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Health & Fitness

Jackie's South Bay Weekend Guide for December 26, 2013

Now that all the gifts have been opened, it’s time to think about how you want to ring in the New Year. Every bar and restaurant in town will be having their own unique celebration so there’s no shortage of options. Below, I’ve listed the four big events taking place around the South Bay and there are still tickets available for all of them as of yesterday. Decisions, decisions….

Taking place for over 40 years, the Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights Extravaganza in Torrance (also known as Candy Cane Lane), is one of the largest holiday decoration displays in the country. You can walk or drive through the neighborhood reveling in the sights, sounds and scents of the season. It’s a wonderful way to spend the evening and one the entire family will enjoy and remember for years to come. The wildly extravagant decorations are on display from December 1 through January 1 from about 6 to 10 p.m. For more information and directions, visit the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sleepy-Hollow-Christmas-Lights-Extravaganza/214158315880.

The Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center presents The Nutcracker by the Los Angeles Ballet December 28 and December 29. Join Uncle Drosselmeyer, Clara and her beloved Nutcracker as they battle the Mouse King and his army, journey to the Land of Snow, and to the enchanted Palace of the Dolls where Clara's favorite doll companions come to life. Show times are December 28 at 1 and 5 p.m. and December 29 at 2 p.m. Standard single ticket prices for adults are $30 to $95. Tickets for children, students and seniors are 20% off the standard single ticket and range from $24 to $76. To purchase tickets, visit the website at http://losangelesballet.org/. For additional information, visit http://www.redondo.org/depts/recreation/facilities/rbpac/default.asp. The Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center is located at 1935 Manhattan Beach Boulevard in Redondo Beach.

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Berry Bly is proud to present New Year’s Eve Gala 2014 at the Portofino Hotel and Yacht Club on Tuesday, December 31! Celebrate New Year’s Eve with one of the South Bay’s most celebrated party producers for a night of Las Vegas style and Hollywood elegance. Guests will countdown to 2014 on multiple dance floors featuring a host of beats from LA’s hottest DJs such as Adam Nello, Danger House, Eric-B, & Mikel. The party goes all night until 2 a.m. with all types of grooves including hip-hop, old-school, Electro and more. Premium liquors, wine, champagne and beer will be served at multiple bars. The Portofino Hotel and Yacht Club is located at 260 Portofino Way in Redondo Beach. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the website at http://southbay2014.com/sbe/.

Guests are invited to countdown to 2014 at Terranea Resort’s annual New Year’s Eve Club Countdown Celebration. The party gets underway at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31. This year’s party features live musical entertainment by DJ Quasar. An open bar and a late night buffet from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. will feature a slider station with vegetarian options, an Italian pizza station with gluten-free selections, a dessert station with Krispy Treats, Brownies, Mini Doughnuts and more. Guests must be 21 and over to attend. Purchase tickets prior to December 26 for $150 per person. After December 26, the price is $195 per person. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the website at http://www.terranea.com/los-angeles-nye-countdown. Terranea Resort is located at 100 Terranea Way in Rancho Palos Verdes.

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The Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce will host a family-friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration at Pier Plaza in Hermosa Beach on Tuesday, December 31 beginning at 8 p.m. The festivities will feature two countdowns to the New Year with the live ball drop in New York’s Times Square on a 9 x 12 foot video screen. The first countdown will take place at 9 p.m. for the New Year on the East Coast. The second countdown will take place through a video replay at midnight local time as Hermosa Beach rings in the New Year.  Lou Giovannetti and His Big Band will be the featured performers. Inspired by Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett among others, Lou and his orchestra will sing the iconic standards of the American Big Band Era. For additional information on Lou, visit his website at www.LouSings.com. Admission is free and the event is open to the public. The City of Hermosa Beach is assisting with this year’s event and encourages everyone to celebrate the New Year responsibly. The Hermosa Beach Police and Fire Departments will be providing additional enforcement to ensure a safe and happy celebration for all. For additional information, visit the website at www.hbchamber.net.

Shade Hotel is proud to present a New Year’s Eve Gatsby Celebration on Tuesday, December 31! The event gets underway at 8 p.m. and attendees are encouraged to dress in the hottest flapper styles! Guests will enjoy stationary hors d’oeuvres, tray passed canapés, a champagne toast at midnight, gaming chips for the tables and special party favors. The evening will include gaming tables for craps, roulette, black jack and poker, a 1920′s cigar bar on the Skydeck, raffle prizes and bottle service. Tickets to the event are $75 per person and can be purchased through Eventbrite at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/great-gatsby-new-years-celebration-tickets-8179139025. Special room packages are available starting at $575 and include tickets to the party. Shade Hotel is located at 1221 North Valley Drive in Manhattan Beach. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.shadehotel.com/ or call 310-546-4995.

As always, check the calendar links and ‘Things to Do’ page on my website www.southbaybyjackie.com for details on these and other events throughout the South Bay.

On The South Bay Show this morning, we chatted with the aforementioned Lou Giovannetti!  Don’t worry, if you missed it, you can listen to it here: http://southbaybyjackie.com/december-26-2013-lou-giovannetti-nye-pier-plaza/.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year and fabulous South Bay weekend! Please, please, please celebrate responsibly!

Jackie

www.southbaybyjackie.com

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