Last updated: November 11, 2024
Make the most of the holidays in Long Beach with our planner guide. Discover all the best events and activities. Whether you're a Long Beach regular or a once-in-a-lifetime visitor, this guide maximizes your holiday fun.
Popular events this season include the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, where beautifully decorated boats glide through the harbor, creating a stunning spectacle. Enjoy the festive atmosphere at Winter Fest OC, featuring an ice skating rink, carnival rides, and holiday treats. And the Queen Mary Christmas, with its enchanting decorations and immersive experiences, is something you definitely don't want to miss. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Long Beach Holiday Light Displays
Naples Island Christmas Lights
- What to Expect
- Elaborate home and boat decorations along the canals.
- Description
- Residents of Naples Island in Long Beach decorate their homes and boats with elaborate Christmas lights, creating a spectacular holiday display that can be admired by walking or boating through the canals. The event also features a 77th annual Christmas Boat Parade with holiday-decorated boats and watercraft.
- Where
- Long Beach | More Info : Naples Island Christmas Lights
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
- What to Expect
- Spectacular waterfront decorations and fireworks display.
- Description
- The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is a 116th annual event featuring beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes sailing through Newport Harbor. The parade is hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce and offers optimal viewing from various public spots, including Marina Park.
- Where
- Newport Beach | More Info : Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Ring of Lights
- What to Expect
- Elaborate Christmas light displays along the waterfront.
- Description
- The Ring of Lights is a waterfront decorating competition where participants showcase elaborate Christmas light displays, competing for awards and receiving special commemorative items.
- Where
- Newport Beach | More Info : Ring of Lights
Riverside Festival of Lights
- What to Expect
- Extensive holiday light displays and live music performances.
- Description
- The Riverside Festival of Lights features millions of holiday lights, live music, rides, attractions, and food vendors, creating a vibrant holiday atmosphere in downtown Riverside.
- Where
- Riverside | More Info : Riverside Festival of Lights
Switch-on Ceremony
- What to Expect
- Synchronized light display with fireworks.
- Description
- The 32nd Festival of Lights Switch-on Ceremony features lighted decorations, photo opportunities, food vendors, and activities in Downtown Riverside. The event includes a fireworks show following the switch-on ceremony at Orange St. and Mission Inn Ave.
- Where
- Riverside | More Info : Switch-on Ceremony
Nightly Snow Flurries at The Grove
- What to Expect
- Nightly snowfall in a Southern California setting.
- Description
- The Grove transforms into a winter wonderland with nightly snowfalls every evening at 7pm and 8pm, creating a serene and seasonal atmosphere.
- Where
- Los Angeles | More Info : Nightly Snow Flurries at The Grove
Holiday Road
- What to Expect
- Immersive mile-long walking trail with interactive photo moments.
- Description
- Holiday Road is a premier holiday event in Los Angeles featuring larger-than-life holiday installations, thousands of Christmas lights, Santa, Mrs. Claus, Elves, and countless candy canes. Guests can explore an immersive mile-long walking trail filled with interactive photo moments, a festive souvenir shop, and premium holiday bars.
- Where
- Calabasas | More Info : Holiday Road
Long Beach Holiday Markets and Shopping
South Lake Avenue Holidayfest
- What to Expect
- Live music performances and holiday activities along South Lake Avenue.
- Description
- South Lake Avenue Holidayfest is a family-friendly event featuring live music, in-store promotions, holiday activities like cookie decorating and ornament making, and opportunities to take photos with Santa and holiday characters.
- Where
- Pasadena | More Info : South Lake Avenue Holidayfest
Los Angeles Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of European traditions and local artisans.
- Description
- The Los Angeles Christmas Market offers a unique blend of European traditions and cultural heritage in downtown LA. Explore dozens of open-air booths featuring seasonal favorites like soft pretzels, hot chocolate, and handicrafts made by local artisans. Enjoy twinkling lights, family-friendly activities, and musical entertainment.
- Where
- Los Angeles | More Info : Los Angeles Christmas Market
Renegade Craft Fair
- What to Expect
- Unique roster of established and up-and-coming artists.
- Description
- Renegade Craft Fair in Los Angeles features a curated selection of over 275 artists and creatives, showcasing unique handmade goods and creative designs. The event is held at both the Santa Monica Airport and the Los Angeles State Historic Park, offering a lively and inspiring shopping experience with local food trucks and stunning sunsets.
- Where
- Los Angeles | More Info : Renegade Craft Fair
Long Beach Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Queen Mary Christmas
- What to Expect
- Historic ship transformed into a festive holiday setting.
- Description
- The Queen Mary Christmas offers a unique holiday experience with historic elegance and festive charm. Enjoy elaborate decorations, special dining options, and a variety of holiday activities amidst the ship's Art Deco grandeur.
- Where
- Long Beach | More Info : Queen Mary Christmas
The Nutcracker at Terrace Theater
- What to Expect
- Full-symphony orchestra performance with prime orchestra seating and souvenir program.
- Description
- The Long Beach Ballet Nutcracker is a family-friendly event featuring Tchaikovsky's well-loved score performed by the Long Beach Ballet Orchestra under the baton of Roger Hickman. The event takes place at the Terrace Theater, a venue known for its stunning glass-walled lobby and spacious staircases. Guests can enjoy food trucks, merchandise sales, and photo opportunities before the show.
- Where
- Long Beach | More Info : The Nutcracker at Terrace Theater
Holiday Swing
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday concert with live music and audience sing-alongs.
- Description
- The Holiday Swing concert features Byron Stripling, a renowned trumpet virtuoso, and Sydney McSweeney, a dynamic vocalist, performing festive tunes like "Joy to the World," "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town," and "White Christmas." The event includes indoor picnicking, pre-approved catering options, and a lively atmosphere.
- Where
- Long Beach | More Info : Holiday Swing
Hollywood Christmas Parade
- What to Expect
- Celebrates holiday season with iconic floats and celebrity appearances.
- Description
- The Hollywood Christmas Parade is a cherished tradition that brings the Hollywood community together with dazzling floats, marching bands, and performances, while also supporting charitable causes like Toys for Tots.
- Where
- Hollywood | More Info : Hollywood Christmas Parade
Mariah Carey Christmas at Hollywood Bowl
- What to Expect
- Legendary singer's extensive holiday repertoire.
- Description
- Mariah Carey brings her iconic holiday hits to the Hollywood Bowl, featuring her signature five-octave vocals and a spectacular performance.
- Where
- Hollywood | More Info : Mariah Carey Christmas at Hollywood Bowl
Terrace Theater Plaza
- What to Expect
- Outdoor performances set against a scenic urban landscape.
- Description
- Located in the heart of Long Beach, the Terrace Theater Plaza is a vibrant gathering place featuring various artistic performances and community events. Surrounding the theater are beautiful landscapes that offer a picturesque backdrop for locals and visitors alike, making it a popular spot for entertainment and socializing. Whether indulging in a live concert or participating in cultural festivities, the plaza provides a dynamic atmosphere for all.
- Where
- Long Beach | More Info : Terrace Theater Plaza
Long Beach Other Holiday Activities
Miracle at The Ordinarie
- What to Expect
- Professionally developed holiday cocktails in a festive setting.
- Description
- Miracle at The Ordinarie is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar offering holiday cocktails in a kitschy, festive setting with professionally developed drinks and Christmas-inspired food.
- Where
- Long Beach | More Info : Miracle at The Ordinarie
PAWS & CLAUS AT 2ND AND PCH
- What to Expect
- Vibrant vendor markets with family-friendly activities and lively entertainment.
- Description
- Join us for a spooktacular Ghouls Night Fall Festival at 2ND & PCH, featuring over 30 unique handcrafted vendors, family-friendly activities, lively entertainment, and charming photo backdrops.
- Where
- Long Beach | More Info : PAWS & CLAUS AT 2ND AND PCH
Winter Fest OC
- What to Expect
- Interactive agricultural and educational activities.
- Description
- Winter Fest OC at the OC Fair & Event Center offers a variety of activities, including farm-fresh fun, educational workshops, and family entertainment. The event features a working farm with animals and crops, as well as a veterans museum, making it an ideal destination for field trips and educational enrichment.
- Where
- Costa Mesa | More Info : Winter Fest OC
Ice Skating Trail at Winter Fest OC
- What to Expect
- Real snow play area with interactive activities.
- Description
- The Ice Skating Trail at Winter Fest OC offers an outdoor ice skating experience under the stars, perfect for families and holiday enthusiasts.
- Where
- Costa Mesa | More Info : Ice Skating Trail at Winter Fest OC
Science of Gingerbread
- What to Expect
- Largest gingerbread competition in Southern California.
- Description
- The Science of Gingerbread at Discovery Cube features a large gingerbread competition with over 200 entries, showcasing intricate and creative gingerbread structures.
- Where
- Sylmar | More Info : Science of Gingerbread
Holiday Parade in Laguna Niguel
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday celebration with diverse entries and festive atmosphere.
- Description
- The Holiday Parade in Laguna Niguel is a festive community event featuring floats, marching bands, and local organizations, culminating with a visit from Santa Claus.
- Where
- Laguna Niguel | More Info : Holiday Parade in Laguna Niguel