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
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 and 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 2 through December 23, featuring festive décor, shopping, snowfall in the Great Hall, and a festive Santa Diver and aquarium characters in their holiday outfits.
Moonlight 2024 New Year’s Eve Party Cruise: Are you up for making some waves this New Year’s Eve? Then prepare to board this special fireworks cruise out of Marina del Rey to welcome 2024 with an exuberant “Avast ye, Matey!” Amenities include two live DJs, a premium open bar, complimentary appetizers, a dinner buffet, and breathtaking views of the Los Angeles skyline. Walking the boarding plank begins at 9:30 p.m. on December 31, with the cruise taking to the low seas from 10:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Each weekend from December 2 through December 17, the aquarium will have photo opportunities with Santa, Hanukkah storytelling complete with dreidels, and a Kwanzaa celebration.
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 the 12th iteration of this beloved classic play taking place at the Long Beach Playhouse December 9–23. 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!
Disney on Ice presents Encanto and Frozen: Set the mood for the holidays by checking out the blades of glory on display in the annual Disney on Ice spectacular. This is a show for the whole family, and let’s not hear any talk about being too busy. Between matinees and even shows, there are nine different performances December 14–18 at the Honda Center in Anaheim (Motto: The city where the Disney dream became reality!). Kids will have a blast singing and dancing along with Mirabel and her sisters, Isabela and Luisa. Then they can join the race to find Elsa and end the eternal winter in this frigid holiday extravaganza.
David Benoit’s Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown: If you thought Schroeder could really tickle the ivories in Charlie Brown specials, you owe it to yourself to check out David Benoit. A five-time jazz pianist Grammy nominee, Benoit will appear at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach on December 16 at 8 p.m., performing an evening of songs of Vince Guaraldi tunes from
A Charlie Brown Christmas.
Shopping
California is home to some of the best shopping in the world, and Long Beach is no exception. Beyond the massive malls full of popular shops, there are holiday fairs, boutiques, and even chocolate shops. This is the perfect place to find gifts for the whole family. Check out these shops in particular.
Huntington Beach Thirteenth 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 7 and 17!
Fourth Street Retro Row: Retro Row is known for its eclectic mix of antique and secondhand goods, such as clothing, furniture, decor items, and just about anything else you could imagine. If you’re looking for a truly unique gift that you’re sure your recipient will never have seen, try shopping on Fourth Street Retro Row.
Uptown Village Market Holiday: Artists and creators display their wares at this family-friendly, free holiday shopping event. Among the one-of-a-kind items that will be available include clothing, handbags, handmade jewelry, bath and body goods, plushies, home goods, garden items, accessories, art, pottery, crochet and knit items, pet gear, kits and patterns, a wide variety of food, and more! Did we mention there will be live music? Bring your wallet and your shopping cart (or trailer!) to the
Expo Arts Center on December 1, 5–10 p.m., to transport your Christmas stash.
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 on December 16, and runners are encouraged to wear their ugliest Christmas sweater! Each participant will enjoy fancy Santa finisher medals. Winners will receive age division awards, with a free Santa suit or custom T-shirt going to 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!
Winter Wonderland: 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, haircuts, and snacks to make sure they’re healthy and happy this holiday season. Consider donating your time or money to this great cause! The toy drive takes place on December 9 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Salt Lake Park in Huntington Park (3401 E. Florence).
Safe Celebration
Everyone loves a good pine-scented candle around December, but up to 7,400 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 of real fire. Whatever you do, never leave your holiday candles unattended or go to bed without blowing them out!
Christmas trees are 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. From everyone at The Circle Apartments at Long Beach, happy holidays!
At The Circle Apartments at Long Beach,
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