Have a Holly Jolly Holiday in Long Beach, CA!
Did you know Long Beach, CA, is home to one of the most beautiful coastal holiday light displays in the state? It also has tons of great activities, shows, and shopping opportunities. Because Long Beach is right on the coast, it enjoys mild winters, meaning you can enjoy the holidays without gearing up for harsh winter weather.
Whether you have a large family with lots of kids or are looking for an intimate night out with a spouse or close friends, you’ll love what’s taking place this year. Take a look at these activities, shows, shopping destinations, and service opportunities in and around Long Beach.
Activities
Shows and Performances
Shopping
Opportunities to Share
Safe Celebration
Activities
Clear your schedule this holiday season, because there’s lots to do! Check out dazzling light displays, visit the aquarium, or party with your friends for New Year’s Eve. There are plenty of activities waiting for you in Long Beach, CA! Get your tickets early, because spots fill up fast!
Long Beach Christmas Lights: Naples Island is often called one of the most beautiful Southern California holiday locations because of all the lights put up by the residents. Neighbors and neighborhoods compete against each other to create the most magical holiday displays that attract thousands of light gazers from all over the area. There are also light tours available for those who want to get the full experience, as well as a waterfront tour option with an included Ferris wheel. The lights are put up at different times, but starting at the beginning of December through the rest of the month, visitors will find the dazzling displays are in full effect!
Aquarium Holidays: Aquarium Holidays starts with winter treats for the animals and runs December 3–23, featuring festive décor, shopping, snowfall in the Great Hall, and a festive Santa Diver and aquarium characters in their holiday outfits. Each weekend December 3–18, the aquarium will have photo opportunities with Santa, Hanukkah storytelling complete with dreidels, and a Kwanzaa celebration.
New Year’s Eve Party: Ring in the new year in style! Visitors to this New Year’s Eve party taking place at the DoubleTree by Hilton will enjoy The Frances Rueda Band, the Harbor Groove Band, the Philly Intruders, and DJ Chris Precious. These local performers are bringing eastside sounds into 2023!
What’s a party without food? Guests will have their choice of appetizers, drinks, party favors, and plenty of time to dance and celebrate the past year while they anticipate the new one! The party starts at 8 p.m., so don’t be late!
Shows and Performances
Treat yourself to some truly fantastic performances this holiday season. Plays, musicals, concerts, and magical musical journeys are coming to Long Beach, CA, this year. There are truly spectacular performers coming to the area this winter! Check your calendars and buy your tickets soon. Don’t forget to invite your friends.
A Christmas Carol: Enjoy this beloved classic play taking place at the Long Beach Playhouse from December 9 through 18. This popular production reminds us that the holidays aren’t about getting, but about giving. It’s the perfect way to start out the holiday season! You’ll see all your favorite characters interpreted by the talented performers at the Long Beach Playhouse. This performance is sure to delight the whole family, so don’t delay. Get your tickets now: There may be many showings, but seats fill up fast!
American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker: Whether or not you are a regular ballet-goer, The Nutcracker is a Christmas classic. Choreographed by celebrated choreographer Alexi Ratmansky, The Nutcracker tells the tale of a young girl, Clara, who dreams of her nutcracker doll coming to life to join her on a magical journey. The lands of dancing snowflakes, armies of mice, and more are brought to life on stage by a talented cast of over 100 performers! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see this presentation of The Nutcracker, a fantastic way to celebrate the Christmas season!
Winter Festival Concert: Enjoy the sounds of the holiday season with performers from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at Cal State Long Beach. Experience the majestic Möller organ, the incredible sound of Pacific Handbells, the Southern California Brass Consortium, and the talented CSULB choirs and vocal jazz ensembles! Set in the gorgeous, historic First Congregational Church of Long Beach, this will be a performance you’ll never forget!
A Baroque Christmas: For hundreds of years, baroque music has influenced and enlightened composers and performers across genres. This year, early music ensemble Musica Angelica Baroque Orchestra will celebrate its 30th season by performing some of the Christmas season’s most exquisite and beloved baroque pieces. Featuring the work of influential composers like Mozart, Haydn, Vivaldi, Bach, and more, this concert will make for a night to remember. To complete the evening, register for the concert’s accompanying gala and dinner that same evening!
Shopping
Getting a great gift is almost as satisfying as giving one. Whether you’re shopping for the perfect Christmas tree, searching for an amazing gift for a loved one, or looking to treat yourself to some unique holiday decor, you’ll find just the thing at these holiday stores!
Countdown to Christmas: Whatever you’re looking for this holiday season, you’ll find it at Huntington Beach’s Countdown to Christmas event. There will be vendors selling handmade crafts, seasonal decor and accessories, and more. In addition to handmade gifts and decor, there will also be delicious gourmet food, snacks, and treats. You’ll also find clothing and plenty of fun activities and games. Stop by and check it out between December 15 and 21!
Romeo Chocolates: Chocolate isn’t just for Valentine’s Day! Romeo Chocolates make the perfect Christmas gift or treat. During the holidays, delicious seasonal flavors such as eggnog and peppermint candy cane are the perfect fillings for chocolate truffles and other tasty treats served up by Romeo Chocolates. Whether you’re looking for a tasty indulgence for yourself or a holiday gift to give to family and friends, chocolates are the perfect choice!
Opportunities to Share
While we’re warm and toasty enjoying holiday treats, thousands of people aren’t. Let’s extend a helping hand this holiday season by volunteering with the great community organization in the area or donating our time or money to great causes. Here are a few of the community events and organizations that will be helping individuals and families this year.
Santa Claus WITH a Cause: This 5K/10K race takes place in Huntington Beach, and runners are encouraged to wear their ugliest Christmas sweater! Each participant will enjoy fancy Santa finisher medals, age division awards, a FREE Santa suit or custom t-shirt, and awards for those dressed in the ugliest sweater. Christmas carolers will be singing along the course, and a jolly post-race celebration with Christmas goodies, coffee, hot chocolate, and a raffle awaits after the run!
UNIVISION Toy Drive: This important event is about so much more than toys: It’s about helping the children and families in the community to get the help they need this holiday season. In addition to a free toy, children will get health screenings, COVID vaccines, haircuts, and snacks to make sure they’re healthy and happy this holiday season. Consider donating your time or money to this great cause!
Safe Celebration
Everyone loves a good pine-scented candle around December, but up to 7,500 fires are started each year because of household candles. Be extra careful when lighting candles in your apartment and place them in safe locations, especially if you have candles in your bedroom. Battery-powered candles are safe options without the added danger or real fire. Whatever you do, never leave your holiday candles unattended or go to bed without blowing them out!
Christmas trees can be another fire hazard you need to be aware of. They are festive and smell great, but if you’ve brought a real Christmas tree into your apartment during this holiday season, make sure you keep it watered so it isn’t quite as dangerous. Keep all open flames, especially candles, away from the branches and needles, and make sure you turn all holiday lights and strands off when you’re not at home. You never know when electrical issues might cause fires.
If you want to take advantage of all the great holiday activities this year, you’d better be prepared: You’ll be running around all season having tons of fun! Holiday activities, performances, and shopping are plentiful, but don’t forget to give a bit of your time and money this holiday season to someone who wouldn’t have a very happy holiday without your help.
We’d love to see your holiday fun! If you decorate for the holidays or try out one of the activities above, post a photo on social media, tag us, and use #TisTheSeasonAtAMC.
From all of us at The Circle Apartments at Long Beach,
Happy Holidays!
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