The holidays are pretty much here and there is absolutely no excuse for you to say you have nothing to do or nowhere to go. There are a tons of events happening around the city, and like always, we have put together a list for you with all the fun stuff happening around town.
35th Annual Belmont Shore Christmas Parade
Don’t miss this year’s Belmont Shore Christmas Parade! This year the theme is “Christmas in Paradise.” The Grand Marshal is Tony Azevedo, Long Beach native, USA olympic water polo team captain, five-time olympian and silver medalist. The parade will march down East Second Street to the beat of over a dozen local marching bands. Featuring over 100 entries, including floats designed by Long Beach businesses and associations, marching bands, and local personalities and dignitaries. And of course, no Christmas Parade would be complete without an appearance by good ole’ St. Nick!
When: December 2nd
Time: 6PM – 9PM
Where: Belmont Shore, 2nd Street Long Beach, California 90803
Christmas trees in the Bay!
Every year the city of Long Beach installs these lighted trees on the water. They light up around Thanksgiving and can be seen till the New Year. You can find them by parking near Leeway Sailing Center on Ocean (near Bayshore), and walking onto the sand beach past the basketball courts. The views are so pretty at sunset, or when a gondolier or boater passes by. You can also see them in the bay of Alamitos Bay in Long Beach’s Belmont Shore / Naples region. This is definitely a must see during this holiday season.
When: From Thanksgiving to New Year
Where: Belmont Shore
Best of Long Beach Awards
Join us in celebrating as we highlight those businesses, leaders and local heroes that help make Long Beach the best city in the world! Long Beach Home + Living will host a red carpet, open photo booth, live performances, special speakers and much much more. EVENT IS TO BENEFIT Arts Council for Long Beach YOUTH ARTS PROGRAMS.
When: December 7
Time: 5:30PM – 10PM
Where: Art Theatre of Long Beach, 2025 East 4th Street Long Beach, CA 90814
For Tickets and more info: www.bestoflb.com
Naples Island Boat Parade
Naples Island is having its 71st Annual Holiday Boat Parade and it is definitely a must go to for you and your family this holiday season. This year’s theme is “The Canals are Alive with the Sound of Music.”
When: December 9
Time: 5pm – 7PM
Where: Naples Island
5th Annual Reindeer Romp
If you are a dog lover then this is definitely a MUST go to event for you. The event will be benefitting the French Bulldog Rescue Network. The Reindeer Romp will feature festive treat bags, a holiday costume contest, raffles with lots of prizes and, most importantly, a special visit from the big man himself… SANTA!
Santa will arrive at 10:30 AM and will be taking individual photos with the Frenchies for 90 minutes. So please make sure to arrive on time. You don’t want to miss the big man before he heads back to his workshop! Photos with Santa will be $10.
When: December 10,
Time: 10AM – 12PM
Where: Rosie’s Dog Beach, 5000 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90803
36th Annual Long Beach Hmong New Year
The Hmong Association of Long Beach, Inc. is hosting its annual New Year Festival. There will be traditional Hmong dance, food, ball tossing, music and raffle tickets. Attendees are encourage to come dressed in Hmong traditional clothing. Raffle tickets will be given away on the first day (Dec. 9) to those wearing Hmong traditional clothing for a chance to win prizes on the second day (Dec. 10).
When: December 9 – 10
Time: From 7AM – 5PM. The park opens at 7AM, opening Ceremony is at 10AM
Where: El Dorado East Regional Park, Golden Grove Area
For more info: www.hmongassociationoflongbeach.org
CHILL at The Queen Mary
Embark on an International Holiday Expedition at the all-new CHILL, featuring the United States’ first-ever Ice Adventure Park and a touching tribute to cultural traditions from around the world showcasing a global sampling of food, music and live entertainment perfect for the holidays.
When: December 13 – January 7
Time: Open Daily from 4:30PM – 11PM
Where: The Queen Mary
It’s A Drag To Give
Join The “B” Room, Councilwoman Jeannie Pearce and the Long Beach community as we come together once again for an out of this world evening of fun and giving! It’s a Drag to Give is charitable event featuring drag performances by outstanding Long Beach community members who you wouldn’t normally find, well, in drag.
When: December 15
Time: 7PM – 2AM
Where: Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, 300 East Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90802