The holidays have arrived in Malibu, bringing with them a diverse array of festivities. Religious gatherings, philanthropic opportunities, performing arts showcases and good, old-fashioned parties will be underway during the rest of December. So for those eager to keep it local, The Malibu Times has you covered, rolling out hand-picked, holiday gatherings in Malibu that may spark your interest.
Religious services
The Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue’s Choir and Orchestra will take the stage for their 13th annual Chanukah concert on Dec. 14. Cantor Marcelo Gindlin will lead the orchestra and other ensembles, including The Malibu Jewish Center adult’s choir and the Hebrew school’s children’s orchestra. “[It] is a concert that brings the whole community together,” he wrote in an email, “with a message of hope, love and peace…” Teens from the synagogue’s “Hand in Hand” program, dedicated to special needs children, will also be in attendance. Chaplains Ruth Belonsky and Judith Sommerstein will be honored for participating in the synagogue’s affairs. The concert kicks off at 7 p.m. at 24855 PCH.
Malibu Presbyterian Church is planning two Christmas Eve services, one at 5 p.m., geared toward families with children, and a later one at 7:30 p.m. To some, the gatherings may represent a transition, as they mark the last Christmas before the church unveils its new sanctuary. Malibu Presbyterian Church is at 3324 Malibu Canyon Road.
Giving back
The Heathercliff and PCH Christmas tree lot is donating proceeds to Malibu High School athletic programs. The lot also carries Malibu Sharks clothes, souvenirs, and a ruby red 1952 J.C. Higgins bicycle. John Paola, a volunteer at the lot, was unable to provide hard numbers of revenue generated, but remains optimistic.
“Each year seems to get better…This year’s been especially good so far,” he said. Also on sale at the lot are Haitian Zanmi dolls, made from donated T-shirts. For each doll sold, one dollar is returned to the Haitian that made the doll, while the rest of money paid helps fund a hospital in that person’s town. The lot is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Parties and recreation
The Malibu Inn will host Malibu Carl’s Toy Drive For GROMS, a surf-themed event featuring a toy drive, talent show and photo booth. And those who participate in the toy drive by bringing an unwrapped gift on or before Saturday automatically enter a raffle. The free gathering is co-organized by “Malibu Carl,” the longtime Surfrider Beach fixture, and runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 15 at the Malibu Inn.
Malibu City Hall will throw its free annual holiday party to commemorate volunteers who assisted in city affairs. All ages are welcome, and City Council members are expected to attend. A toy drive will be held, welcoming new, unwrapped toys and sports equipment that will be donated to disadvantaged children spanning Los Angeles and surrounding counties. Partygoers will also have the chance to donate to SurfAid, a nonprofit organization aimed at improving the health, reliance and well-being of people living in isolated regions around the world through the sport of surfing. While mingling, attendees can listen to live harp music, pose in the photo booth and indulge in dessert. The party takes place at City Hall, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road on Friday, Dec. 20 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Adamson House will give December afternoon and night tours of its Christmas-decorated museum. The tour also includes a complimentary wrapped gift and refreshments. Tickets cost $15 and must be prepaid by calling 310.456.8432, extension 7. Tours are conducted on Dec. 14 and 21, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., as well as on Dec. 16, 23 and 30, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Performing arts
Children ages 5 to 18 from Malibu’s Young Actors Project will perform “A Christmas Carol,” “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” and “The Lady or the Tiger.” Shoshana Kuttner, Young Actors Project Director, vows attendees will enjoy the performances. “They are really funny, heartwarming, and special,” she said. The Young Actors Project is an 8-year-old, nonprofit theater company in Malibu that provides youth acting classes. Plays are presented Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., at 29243 Pacific Coast Highway. Tickets, $15 for general admission and $10 for students, can be bought at yapshows.brownpapertickets.com.