Skip to main content

MB News

Downtown Will Sparkle at Holiday Open House and Pier Lighting

Nov 14, 2016 10:34AM ● By Jeanne Fratello
Ready for some holiday cheer? One of Downtown Manhattan Beach's most beloved traditions - the Holiday Open House and Pier Lighting - promises to be better than ever this year.

The event, which will be held between 5:00 and 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 16, will feature live music, strolling carolers, reindeer, face painting, holiday-themed food and drinks, and a appearance by Santa at Metlox Plaza.

This year marks the 22nd annual Holiday Open House, which is downtown local restaurants', retail stores' and businesses' way of thanking customers and the community for their support and patronage throughout the year. The 27th annual Pier Lighting Ceremony, sponsored by the City of Manhattan Beach, will feature additional music and pageantry.

The evening's schedule is as follows: Santa will arrive at 5:00 p.m. at Metlox Plaza. At 5:50 p.m. at the Manhattan Beach Pier, the Manhattan Beach MIddle School Choir will perform, followed by the Mira Costa High School Choir at 6:30 p.m. The pier lighting will take place at 7:00 p.m., followed by performances by local artists Charlotte Sabina and Rewind.

At Metlox Plaza, besides Santa, you'll find balloon artist Suzanne Haring of The Soozi Show, Nicole Sanders of Nicole Face Paints, Ralf’s Photography, the Manhattan Beach Farmers Market, Frontier Kettle Korn, and hot chocolate and cookies at Le Pain Quotidien.

Throughout Metlox Plaza will be the "Days of Winter" Holiday Light Display by artist Virginia Vilchis. More than 300 hundred solar-powered lights will change colors before your eyes every night. Each light is held by a special ceramic piece as a reminder of the former Metlox Pottery factory.

Special guests along Manhattan Avenue include the John Dietz Band in front of Old Venice and Tabula Rasa; Jack Tracy on ukelele in front of Darren's Restaurant; the Hyperion Outfall Serenaders; and an assortment of reindeer.

On Highland Ave. at 13th Street holiday guests can watch Danger Dogs at Manhattan Beach Watch Repair and Crabbeman’s Review by LiciaB Jewels.

Further down Highland Avenue, between Center Place and 12th Street, will be guitarist Michael Holmes in front of Growing Wild, Matt Kalin on saxophone in front of Roberto Coin, and strolling caroler groups Harmony Carolers and A Holiday Affaire.

Need more incentive? Here's a sneak preview of some of the specials you'll find at Downtown Manhattan Beach stores:

The Souk will provide wines and nibbles from its sister store, Barsha Wines and Spirits. Enjoy 10 percent off your Souk purchases that night.

SKECHERS will provide food, drink, and their traditional "S" gingerbread cookies made by Cake Bake Shop.

At Beehive, when you fill out your holiday wish list, you can be entered into a raffle to win a prize pack of jewelry and accessories.

Meanwhile, Manhattan Denim, which is known for its over-the-top window displays (Remember the live go-go dancers?), promises that this year's display will be the best one yet. 

Last but not least, if you need a ride to or from the event, use this special LYFT code to help get you there safely: https://www.lyft.com/invite/hoh2016.







Subscribe to MB News Emails * Don't Miss a Thing, Sign Up Today!

* indicates required
Email Format

Subscribe to MB News Emails * Don't Miss a Thing, Sign Up Today!

* indicates required
Email Format