2
Banning Museum’s Victorian Christmas
The community is invited to welcome in the holiday season at the Banning
Museum’s Annual Victorian Christmas Celebration and Open House.
In what has become an annual tradition in Wilmington, the Banning Museum will be transporting guests back in time to the Victorian period between the late 19th and early 20th centuries to the era of horse and buggy, big hoop skirts, and gentlemanly manners.
Visitors will be treated to period entertainment, tours of the museum decorated in holiday splendor, refreshments, a children’s craft, a chance to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus; a blacksmith demonstration; a horse-drawn trolley ride between The Banning Museum and Drum Barracks Civil War Museum; and as a special treat, Jolly St. Nick will pose for photos with the children.
Time: 12 to p.m., Dec. 2
Cost: Free
Details: 310-548-2005; www.thebanningmuseum.org
Venue: The Banning Museum,401 E. M St., Wilmington
Dec. 3
Spirit of the Holiday Parade
Join the 43rd Annual San Pedro Spirit of the Holidays Parade Dec. 3 in downtown San Pedro. This wonderful tradition will feature bands, equestrian units, dancers and of course Santa Claus. The parade kicks off at 13th and Pacific Avenue, makes a right at 6th Street and heads west to the water.
Time: 1 p.m., Dec. 3
Cost: Free
Details: 310-832-7272; sanpedrochamber.com
Venue: San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, 390 W. 7th St, San Pedro
Dec. 7
City of Carson Tree Lighting Ceremony
Join the City of Carson to light its giant Christmas tree in a fun-filled ceremony Dec. 7.
The event is open to the public and will begin in the atrium of the Carson event center.
This special event features light refreshments, live entertainment and a visit from Santa.
Time: 6 p.m., Dec.7
Cost: Free
Details: 310-835-0212
Venue: Carson Event Center, 801 E. Carson St., Carson
City of Carson WinterFest
Inflatable jumpers, snow run, food vendors, toddler snow play area, arts and crafts, entertainment, a visit from Santa, a trackless train, and raffles.
Pre-registered participants will have priority to wristbands for the snow area at check-in. Go to http://cutt.ly/OnlineReg
Time: 12 to 4 p.m., Dec. 9
Cost: Free
Details: http://cutt.ly/OnlineReg
Venue: Veterans Park, 22400 Moneta Ave, Carson
Dec. 9
Christmas Fair and Toy Giveaway
Sen. Steven Bradford’s Christmas Fair and Toy Giveaway is happening Dec. 9. The event will offer children’s activities, a snow exhibit, community resources, a visit from Santa and a toy giveaway (while supplies last).
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dec. 9
Cost: Free
Details: https://tinyurl.com/BradfordChristmas
Venue: Location TBD
Dec. 9
Hawaiian Holiday Show with 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.
Time: 8 p.m., Dec.9
Cost: $25
Details: https://tinyurl.com/Jim-kimo-west-and-friends
Venue: Alvas Showroom, 1417 W. 8th St., San Pedro
Dec. 9
Holiday Swing with Byron Stripling, Sydney McSweeney, and your Long Beach Symphony
Long Beach Symphony rings in the holidays with Byron Stripling’s Holiday Swing. Byron and Sidney McSweeney will light up your holiday stage with their infectious yuletide joy, custom arrangements, virtuosic trumpet playing and an unforgettable audience sing along. Audiences will enjoy their holiday favorites along with the grandeur of the Long Beach Symphony.
Bring their picnic dinners and libations or reserve from the Symphony’s many catering options.
Time: 8 p.m., Dec. 9
Cost: $30 and up
Details: https://tinyurl.com/LB-symphony-holiday-swing
Venue: Long Beach Arena: 300 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach
Dec. 9
Winter Wonderland
Come and enjoy an early afternoon winter wonderland right here in San Pedro. Bring your family and friends to experience the joy of playing in real snow.
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dec.9
Cost: $15 per person (1 Complementary Adult Ticket per Child Ticket)
Location: 1640 West 9th St., San Pedro
Dec. 9
Winter Wonderland
Come out for an evening in a winter wonderland that includes tree lighting, snow, sledding and entertainment.
Time: 4 to 8 p.m., Dec. 9
Cost: Free
Details: 310-548-7580
Venue: Peck Park Community Center, 560 N Western Ave. San Pedro
Dec. 15
Toy Giveaway Extravaganza at Carson Event Center
Mayor Lula Davis Holmes of Carson announces a Toy Giveaway event in partnership with the Carson Citizen Cultural Arts Foundation, the California Shriner Relief Foundation, and Corvette of Choice. The event will take place at the Carson Event Center, and promises to bring joy to children ages 3-10 and their families.
The Carson Event Center will be transformed into a haven for young ones, with a special focus on creating memorable experiences for children during this festive season.
To ensure eligibility for a toy, children must be present at the event, and parents are kindly reminded to bring proof of residency. The Toy Giveaway is open to all residents of Carson, and the mayor encourages families to join in the festivities and create lasting memories.
Time: 5 p.m., Dec. 15
Cost: Free
Details: https://www.carsoncenter.com
Venue: Carson Event Center, 801 E. Carson St., Carson
Dec. 16
GSPO Farewell to the Warner Grand: 2023 Holiday Pops Spectacular
The holiday spirit will be brought to life once again with the Holiday Pops Spectacular taking place on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, marking the final appearance at the Warner Grand Theatre. Join Maestro Steven Allen Fox, resident choir Maestra Marya Basaraba, and the Golden State Pops Orchestra and chorale in a heartwarming journey filled with joy and merriment.
Time: 8 p.m., Dec. 16
Cost: $23.50 and up
Details: https://www.gspo.com/
Venue: Warner Grand Theater, 478 W 6th St., San Pedro
Dec. 15
Frank Unzueta
Join Frank Unzueta for a Jazz Christmas Concert featuring his original arrangements of traditional Christmas music and Charlie Brown Christmas songs.
Time: 8 p.m., Dec. 15
Cost: $30
Details: https://tinyurl.com/Frank-Unzueta-at-Alvas
Venue: Alvas Showroom, 1417 W. 8th St., San Pedro
Dec. 17
A Celtic Christmas Sunday
“World’s most recorded piper” Eric Rigler and multi-talented guitarist Dirk Freymuth return to create a night of Celtic holiday cheer. Drawing from traditional Irish and Scottish melodies featured in their PBS Special, “Celtic Journeys: Songs & Soundtracks”, and themes from Eric’s motion picture and television soundtracks, the artists will perform music from the Christmas tradition from the British Isles, Ireland and other Celtic Nations around Europe.
Time: 5 p.m., Dec. 17
Cost: $35
Details: https://tinyurl.com/A-Celtic-Christmas
Venue: Alvas Showroom, 1417 W. 8th St., San Pedro
Dec. 23
It’s A Wonderful Life Screening
Join a traditional fun film event at the Warner Grand Theatre before it closes for much needed renovations. Frank Capra’s black and white holiday classic never gets old. Buy two tickets now and get the third one for free at the door. Online sales only until Dec. 1. There’s a rumor that Santa and his carolers will be appearing at 6 p.m.
Time: 6:30 p.m., Dec. 23
Cost: $8 to $10
Details: www.SPIFFest.org
Venue: Warner Grand Theater, 478 W 6th St., San Pedro
2023 43rd Annual San Pedro Spirit of the Holidays Parade Participants
A&J Dance Studio
AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles
Athens Services
Ballet Folklorico Alma de Oro
Ballet Folklorico Sones de mi Tierra
Bandini Street Elementary School- Pep Squad
Bayiew Baptist Church
Beach Cities Shrine Club
Boys and Girls Club Harbor Gateway Region
Boys and Girls Club of Los Angeles Harbor
Bridge Cities Alliance
Cabrillo Beach Contingent: Bathhouse
Cabrillo Beach Contingent: Friends of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Cabrillo Beach Contingent: Los Angeles City Lifeguards
Cabrillo Beach Contingent: Polar Bears
California State Assemblymember Mike Gipson
Calfornia State Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi
California State Senator Steven Bradford
Carson High School Marching Blue Thunder
Charros de Compton
Charros de Jerez Zacatecas
Community Grand Marshall Manuel Jimenez
CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles
Cub Scout Pack 1203
Dana Middle School- Dance Team
Dana Middle School Marching Band
Dodson Middle School Drama Booster Club
Fit4mom Palos Verdes San Pedro
Flipside Gymnastics and Allied Movement
Former Congresswomen Laura Richardson, 37th District
Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles Service, Unit 540
Grupo Folklorico Nadino
Haley Clark Dance Company
Harbor Occupational Center
Holy Trinity School Cheer Squad
HOTWORX San Pedro
Jonny’s Junk Removal
Knights of Columbus (Angels Gate Council 1740)
Kona Ice Of South Carson
Leland Street Elementary Drill Team
Linda Marquez High School Gladiators Marching Band and Pep Squad
Lions Club of San Pedro
Los Angeles Fire Department
Los Angeles Harbor College
Los Angeles Harbor Dragon Boat Club
Los Angeles Maritime Institute
Los Angeles Police Department Custody Services Division
Los Angeles Police Department Habor Cadets & Captain Brent McGuyre
Los Angeles Police Emerald Society Pipes and Drums
Los Angeles Port Police
Mary Star Fiesta
Mary Star of the Sea Elementary Cheer Team
Mary Star of the Sea High School ASB and Cheer Team
Miller Butler
Music by the Sea Performing Band
Narbonne High School Marching Band
Office of LAUSD Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin, District 7
Los Angeles City Councilmember Tim McOsker
Los Angeles County Assessor Jeffrey Prang
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass
Palos Verdes Pop Warner Cheer
Park Western Place Elementary School- Cheer Team
Point Fermin Marine Science STEAM Magnet
Port of Los Angeles Harbor Commissioner Diane Middleton
Port of Los Angeles Harbor Commissioner Lee Williams
Port of Los Angeles High School- Cheer & Dance Team
Port of Los Angeles Timmy the Duck
Providence Grupo Folklorico Misantla
San Pedro City Ballet
San Pedro High School Golden Pirate Regiment Marching Band
San Pedro High School Magnet Programs
San Pedro High School Pep Squads
San Pedro Historic Business Improvement District (PBID) Trolley
San Pedro Neighborhood Councils Trolley
San Pedro Outrigger Canoe Club
Santa Claus
Seventh Street Elementary Cheer Team
South Bay Young Marines
The Anchor: Calvary Chapel San Pedro
The Dance Factory
The Garden Church
The Jesus Movement Christian Coalition
The Lee Williams Real Estate Group
Veterans Peer Access Network- Battleship Iowa
Vox Collegiate Pom Squad
Warren Chapel CME Church
West Coast Reign All Stars
Willenberg Career and Transition Center
*Parade participants and units are subject to change.