EASTER EVENTS : Celebrating the holiday in secular and religious ways.

One of story land’s favorite bunnies, Peter Rabbit, will hippity hop into the South Bay next week as one of many events marking the arrival of spring and the Easter season.

The mischievous Peter and his pals from the classic Beatrix Potter children’s tales will arrive in Redondo Beach on Thursday as the stars of the “Beatrix Potter Pop-up Program” presented by the Judy Garratt Theater Group. A seven-foot pop-up book featuring Potter illustrations is the backdrop for re-enactment of three unabridged stories using prerecorded reading, magic, music and mime. Young audience members will be asked to join in the story action.

The free program for children 2 to 10 begins at 2 p.m. at the Redondo Beach North Branch Library, 2000 Artesia Blvd. Each child and adult must check out two books to gain admission to the program. Information: (310) 318-0677.

In addition to Peter’s arrival, other South Bay seasonal events are scheduled--some for this weekend. They include:

* “An Easter Parade” puppet show, presented by the Palos Verdes-based Jim Gamble’s Puppet Production, will be sponsored by the YWCA of the Harbor Area at 11 a.m. Saturday at 437 W. 9th St. in San Pedro. The 30-minute program for children 3 to 12 will feature a variety of musically talented animal characters who stroll and frolic across the stage on their way to an Easter celebration. After the show, the Easter Bunny will distribute small gifts to each child. Admission is $1. Information: (310) 547-0831.

* Tiny tots 3 to 5 can don their coziest pajamas and cuddle up for “Baby Bunny Storytime” on Monday at 7 p.m. at the Redondo Beach Main Library, 413 N. Pacific Coast Highway. Stuffed bunnies and other favorite animal toys are invited to attend. Each child and adult must check out two books for admission to the program. Information: (310) 318-0675.

* Children’s Easter egg hunts will be sponsored Wednesday in Lawndale and Manhattan Beach. The Lawndale Library Easter program begins at 2 p.m. and will feature an egg hunt, stories and crafts. The library is at 14615 Burin Ave. Information: (310) 676-0177.

* In Manhattan Beach, a golden egg will be awarded to the winners of each age group competing in the egg hunt. The hunts, sponsored by the Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department and the Kiwanis Club, will be from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at Live Oak Park, Sand Dune Park, Manhattan Heights Park and Marine Avenue Park. Children 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult. All hunters should bring their own baskets. Information: (310) 545-5621, Ext. 321.

* The 5th Annual Bunny Breakfast, sponsored by the Manhattan Village Shopping Center, will be today, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m. The Jim Gamble marionettes will entertain at a festive holiday meal. Tickets to the breakfast are $6.50. Balloon sculptor Dennis Forel will create bunny balloons and creatures of all kinds from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Information: (310) 546-5556.

* Local events celebrating the season’s religious holidays include a presentation titled “Christ in the Passover.” The program, led by Daniel Goldberg of Chosen People Ministries, will begin at 11 a.m. Sunday at the First Baptist Church of Redondo Beach, 100 N. Pacific Coast Highway. The program will feature an introduction to the history and symbolism of Jewish Passover and how it relates to Christian tradition and the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. The event is free. Information: (310) 379-8431.

* The Neighborhood Church in Palos Verdes Estates will celebrate Holy Week with several special services. On Palm Sunday a procession will re-create Christ’s arrival in Jerusalem, “The Triumphal Entry,” at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. A soup supper will be served in Fellowship Hall at 6:30 p.m. Thursday to commemorate the Last Supper.

Easter Sunday will begin with a 6 a.m. sunrise service on the patio overlooking the ocean. The church is at 415 Paseo del Mar. Information: (310) 378-9353.

* The First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach will have a Lenten Vesper Service on Sunday at 4 p.m. The service will feature music by the Chancel choir and showcase the sound of the church’s newly acquired organ in a program that also highlights harp and violin. Child care is available. The church is at 243 S. Broadway. Information: (310) 372-8445.

* The Lawndale Christian Church will present the dramatic Easter pageant “Once Upon a Cross” on April 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. and April 11 at 10 a.m.

The presentation tells the story of the life, Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension of Christ. The program is free. Child care will be provided. The church is at 4234 W. 147th St. Information: (310) 644-2236.