Celebrate the Holidays in the LBC

It’s time to deck the halls! If you’re looking for ways to celebrate the holidays in Long Beach, LBLN has you covered. From discussing presents with Santa to boat parades to the Nutcracker Ballet, there is something for everyone this holiday season. 

Queen Mary Christmas is running from Nov. 29 – Jan. 1. There’s an ice-skating ring, stocking and gingerbread house decorating, meet and greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus and the infamous Giant Rocking Horse. 

Victorian Christmas at the Bembridge House will be open to guests during select days throughout the month of Christmas. Admission is $15-20 dollars and children under 12 are free. Docent lead tours will be on Dec. 3., 7, 10, 17, 21. Magical Evenings for the 21+ crowd are on Dec. 6 and 13 and Dec. 15 will be a day of family fun featuring Jewel’s Box Children Theatre.

The Long Beach Holiday Tree Lighting and Laser Show will include stilt walking elves, a laser light spectacular, falling ‘snow’ and the chance to meet Santa, Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph on Dec. 6. The event runs from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. at the Promenade.

The Uptown Village Market is a two-day craft festival on Dec. 6 and 7. Located at the Expo Arts Center, there’s an indoor and outdoor shopping center, food trucks, and family fun from Creative Flow LB. Friday’s event will coordinate with Bixby Knolls First Fridays Art Walk

The Annual Belmont Shore Christmas Parade will be on Dec. 7 at 6p.m. on 2nd Street. The parade includes floats from businesses and associations, marching bands, appearances from Long Beach celebrities and, of course, Santa Claus. 

The Long Beach Playhouse is performing three holiday shows this year. On the main stage, It’s a Wonderful Christmas Carol parodies your favorite classic Christmas songs on Dec. 13 and 14 at 8 p.m. while the classic A Christmas Carol runs on weekends from Dec. 6 – Dec. 22. At the Studio Theatre, A Miracle on Anaheim Street, a variety show that benefits the WomenShelter of Long Beach, will be performed on Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. and the proceeds

The Sharon Jones Team with Keller Williams Coastal Properties is hosting a Morning with Santa at the Art Theatre Long Beach on Dec. 7 from 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. You’ll receive printed photo strip and digital photos shortly after.

Aquarium Holidays at the Aquarium of the Pacific will run from Dec. 7 – Dec.23. With a daily penguin parade at 10 a.m., a Santa diver and gingerbread house display, this holiday celebration is fun for the whole family. Watch Santa feed the animals during the Holiday Treat for Animals Festival Dec. 7 – Dec. 8 and wear ugly sweaters on Dec. 21- Dec. 22 for $5 off your admission. Bring a new, unwrapped toy with a value of at least $15, you can get a coupon for  $10 off adult admission and $3 off child admission. 

Mayor Robert Garcia’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Dec. 9 at Terrance Theatre Plaza.

Rancho Los Alamitos has many events to celebrate the holidays. On Dec. 7, there is a Breakfast with Santa, ‘Christmas at Rancho Los Alamitos’ on Dec. 12 and an open house Dec. 11-13.

Holiday Events at Long Beach Exchange will be occurring all month long. On Dec. 7, Alison Bernier will be holding photo sessions with a backdrop and props, children will be able to meet Santa and the Jazz Baker Band will be playing. There will be a holiday-themed photo booth, live music from Zoopocket and another Santa meet-and-greet on Dec. 8. Dec. 13 and 14. will have the same schedule.

If your little one is into Legos, Steelcraft’s Lego Holiday Workshop is taking place on Dec. 7 from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. The cost is $15 to register and you can take home both ornaments that you make.

Holidays at Shoreline Village kicks off on Dec. 7 with the Shoreline Yacht Club’s 37th annual Christmas Boat Parade of 1000 Lights at 5:30 p.m. Then on Dec. 14, 15, 21, 22, Santa Claus and other costumed characters will be available for meet-and-greets from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Roxanne’s Lounge is hosting a Very Tiki Christmas on Dec. 12. Order drinks from the special Tiki-Xmas menu and arrive dressed in your holiday or Tiki outfits to celebrate the last Tiki event of the year.

Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association is hosting a holiday party on Dec. 14 from 7 p.m.- 10 p.m at the Long Beach Petroleum Club. This event is kid-friendly with live music and refreshments.

Belmont Shore Santa Crawl is on Dec. 14 on 2nd Street starting at 10 a.m. Holiday onesies, costumes, and clothing are encouraged while you may your way down Belmont Shore with stops at various restaurants.

Rose Park Neighborhood Association is having a family-friendly festive gathering on Dec. 17 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Alcohol-free refreshments will be available and many artists from the ‘All Hands on Deck’ exhibit will be in attendance. Guests are encouraged to bring a handmade ornament inspired by peace to the Rose Park’s Annual Tree of Peace Lighting with Safe Refuge is on Dec. 12 from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. at Rose Park 8th and Orizaba Ave. The Daisy Lane Christmas Parade is Dec. 14th from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. 

The Long Beach Ballet will be putting on The Nutcracker with a full symphony orchestra on various dates through Dec. 14 – Dec 22. 

Subrosa Floral Design is hosting a Holiday Wreath Decorating Workshop on Dec. 11. A live 22-inch wreath and various decorations will be provided. Tickets are $85 and all materials are included in the price. Festive treats and wine will be available.

On Dec. 14 Long Beach Animal Care Services is putting on its 1st annual Home for the Pawladys . Over 100 animals will be available for adoption at this family-friendly event with live music, food, and a raffle.

Naples Island Annual Holiday Boat Parade will be on Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. The 73rd annual parade’s theme will be ‘Christmas Under The Sea’. Bundle up because Naples Island can get chilly!

The Alpert Jewish Community Center is hosting a Community Chanukah Celebration on Dec. 20 with a Kosher dinner, Shabbat services, and a live concert.

The Carpenter Performing Center is holding a Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown performed by David Benoit featuring Sara Gazarek on Dec. 20.

December celebrations aren’t over yet. Stay tuned for the Christmas Eve/Day and New Year’s Eve events!

By Casey N. Wilson

IG : _caseynwilson