Santa made a grand appearance during the holiday celebration in 2019. (photo courtesy of the City of Beverly Hills and the Rodeo Drive Committee)

The city of Beverly Hills and the Rodeo Drive Committee on Nov. 2 announced details of their upcoming holiday programming, which was designed to bring the community and visitors together.

Aided by “holiday helpers” – whimsical décor of glowing elves in silver and gold along Rodeo Drive – the season kicks off with the annual Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration, an evening of performances and entertainment for all from 5 – 8 p.m. on Nov. 18.

Three blocks of Rodeo Drive will be activated with three outdoor performance areas for a non-stop evening of entertainment. There will be a live performance from the holiday classic movie, “Love Actually,” by an all-star cast performing on the occasion of Love Actually LIVE, the multimedia musical celebration taking place at The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing.

The Noelles, an all-female a cappella quintet with sparkling 1960s style, will dazzle guests with soulfully arranged tunes reminiscent of a bygone era. Additionally, there will be a special performance by 18-year-old Gabriella Valdes, better known as Vella, whose latest release “Blue” features Macy Gray.

Further, the award-winning Skating Aratas will delight visitors on the sidewalk with their roller-skating, and America’s Got Talent winners Christian & Scooby will perform an awe-inspiring balancing act.

The event is free, and food and wine will be available for purchase, served from an array of food truck favorites and at the Wine & Champagne Garden provided by 208 Rodeo. The evening will be capped by Beverly Hills Mayor Bob Wunderlich and fellow Beverly Hills City Council members, who will illuminate Rodeo Drive with an abundance of lights before a glittering fireworks finale.

Continuing a long tradition of immersive holiday décor, Rodeo Drive will be transformed along its center median from South Santa Monica Boulevard to Wilshire Boulevard by the holiday helpers and two larger-than-life luxury car decorations.

“We need to be together again and celebrate with each other,” said Kathy Gohari, the committee’s president. “The holidays are the perfect time to share our gratitude for those who have got us through challenging times, and thanks to our holiday helpers, everyone will be welcomed to a sparkling evening of outdoor entertainment and be among the first to see our holiday lights.”

The holiday festivities will continue through Jan. 1, with installations available for viewing nightly, including a glowing reeds audio and light show at the Lily Pond and a larger-than-life elf tree and light tunnel at Beverly Cañon Gardens.

For information, visit beverlyhills.org/holidaysbh.