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North Manhattan Beach Rings In the Season With Holiday Stroll

Dec 03, 2021 10:34AM ● By Jeanne Fratello

"Porto Claus" makes an appearance outside the El Porto Surf Shop tent at the North Manhattan Beach Holiday Stroll.

North Manhattan Beach rang in the holiday season on Thursday night with a lively Holiday Stroll that included decorated golf carts, carolers, photo booths, refreshments, and a surf-ready "Porto Claus."

Businesses up and down Highland Avenue in the north end of town decorated storefronts and hosted festive holiday refreshments and entertainment as neighbors of all ages filled the sidewalks.

"I am so proud of each and every one of our North Manhattan Beach businesses," said Felicia Villareal, the North Manhattan Beach Business Improvement District coordinator. "Each of them worked so hard to create this incredible holiday spirit that filled the air. Everywhere you looked you could see smiling faces full of joy - it was truly magical."

The North Manhattan Beach holiday open house is a smaller version of its larger and better-known cousin, the Downtown Manhattan Beach Holiday Open House that accompanies the lighting of the Manhattan Beach Pier.

However, the North Manhattan Beach businesses showed their own original style by creating an uniquely exuberant and fun-filled event.

Those looking for fun photo opportunities could choose from a photo with Santa (at Matt Morris Development), a selfie station with Elf ("OMG! Santa! I know him!") at Tangles, a selfie station with Clark Griswold from Vacation outside Fishbar, or a Frozen selfie station outside The Local Yolk.


Refreshments included a variety of pies outside The Local Yolk, donuts from Nuts & Bolts, baked goods from Bakery By the Yard, "Conchitas Con Cafe" from Panchos, and of course Two Guns coffee. 

A pop-up gift fair on 35th Street featured local artisans, as well as the Mira Costa Rugby and Mira Costa Softball teams. Local graphic designer Oso Porto had a large display outside Matt Morris Development. There was also an enterprising group of young teens who set up a stand selling Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and light-up holiday accessories.

The now-famous Golf Cart Crew showed off their style with their golf carts decked out for the holidays.

And in true El Porto style, a boardshort-clad surfer outside the El Porto Surf Shop donned a Santa coat and declared himself "Porto Claus."

"Our local community came out strong tonight and supported our local North Manhattan Beach businesses," said Villareal. "I haven’t been here long, but I was bursting with pride and my heart was melting over and over again... We couldn’t have asked for anything more." 

Editor's note: Today, all across town, Local Love Manhattan Beach weekend begins. Residents are urged to celebrate, support, and shop and dine at local businesses. See Local Love Manhattan Beach for the full schedule of events.


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