Terranea Resort will once again transform into a coastal holiday destination with a season full of festive experiences for families, couples and friends.
The celebrations begin November 29 with the resort’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, featuring caroling, dance performances, Santa photo opportunities and the debut return of the Gingerbread Lounge – a whimsical installation with a functional bar and additional visits with Santa.
Throughout December, guests can enhance their experience with the “Deck Your Stay” offerings, which adds elegant holiday décor and seasonal touches to guestroom accommodations. From December 1 to 24, families are invited to enjoy the “Search for Terra,” Terranea’s playful Elf on the Shelf tradition, with daily clues guiding guests to discover Terra in charming new settings across the resort.
Additional programming includes classic holiday movie nights, a Winter Solstice nature hike, Kids Club activities, a Christmas Eve reading of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” and festive dining experiences.
Set against Terranea’s sweeping oceanfront backdrop, the holiday offerings are designed to create meaningful and memorable celebrations for guests throughout the season.
Deck Your Stay Offerings
Available December 10 to December 31
Guests who reserve a two-night stay or longer in a two- or three-bedroom Villa, Casita or Bungalow from December 10 to December 31 can “deck their stay” with beautifully installed holiday room décor and treats depending on the package they choose:
Prices are separate from accommodations and include installation. Seven days’ notice is requested for installation. À la carte items are available only with the purchase of a Deck Your Stay package. Deluxe themes based on availability.
Leisure holiday travelers are treated to a host of memorable, festive experiences at Terranea Resort during the 2025 holiday season, including:
Enchanting Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Saturday, November 29, from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Resort guests and the Palos Verdes community are invited to begin the holiday season oceanfront at Terranea Resort’s Front Drive. Admission to the celebration is complimentary. In addition to the lighting of a 30-foot tree adorned with hundreds of ornaments, lights and a brilliant star, the evening will feature caroling and dance performances by local arts groups. Families can capture photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy rides on a festive trackless train, and participate in seasonal activities such as sending postcards to Santa’s North Pole workshop. Children’s book author Jane Bakerink, creator of “Piney: The Lonesome Pine”, will also be on-site for a special book signing. Guests may indulge in hot chocolate and cider stations, decorated cookies for purchase, grab-and-go bites, and a cash bar.
Attendees are requested to donate an unwrapped gift to Toys for Tots.
Gingerbread Lounge in the Lobby Lounge
Starting Saturday, November 29, to Friday, January 2; weekdays from 4 to 10 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 10 p.m.
Terranea Resort unveils its popular Gingerbread Lounge on Saturday, November 29.
This holiday pop-up showcases a gigantic 7-by-7-foot gingerbread masterpiece, adorned with gumdrops, candy canes and royal icing, revealing a functional bar and a magical gingerbread village – crafted from over 1,000 pounds of house-made gingerbread. Yuletide spirit abounds as guests sip holiday cocktails and non-alcoholic favorites, savoring a selection of delectable festive sweets. Children are invited to pen letters to Santa and enjoy some complimentary treats, while live music adds to the excitement in the resort’s Lobby daily, from 7 to 11 p.m.
Gingerbread Workshops Saturday, December 13 and Saturday, December 20, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Creative guests are cordially invited to express their decorative talents and holiday spirit as they fashion their own gingerbread masterpieces in the Marineland 3 ballroom. Decorators are graciously hosted and guided by the Terranea pastry chef team.
$150 per gingerbread house.
“Piney: The Lonesome Pine” Movie Showing & Author Book Signing
Saturday, December 6, and Tuesday, December 23, from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Guests can meet Jane Bakerink, creator and author of “Piney: The Lonesome Pine.” Families will enjoy a screening of the beloved holiday film, followed by special interactions with the author behind the heartwarming tale.
Movie viewing is complimentary. An author-signed picture book is $25 each. Piney toys available for purchase.
Beach Cove Movie Night Featuring “Elf”
Saturday, December 20, starting at 5:15 p.m.
As part of the resort’s holiday programming, Terranea will present a special outdoor screening of holiday favorite “Elf.” Guests of all ages can enjoy the comedy classic from the comfort of Adirondack chairs set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. Complimentary popcorn will be provided with candy and soft drinks available for purchase at the Beach Cove Kiosk.
Resort guests are complimentary. Non-guests are $25 for adults and $15 for children (ages 18 and under).
Winter Solstice Hike
Sunday, December 21, starting at 10 a.m.
On the Sunday before Christmas, guests are invited to join a guided nature hike along Terranea Resort’s scenic native plant trails. The excursion begins outside Pointe Discovery and continues to the historic Point Vicente Lighthouse, offering seasonal adventure and panoramic ocean views in celebration of the winter solstice.
Hike is complimentary for guests and visitors of the resort.
Kids Club Special Holiday Activities and Kids New Year’s Eve Party
During the month of December; New Year’s Eve Kids Party, Wednesday, December 31, from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Terranea Resort offers a variety of holiday-themed activities for children ages 3 to 12 throughout December. Kids Club sessions include postcards to the North Pole, ornament decorating, festive crafts and seasonal surprises. A highlight of the program is the specially designed New Year’s Eve party featuring dinner, a bounce house, a double-feature movie, snacks and a celebratory countdown to 2026.
Advanced reservations required for New Year’s Eve party and are available online at terranea.com/festive.
Oceanfront Holiday Dining
To complement the holiday activities, Terranea Resort invites guests to indulge in a variety of festive dining experiences. On Christmas Eve, a special five-course gourmet dinner at the resort’s signature restaurant, mar’sel, will set the tone for a joyous holiday. Christmas Day offerings include a festive buffet served in catalina kitchen with Christmas specials offered at bashi and Nelson’s. The festive season culminates in an extraordinary collection of New Year’s Eve experiences including Gatsby’s Golden Gala, a New Year’s Eve Extravaganza, featuring live entertainment, gourmet dining and revelry into the early hours; a “Grand Tour” New Year's Eve family dinner featuring a festive buffet; and an elegant, four-course tasting menu at mar’sel.
Where:Terranea Resort
100 Terranea Way Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 Phone: (310) 494-7891 www.terranea.com
