As the holiday season approaches, December brings a cheerful lineup of community celebrations, family traditions, and festive coastal gatherings throughout the Palos Verdes Peninsula. From tree lighting ceremonies and breakfast with Santa to outdoor movie nights and magical winter festivals, there are countless ways to enjoy the season with neighbors and loved ones. Whether you’re looking for kid-friendly activities, shopping and dining experiences, or simply a cozy night under the lights, these upcoming events offer something special for everyone. Let’s take a look at what’s happening around the Peninsula this December.
Coca Cola Christmas Caravan
Start the holiday season at The Meadows as the Coca Cola Christmas Caravan makes a festive stop on Friday, December 5th from 6pm to 8:30pm. Guests can enjoy live music seasonal fun and a special visit from Santa as the iconic Coca Cola holiday truck lights up the night along the oceanfront.
Admission is complimentary and reservations are appreciated to help with event planning. Food, beverages, and desserts will be available for purchase throughout the evening. Signature holiday drinks will also be served.
📍 The Meadows, Terranea Resort, 100 Terranea Way
🕔 Friday, December 5th | 6pm - 8:30pm
Holiday Parade of Lights
Mark your calendar for the City of Rolling Hills Estates’ annual Peninsula Parade of Lights on Saturday, December 6th. This cheerful celebration features dazzling holiday floats, spirited marching bands, local community groups, and a special appearance by Santa himself. It’s a perfect family friendly event to spark a little extra holiday magic.
Parade Route
The procession begins at the corner of Silver Spur Road and Drybank Drive, traveling east along Silver Spur before heading south on Roxcove Drive. From there, it continues onto Deep Valley Drive and makes its way through the Promenade on the Peninsula, ending at Norris Center Drive.
The procession begins at the corner of Silver Spur Road and Drybank Drive, traveling east along Silver Spur before heading south on Roxcove Drive. From there, it continues onto Deep Valley Drive and makes its way through the Promenade on the Peninsula, ending at Norris Center Drive.
Parking and Road Closures
Complimentary parking will be available at the Town & Country Center, Peninsula Shopping Center, and Promenade PV. Road closures along Silver Spur Road, Deep Valley Drive, Roxcove Drive, and Drybank Drive will begin at 4pm on parade day, so plan to arrive early.
Complimentary parking will be available at the Town & Country Center, Peninsula Shopping Center, and Promenade PV. Road closures along Silver Spur Road, Deep Valley Drive, Roxcove Drive, and Drybank Drive will begin at 4pm on parade day, so plan to arrive early.
🕔 Saturday, December 6th | 6pm
👉 Event Details→
👉 Event Details→
A Very La Venta Holiday
One of Palos Verdes’ most cherished seasonal traditions is back, as La Venta Inn hosts its fourth annual A Very La Venta Holiday celebration on Sunday, December 7th. From 11am to 3pm, the historic hilltop venue will transform into a festive holiday experience filled with activities, treats, and community spirit, perfect for families and friends alike.
Guests can look forward to delicious culinary creations from Made by Meg Catering, featuring multiple food stations, desserts, and a signature hot cocoa bar. Holiday cocktails, mocktails, and additional beverages will also be available. The event includes professional holiday portraits, wreath-making, hands-on crafts for all ages, and fun surprises throughout the day.
In the spirit of giving, attendees are encouraged to participate in the annual pajama drive by donating a new pair of pajamas for children or adults. All donations will support the Family Crisis Center through the South Bay Community Service Center in Torrance.
Complimentary professional portraits will be provided by @kylieandcompany and delivered via email one week after the event.
📍 796 Vía Del Monte
🕔 Sunday, December 7th | 11am - 3pm
👉 Event Details→
👉 Event Details→
Palos Verdes Estates Annual Tree Lighting
Celebrate the season at the Palos Verdes Estates Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Sunday December 7th. From 5pm to 7pm, Malaga Cove Plaza will be filled with holiday cheer as the community gathers to light the City’s beautiful fir tree.
Guests can enjoy cookies, hot cocoa, food trucks, children’s crafts, and writing letters to Santa. This free family friendly event is a wonderful way to welcome the holiday season and create festive memories with neighbors and friends.
📍 43 Malaga Cove Plaza
🕔 Sunday, December 7th | 5pm - 7pm
Rancho Palos Verdes Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Experience a festive winter celebration as the community gathers for the Rancho Palos Verdes Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, December 12th. The event will be held from 5:30pm to 9:30pm at the Ken Dyda Civic Center and will offer an evening filled with seasonal activities and family friendly fun.
Enjoy real snow and sledding, a holiday pop up shop, holiday music, inflatables for kids, winter crafts, food trucks, a cocoa and coffee vendor, and lively entertainment throughout the night. The highlight of the celebration is the lighting of the City’s beautiful fir tree, a cherished tradition that brings neighbors together for a joyful start to the holiday season.
📍 Ken Dyda Civic Center, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd
🕔 Friday, December 12th | 5:30pm - 9:30pm
Breakfast with Santa
Bring the whole family for a festive morning at the Ken Dyda Civic Center for the annual Breakfast with Santa event. Guests will enjoy a warm breakfast with coffee and cocoa along with live music performances, caroling, hands on crafts, and a special visit from Santa. This community favorite offers two seating times which makes it easy to plan the perfect morning outing.
Registration is 20 dollars per person and children age two and under may attend for free. Everyone age three and older must register in advance. The event is expected to fill quickly so early sign ups are encouraged.
📍 Ken Dyda Civic Center, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd
🕔 Saturday, December 13th | 8:30am - 10:30am or 11:30am - 1:30pm
Grinch Day Drive-In Movie
Gather the family for a festive movie night under the stars at the Grinch Day Drive-In Movie on Sunday, December 14, from 3pm to 7pm. This holiday outing blends classic Christmas fun with interactive activities and a screening of the beloved film How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Arrive early to enjoy pre-movie festivities from 3pm to 5pm, including gift-wrapping stations, character meet-and-greets, face painting, sledding, and more cheerful surprises for kids and adults. The feature presentation begins at 5pm, so settle into your car with blankets, snacks, and hot cocoa for the perfect cozy evening.
📍 Ken Dyda Civic Center, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd
🕔 Sunday, December 14th | 3pm - 7pm
Hanukkah Celebration
Join the community for a joyful Hanukkah Celebration on Monday, December 15th, from 6pm to 8pm. This special evening will include a ceremonial menorah lighting along with a lineup of lively holiday entertainment.
Guests can enjoy inflatables, arts and crafts, snow play and sledding, and delicious latkes to mark the season. Whether you’re celebrating Hanukkah with long-held family traditions or simply looking to learn and share in the joy, this event offers a warm and welcoming holiday experience.
📍 Ken Dyda Civic Center, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd
🕔 Monday, December 15th | 6pm - 8pm
Carols and Cocoa
Enjoy a charming winter evening filled with classic holiday traditions at the Carols and Cocoa event on Saturday, December 20th, from 4pm to 8pm. This joyful gathering offers festive activities for families and children, creating a warm and spirited holiday atmosphere.
There will be carolers, photos with Santa, gingerbread house decorating, and train rides for little ones. Sip on hot cocoa while soaking in the music, lights, and Christmas magic.
📍 Ken Dyda Civic Center, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd
🕔 Saturday, December 20th | 4pm - 8pm
Beach Cove Movie Night ELF
Enjoy a cozy holiday evening by the water with a special outdoor screening of the beloved movie ELF at Beach Cove on Saturday, December 20th at 5:15pm. Bring blankets chairs and warm layers and settle in under the stars for a festive night filled with laughter and holiday cheer. This family friendly gathering is a wonderful way to enjoy the season with friends, neighbors, and loved ones as the magic of the holidays comes to life on the big screen.
📍 Beach Cove, Terranea Resort, 100 Terranea Way
🕔 Friday, December 20th | 5:15pm - 7:15pm
Frozen Winter Celebration
Wrap up the holiday season with a magical afternoon at the Frozen Winter Celebration on Saturday, December 27th, from 2pm to 5pm. Families are invited to step into a winter wonderland filled with themed activities and beloved characters that bring the story to life.
Kids can meet their favorite Frozen characters, enjoy inflatables, cookie decorating, craft stations, and face painting. It’s the perfect opportunity for little ones to dress up, snap photos, and enjoy hands-on holiday fun before the new year begins.
📍 Ken Dyda Civic Center, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd
🕔 Saturday, December 27th | 2pm - 5pm
Here’s to a Bright and Beautiful Holiday Season
As the Peninsula shines with twinkling lights and festive spirit, December offers countless opportunities to gather, celebrate, and make memories with family and friends. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy movie night by the ocean, greeting Santa, or joining a cherished community tradition, these seasonal events highlight the warmth and camaraderie that make Palos Verdes so special. Wishing you a joyful and magical holiday season. See you around the Peninsula!