The holidays are upon us, and like most parents, you find yourself scurrying around searching for fun and reasonably low-priced activities to keep the kids occupied. Here are some local events in the South Bay area that will keep your pocketbook and sanity in-check….
Belmont Shore Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 3
6-9pm
This parade is in its 29th year and features approximately 75 entries including marching bands, local personalities, floats representing Long Beach businesses and associations. This year’s theme is “A Green Christmas.” Come early and claim your spot, attendance estimated at 50,000 this year!
Belmont Shore Long Beach, CA
Cost: Free admission
www.belmontshore.org
562-434-3066
Peninsula Holiday Parade of Lights
Saturday, December 3
6-7:30pm
This festive parade features many floats, Girl/Boy Scout troops, marching bands, equestrian teams and Santa! This parade has something for everyone to enjoy! Bundle up and come on out for some holiday fun!
Silver Spur Road and Deep Valley Drive
Rolling Hills Estates, CA
Cost: Free admission
www.ci.rolling-hills-estates.org
310-377-1577
Holiday Music & Santa on the Pier
Saturday, December 10
3-6pm
Come to the Redondo Beach Pier and take photos with Santa Claus! Santa’s elves will be handing out candy canes and other treats at this festive event. Enjoy a free jazz concert with an orchestra performing all your holiday favorites.
Redondo Pier
100 Fisherman’s Wharf, Redondo Beach, CA
Cost: Free admission
www.redondopier.com
Holiday Boat Parade
Saturday, December10
6-8pm
The annual Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade is here! This year’s theme is “Christmas Carnivale.” To get the festivities underway, fireworks will be set off 5 minutes prior to the parade’s start. Boats will circle the Marina’s main channel several times, allowing everyone to fully enjoy each entry!
Burton Chace Park
13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey
Cost: Free admission
www.mdrboatparade.org
310-670-7130
Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Festival
Sunday, December 11
4-8pm
It’s fireworks time for the city of Manhattan Beach! Local bands will be singing holiday songs and Santa will be there greeting everyone. Of course, he has his bag of goodies in tow. Bring your beach chairs and blankets, then get warm and cozy for this spectacular show!
Manhattan Beach Pier
Manhattan Beach, CA
Cost: Free Admission
www.ci.manhattanbeach.ca.us
310-802-5000
Sources: Employee Savings Magazine