What to Know35th Annual Pier LightingManhattan BeachNov. 19, 6 to 9 p.m.Local choir performances, carolers, the Beach Cities Toy Drive, and the flip of the switch are on the celebratory scheduleThe Roundhouse Aquarium will observe extended hours from 3 to 8:30 p.m.The lights will be on view through the holiday season
There are so many splendid holiday sights around Southern California, and oodles of them — quite literally, oodles — involves real or fetching faux fir trees.
But a few trees aren’t actual or even not-so-real firs; they’re created from shimmer, and structure, and shape. And one of the most dramatic of these sparkly seasonal displays is built directly over the Pacific.
Well, not so directly: It sits atop the Roundhouse Aquarium, which grandly occupies the end of Manhattan Beach Pier, which, yes, stretches a considerable distance over the ocean.
This conical light structure, a glowing green tree, makes for a lovely vision, especially when viewed around sunset on a brisk November or December evening.
Those visions will soon come to life: The 35th Annual Pier Lighting will ho-ho-happen Nov. 19.
Roundhouse Aquarium
Roundhouse Aquarium
Pretty views await this season courtesy of the Manhattan Beach Pier tree.
Adding to the festive feel? The Roundhouse Aquarium, the tree’s base, is extending its closing time to 8:30 p.m. and holding a Holiday Open House. Complimentary hot cocoa will be available at the marine institution through 6 p.m., while the lighting is set for 7 o’clock.
Local choirs, live tunes, face painters, and pictures at Santa’s Sleigh will add to the convivial evening atmosphere.
And near the pier? Restaurants and local businesses will also be in the merry swing with later hours and a few holiday-themed selections.
There will be some street closures, do keep in mind, so checking out the map ahead of time is a sound idea.