Photos: Gathering for the Holidays

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Longtime Malibu residents Helma and Juergen Cords celebrate with friends at the Holiday Open House at City Hall on Thursday.

The City of Malibu hosted its annual Holiday Open House on Thursday afternoon. Guests enjoyed delicious appetizers, sipped on hot chocolate and hot apple cider (a special brew crafted by Media Information Officer Matt Myerhoff), and nibbled on treats at the dessert table.

The afternoon featured a selection of live music, including a flute duet performed by Janice Nikora and Kathy Landmann, music by Malibu Brass Quintet (under the direction of Angel Velez), and songs by soloists from the Malibu High School (MHS) (accompanied by Joellen “Cha Cha” McNaughton) and Malibu Middle School (under the direction of Amy Loch) choirs. An art exhibit showcased the work of MHS students with support from the MHS Arts Angels.

Attendees were encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to the L.A. County Fire Department’s Spark of Love Toy Drive, supported by the City of Malibu, in exchange for a raffle ticket. An assortment of gifts and prizes were donated by Malibu merchants, including Don Schmitz/Schmitz & Associates, Cosentino’s, SoulCycle, Zuma Jay’s, Becker Surfboards, Malibu Bank of Books and more.

“It was wonderful to see the large turnout from all areas of the Malibu community,” Malibu Mayor Laura Rosenthal said. “The holidays are a special time, and it’s so nice to celebrate with our neighbors and all those who have a connection to our city.”