Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and December Winter Event Calendar

All events will be held in December 2025 and at the Ken Dyda Civic Center (30940 Hawthorne Blvd)

Click here to download the Tree Lighting Ceremony flyer and calendar of events

Tree Lighting Ceremony

Friday, December 12 

5:30pm to 9:30pm

A winter storm is gathering over the Civic Center, bringing the first snowfall of the season!  

• Families are invited to enjoy an evening of snow play and sledding! (THERE WILL BE REAL SNOW-don't forget to bring gloves)

• Both kids and adults can warm up with freshly brewed cocoa and coffee, while delighting in festive holiday music, engaging in crafts, and witnessing the  lighting of our beautifully decorated large tree.

• Visit the Holiday Pop-Up shop, where you might just find the perfect gift.

Winter Night Magic

Saturday, December 13

5pm-8pm

• Winter magic continues at the Civic Center! The Recreation and Parks Department will be hosting a guided night hike in the Alta Vicente Reserve. 

• Get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of nature, such as hooting owls and chirping insects, all while strolling beneath a starlit sky. 

• Afterwards, hikers will gather around bonfire pits to warm up with delicious coffee, cocoa, and s'mores, as they enjoy captivating campfire stories and songs. 

• Children can also delight in real snow, playing and sledding down a slide made of ice and snow. 

• Snow flurries are in the forecast, so keep your eyes peeled for a magical winter wonderland!

Grinch Day Drive In Movie 

Sunday, December 14

3pm - 7pm

The Grinch has been spotted sneaking around the Civic Center and is up to his usual tricks. 

• Keep an eye on your gifts and join us for gift wrapping, and a character meet and greet with yours truly, the Grinch.  

• There will also be face-painting and crafts for all. 

• The movie will begin at 5pm, so arrive early and get a good parking spot for the drive-in. 

• There will be space for picnic blankets and beach chairs if needed. 

Hanukkah Celebration

Monday, December 15

6pm to 8pm

Join us for a special ceremonial lighting of our beautiful menorah display.  There will be inflatables for kids, warm and fresh latkes to munch on, and live entertainment.

Snow and sledding for the kids.

Carols and Cocoa

Saturday, December 20

4pm to 8pm

• Don't forget your camera! Santa will be coming to the Civic Center! Have your camera and wish list ready, because Santa wont just be checking it once, he'll be checking it twice. 

• Switch on the creativity; There will also be ginger bread house decorating crafts, and Carolers. 

• Train rides for the little ones and tasty cocoa and coffee.  

Frozen Day

Saturday, December 27th 

2pm to 5pm

• Our Winter events will wrap up with an exciting Frozen theme day.

• Anna and Elsa will be departing Arendelle and making their way to the Civic Center. 

• There will be a Character meet and greet, catchy music, inflatables for kids and cookie decorating!

• Don't forget your camera!

Complimentary activities and Events provided by the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and our sponsors.