Manhattan Beach needs a few good Santa's helpers... to save Christmas on the Manhattan Beach Pier.

Every year since 2010, more than 80 lighted Christmas trees have adorned the Manhattan Beach Pier during the holiday season. This year, to keep the tradition alive, the Downtown Manhattan Beach Business and Professional Association is looking for volunteers to help with installation, decoration, and removal of the trees.

Volunteers are needed on Sunday, November 17 at 3:00 p.m. for setup, and on Sunday, December 1 at noon for removal.

New this year, residents can also purchase the trees, which will be delivered on Sunday,
December 1.

More details about volunteering and about purchasing the trees are available at the Downtown Manhattan Beach Christmas Tree page.

“This tradition has become a cherished part of our community, bringing everyone together, creating wonderful memories, and strengthening our bonds," said Jill Lamkin, executive director of the Downtown Manhattan Beach Business and Professional Association. “These efforts truly showcase the strength and unity of our Manhattan Beach family."

The tradition of live trees on the Manhattan Beach Pier dates to 2010, when a local business sponsored a company to deliver, install, and light live trees on the pier.

Manhattan Beach’s Public Works Department watered the trees for their one-week appearance, and then the company removed the trees for re-use during the holiday season.

In 2022, the company that provided the living Christmas trees was unable to participate, so Zebrowski performed a "Christmas miracle" to ensure that the tradition was kept alive. He purchased the trees himself, rented a moving truck and delivered the trees to the pier, at a cost of more than $5,000. The Downtown Business & Professional Association purchased and installed tree skirts and the city of Manhattan Beach installed the lights and watered the trees.

This year, with costs continuing to increase, the downtown organization is asking for volunteers to assist in this process.

Proceeds from the sale of the trees will support 2 End the Stigma, a charity that alleviates barriers to getting help for addiction. Zebrowski's sister, Jill Zebrowski Cichowicz, founded 2 End The Stigma to help individuals struggling with substance use disorder and to fulfill her desire to erase the stigma and educate others on the disease of addiction. Her commitment to this purpose began to honor her twin brother, Scott, and create a legacy for his name after he died from fentanyl poisoning from a counterfeit prescription pain pill in February 2017.