Experience the magic of the holiday season in Long Beach, CA, with an array of festive events that cater to all tastes. From the twinkling lights of the Naples Island Holiday Boat Parade to the enchanting winter spectacle aboard The Queen Mary Christmas, there's no shortage of merriment to be found along the coast. And don’t miss the dazzling Long Beach Parade of 1000 Lights, a beloved local tradition that transforms Shoreline Village into a luminous wonderland.
Whether you're a local or visiting the city, the holiday atmosphere in Long Beach is sure to make your season bright. Join families and friends as they gather to celebrate with incredible displays, unique experiences, and heartwarming community events. Let the spirit of the holidays carry you through a memorable season in this vibrant coastal city.
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The Top Christmas Events in Long Beach
- Naples Island Holiday Boat Parade
- The Queen Mary Christmas
- Long Beach Parade of 1000 Lights
- Belmont Shore Christmas Parade
- Christmas on the Queen Mary
- Winter in Willmore
Long Beach Holiday Light Displays
Naples Island Holiday Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Waterfront homes and boats adorned with elaborate decorations
Description:
Twinkling lights reflect off the calm waters of Alamitos Bay during the Naples Island Holiday Boat Parade. This Long Beach tradition dates back to 1946, showcasing the community's maritime heritage. Spectators line the shores to admire creatively decorated vessels gliding through the canals. You can join a guided kayak tour to experience the parade from water level. The aroma of hot cocoa wafts through the air as families gather to celebrate the season in this unique coastal setting.
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Naples Island Holiday Boat Parade
Long Beach Parade of 1000 Lights
What to Expect:
Illuminated boat parade in Shoreline Village
Description:
Shoreline Village bursts with luminescence during the Long Beach Parade of 1000 Lights. This dazzling procession of boats adorned with countless twinkling lights creates a mesmerizing spectacle on the water. The event, which began in the 1980s, has grown into a beloved local tradition. Spectators can enjoy live music performances while watching the boats cruise by. You'll marvel at the creativity on display as each vessel competes for the title of best-decorated boat in various categories.
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Long Beach Parade of 1000 Lights
Long Beach Other Holiday Activities
The Queen Mary Christmas
What to Expect:
Holiday celebrations aboard a historic ocean liner
Description:
The Queen Mary transforms into a floating winter spectacle during its annual Christmas celebration. This retired ocean liner, launched in 1936, provides a unique backdrop for holiday festivities. Visitors can explore themed areas throughout the ship, each offering a distinct experience. Participate in a holiday-themed scavenger hunt that takes you through the vessel's storied decks. The ship's art deco interiors are adorned with garlands and ornaments, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that harkens back to the golden age of ocean travel.
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Belmont Shore Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Lively street parade showcasing local community groups
Description:
The Belmont Shore Christmas Parade brings Second Street to life with a vibrant procession of floats, marching bands, and community groups. This cherished event has been a staple of Long Beach's holiday season since 1982. The parade route, lined with charming boutiques and eateries, creates a festive atmosphere unique to this beachside neighborhood. You can spot local celebrities and dignitaries waving from classic cars. The rhythmic beats of high school marching bands fill the air, adding to the joyous ambiance of this community celebration.
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Belmont Shore Christmas Parade
Christmas on the Queen Mary
What to Expect:
Ice skating rink with ocean views aboard a historic ship
Description:
Christmas on the Queen Mary offers a one-of-a-kind holiday experience aboard this iconic ocean liner. The ship's deck transforms into an ice skating rink, providing a unique opportunity to glide across the ice with panoramic views of the Long Beach skyline. This event pays homage to the Queen Mary's transatlantic voyages, which often included festive celebrations at sea. Visitors can explore elaborately decorated staterooms and public spaces, each telling a story of the ship's glamorous past. The sound of carols echoes through the ship's halls, creating an atmosphere of nostalgia and cheer.
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Winter in Willmore
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration in a historic neighborhood
Description:
Winter in Willmore brings holiday spirit to one of Long Beach's oldest neighborhoods. This event celebrates the area's rich history, which dates back to the late 19th century when it was developed as part of the original Long Beach townsite. Local residents and businesses come together to create a variety of holiday-themed activities and displays. You can join a guided historical tour of the neighborhood, learning about its architectural significance while admiring the holiday decorations. The event often features a community potluck, showcasing the diverse culinary traditions of Willmore City residents.
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Nearby Events
Lighting of the Bay (Newport Beach)
What to Expect:
Illumination of a giant Christmas tree on the water
Description:
The Lighting of the Bay ceremony in Long Beach marks the official start of the holiday season with a grand spectacle. A massive floating Christmas tree, adorned with thousands of lights, springs to life in Rainbow Harbor. This tradition, which began in the early 2000s, has become a symbol of Long Beach's coastal holiday spirit. You can witness the illumination from Shoreline Village or aboard one of the many boats that gather in the harbor. The event often features live performances by local choirs, their voices carrying across the water as the lights twinkle to life.
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Los Alamitos Winter Wonderland (Los Alamitos)
What to Expect:
Small-town holiday celebration with a focus on community
Description:
Los Alamitos Winter Wonderland transforms this small city into a hub of holiday cheer. The event showcases the tight-knit community spirit that defines Los Alamitos, which was founded as a sugar beet farming town in 1897. Local businesses and organizations come together to create a variety of holiday-themed activities and displays. You can participate in a gingerbread house decorating contest, showcasing your architectural and confectionery skills. The aroma of freshly roasted chestnuts fills the air, adding to the cozy atmosphere of this charming celebration.
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Los Alamitos Winter Wonderland
Santa’s Holiday Float Tour (Seal Beach)
What to Expect:
Mobile Santa experience visiting different neighborhoods
Description:
Santa's Holiday Float Tour brings the North Pole to the streets of Long Beach. This unique mobile celebration travels through various neighborhoods, allowing residents to experience the joy of Santa's visit from the comfort of their own streets. The tradition began as a way to make holiday cheer accessible to all community members. You can track Santa's route online and gather with neighbors to greet the festively decorated float. The sound of holiday music announces Santa's arrival, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation in each neighborhood.
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The Anaheim Winter Wonderland (Anaheim)
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in the heart of Orange County
Description:
The Anaheim Winter Wonderland transforms the city into a hub of holiday activities. This event pays homage to Anaheim's rich history, which began as a German colony in 1857. Visitors can explore themed areas representing different holiday traditions from around the world. You can try your hand at traditional German ornament making, connecting with the city's cultural roots. The event features a towering Christmas tree adorned with ornaments representing Anaheim's diverse communities, symbolizing unity and celebration.
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Christmas Tree Lane (Altadena)
What to Expect:
Historic neighborhood with elaborate holiday decorations
Description:
Christmas Tree Lane in Long Beach's Daisy Avenue showcases a dazzling display of holiday lights and decorations. This tradition, dating back to 1953, transforms the residential street into a festive promenade. Homeowners compete to create the most impressive displays, resulting in a spectacular array of lights, animatronics, and themed decorations. You can take a leisurely stroll down the lane, admiring the creativity and dedication of the residents. The scent of pine and cinnamon wafts through the air, enhancing the sensory experience of this beloved local attraction.
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Holidays at the Disneyland Resort (Anaheim)
What to Expect:
Disney-themed holiday celebrations and attractions
Description:
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort infuse Disney magic into traditional seasonal celebrations. The park, which opened in 1955 as the first Disney theme park, undergoes a complete holiday transformation. Iconic attractions receive festive overlays, creating unique experiences even for frequent visitors. You can witness the spectacular "Believe... In Holiday Magic" fireworks show, featuring a magical snowfall finale. The park's holiday decor pays homage to Walt Disney's original vision, blending nostalgia with contemporary Disney storytelling.
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Holidays at the Disneyland Resort
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade (Newport Beach)
What to Expect:
One of the oldest and largest holiday boat parades in the country
Description:
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade illuminates the harbor with a procession of elaborately decorated vessels. This tradition, dating back to 1908, showcases Newport Beach's maritime heritage and community spirit. Over 100 boats, ranging from kayaks to multi-million dollar yachts, participate in this dazzling display. You can watch from various viewpoints along the 14-mile route or join a cruise to experience the parade from the water. The parade's theme changes annually, inspiring participants to create increasingly creative and impressive displays.
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Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Christmas in the Grove (Garden Grove)
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a historic outdoor shopping center
Description:
Christmas in the Grove brings holiday cheer to the heart of Garden Grove. This event takes place in the historic downtown area, which has been a community gathering place since the city's founding in 1874. The celebration highlights local businesses and artisans, showcasing the community's entrepreneurial spirit. You can participate in a holiday cookie decorating workshop, learning techniques from local bakers. The event features performances by local cultural groups, reflecting Garden Grove's diverse population and rich heritage.