South By Jackie Weekend Guide December 24, 2015

‘Twas the night before Christmas…..and the South Bay has finally quieted down. Now that all the parties, tree lightings, Santa tours, fireworks, boat parades, toy drives, strolls, walkabouts, open houses and other events are past us, it’s time to get cozy at home with the people that matter the most. But don’t get too comfortable. In just a few days, things will pick up again! If you haven’t made plans yet for New Year’s Eve, I’ve listed the biggest South Bay parties here – you still have time to figure out how you want to ring in 2016. Above all, be safe! I know none of you will be drinking and driving, but sadly, there are always those who will….and remember, if you see something, say something!

Just in case you need to do some last minute shopping for the Christmas meal, there are two Farmers’ Markets taking place today. Open every Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. the Redondo Beach Farmers’ Market is located in front of Veterans Park. For more information, call (310) 372-1171, ext 2252 or visit the website athttp://www.redondo.org/depts/recreation/facilities/farmers_market.asp. Located on the 400 block of Main Street in El Segundo, the Farmers’ Market is open from 3 to 7 p.m. and boasts fresh organic produce, hot prepared delicious foods, packaged gourmet food vendors, handmade crafts and live entertainment in a fun family friendly atmosphere. For additional information, visit the website at http://www.elsegundo.org/depts/recreation/farmers_market.asp.

Join the vintage treasure hunt Sunday, December 27 at the Torrance Antique Street Faire from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in historic downtown Torrance. This is the last Antique Street Faire for the year! Looking for that one of a kind antique or vintage item? You’ll find it here! Every month, vendors showcase a wide variety of items ranging from antique and vintage furniture, glassware and books to jewelry and toys. The event also features live music and antique appraisals. There are also lots of great restaurants, sports bars and specialty shops in the vicinity. Rain or shine, free admission and free parking – can’t beat that! For additional information, call (310) 328-6107 or visit the website athttp://www.torranceantiquefaire.com/. The Torrance Antique Street Faire is located on Sartori Avenue in downtown Torrance.

Buffalo Fire Department presents the South Bay Open Blues Jam on Sunday, December 27 from noon to 4 p.m. The monthly jam session takes place the last Sunday of every month and local musicians are encouraged to sit in. Enjoy great eats and drinks while listening to some rockin’ blues and the best part….there’s no cover charge! Spread the word and come on down for a new way to spend Sunday Funday! For additional information, call 310-320-2332. Buffalo Fire Department is located at 1261 Cabrillo Avenue in Torrance.

If you find yourself in need of more than a little yoga and a day at the spa to recuperate from the hectic holiday season, Marcus Medical Spa is extending their 12 Days of Christmas special. Take advantage of their providers’ favorite picks from the 12 Days of Christmas special including coolsculpting, laser genesis, any filler, Ultherapy, hydrafacial and all skincare and chemical peels. This offer is only good through December 31! For additional information, visit the website athttp://www.marcusmedicalspa.com/. Marcus Medical Spa is located at 1815 Via El Prado, Suite 102, in Redondo Beach.

Pier Plaza is the place to be this New Year’s Eve so gather your family and friends and head to Hermosa Beach to ring in the New Year the South Bay way! The Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau present a New Year’s Eve Extravaganza at Pier Plaza on Thursday, December 31 beginning at 8 p.m. The event is open to the public and admission is free. The fabulous Lou Giovannetti and His Big Band Orchestra will be performing standards from the big band era, so be sure to wear your dancin’ shoes! A live telecast of the Times Square ball drop will play on a 9 x 12 video screen at 9 p.m. A replay will be shown at midnight for the west coast count down. This is a very popular event and if you plan to have dinner at one of the many area restaurants, reservations are highly recommended. Be sure to bring your party hats and noise makers! For more information, call 310-376-0951 or visit the website athttp://business.hbchamber.net/events/details/new-years-eve-extravaganza-3148. Pier Plaza is located at the western-most end of Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach.

Berry Bly is proud to present New Year’s Eve Gala 2016 at the Portofino Hotel on Thursday, 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 2015 on multiple dance floors featuring a host of beats from LA’s hottest DJs including Charles Feelgood, DJ DIK, DJ Jimbo, Troy Doram and DJ Daddy D. The party starts at 9 and goes until 2 a.m. with all types of grooves including hip-hop, old-school, Electro and more. The night beams away into visual bliss as laser shows, special lighting effects and visuals entertain party-goers throughout the evening. Premium liquors, wine, champagne and beer will be served at multiple bars. It’s a night that routinely sells out, so be sure to buy your tickets early! The Portofino Hotel is located at 260 Portofino Way in Redondo Beach. For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the website at http://www.portofinonye.com/.

Shade Hotel will channel the Roaring Twenties at a Great Gatsby-inspired New Year’s Eve Celebration on Thursday, December 31, beginning at 8 p.m. The evening of excitement and fun will feature burlesque dancers, a DJ and gaming tables including blackjack, poker, roulette and craps. Guests will be treated to passed hors d’oeuvres and a dessert bar throughout the event, as well as a champagne toast at midnight. Shade will also have an exclusive VIP area available for bottle service reservations starting at a 2 bottle minimum. Upon arrival, attendees receive $100 in gaming chips, which may be used at the game tables to win tickets for entry into a raffle for prizes. Guests and locals aged 21 and over are welcome to attend, and 1920s attire is highly encouraged. Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased online athttp://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-gatsby-new-years-eve-celebration-tickets-19912561006. For guests looking to extend the celebration, Shade is offering an exclusive New Year’s Eve package for the night of December 31, with reservations including tickets to the gala. Rates begin at $649 and include 2 tickets. For additional information, visit the website athttp://www.shadehotel.com or call the front desk at (310) 546-4995. Better brush up on your Charleston! Shade Hotel is located at 1221 North Valley Drive in Manhattan Beach.

Terranea Resort will countdown to 2016 at Terranea’s annual Club Countdown New Year’s Eve Celebration on Thursday, December 31. The event runs from 9 p.m. through 2 a.m. This year’s party includes music by a celebrity DJ, open bar and a late night buffet from 10 p.m. through 12:30 a.m. The buffet features a slider station, pasta station, taco bar, dim sum station and a dessert station. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options will be available. Tickets are $184.50. Online ticket ordering deadline is Wednesday, December 30, all prices are not inclusive of tax or gratuity. Tax and gratuity will be automatically added on to your order during the checkout process. Paper tickets will not be mailed. Email confirmation will be sent after purchase has been processed. Multiple single tickets may be purchased using the shopping cart function. All guests/tickets must be accounted for on the final checkout page. VIP tables are available and advance reservations are required by calling 310-265-2836. Guests must be 21 years or older. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.terranea.com/events/12312013-new-years-eve-club-countdown-celebration. For additional information, call (310) 265-2766 or visit the website at http://www.terranea.com. Terranea Resort is located at 100 Terranea Way in Rancho Palos Verdes.

I’m not listing any ‘heads up’ this week because we all need a break, right? Instead, I recommend you visit my Daily Blog page at http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/The-Scoop.php. If you scroll down the page you’ll see I’ve been posting ideas for entertaining visiting friends and relatives this holiday season. There are a lot of hours to fill when you’re responsible for keeping the troops entertained!

These are just a few of the events taking place, so be sure to check the Calendar links, Things to Do page and Daily Blog on my website http://www.southbaybyjackie.com for details on these and other events happening throughout the South Bay.

Joe and I are taking this and next week off and will be airing re-runs of some of the recent, most popular shows. The shows are already posted to my website here: http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/blog-talk-radio.php. Take a moment and catch up with what’s going down in the South Bay!

Merry Christmas everybody and a fabulous South Bay weekend!

Jackie

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com