Manhattan Beach
Holiday Fireworks
Sunday, December 13th, 2026
Manhattan Beach Pier | 3 - 8pm
Don’t Miss The Magic
Kick off the holidays at one of the South Bay's most beloved traditions as the 38th Annual Skechers Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks returns on Sunday, December 13, 2026. Enjoy an afternoon and evening filled with live entertainment, holiday music, family activities, community spirit, and the spectacular fireworks show over the Manhattan Beach Pier at 7:00 p.m.
Bringing together more than 20,000 residents and visitors each year, this cherished event is a festive celebration of the season and the vibrant Manhattan Beach community. Gather your family and friends, shop and dine locally, and experience the holiday magic by the sea.
2025 Schedule of Events
Snow Park open for kids/families of the Friendship Foundation located on upper south parking lot above the Pier.
3:00-4:00pm
4:00-6:00pm
Mira Costa Choir carolers stroll downtown.
Snow Park open to the General Public. For admission, please donate an unwrapped toy or canned food item for the YMCA Adventure Guides Charity Organization. Santa Float on Manhattan Avenue at Manhattan Beach Boulevard.
4:00-6:30pm
4:00-5:00pm
Hiatus presented by South Bay Music Connection on Pier stage
5:00-6:00pm
Mira Costa High School Jazz Band on Pier stage.
6:00pm
Lighting of the Menorah to celebrate the 1st Night of Hanukkah
6:00-7:00pm
Joe's Band playing Holiday Hits on Pier stage.
7:00pm
38th Annual Skechers
Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Show
Rain or Shine, barring severe weather.
Blankets are allowed on Manhattan Beach Blvd, from Highland Ave to the Pier, at 4pm, or once public safety officials determine streets are safe for access.
Thank You to Our 2025 Sponsors
History of the Manhattan Beach Fireworks
We can thank the late Pete Moffett for sparking this spectacular hometown tradition. Back in 1989, Pete and his wife, Gwen, realized Manhattan Beach was missing a true community celebration during the holidays—something that brought local businesses and residents together. Their idea was bold: fireworks in December instead of July, to kick off the holiday season and thank the community for supporting local shops and restaurants.
With the backing of fellow merchants, Pete convinced the City to give it a try. From the start, the goal was simple—keep it a family-friendly community event. Streets close on Sunday afternoon, families gather downtown, and at exactly 7:00 p.m. the show lights up the sky, wrapping up neatly by 7:30.
“Come enjoy everyone’s favorite day of the Year”
- Pete Moffett, founder of the Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks.
“None of us knew how big it would become,” recalls former councilmember Richard Montgomery, who attended the very first show and has supported it every year since. From just 500 spectators in 1989, the fireworks now draw an estimated 20,000 people annually, making it one of the South Bay’s most anticipated events. Produced by San Diego-based Fireworks America—the same team behind major theme parks like SeaWorld—the show never fails to dazzle.
In 2012,
became the event’s title sponsor, elevating the festival’s profile even further—especially during the City’s Centennial celebration. That same year, the Travel Channel named Manhattan Beach’s Holiday Fireworks one of the nation’s top two holiday festivals, later voting it the Best Holiday Fireworks Show in America.
Though Pete Moffett passed away in 2023 at age 75, his vision lives on. His son Tom and brother-in-law Denny Greenler carried the torch before entrusting its care to the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce.
Today, in partnership with
, the City of Manhattan Beach, and dedicated sponsors, this cherished tradition continues to bring joy, pride, and holiday magic to our community—just the way Pete intended.