Long Beach kicked off the holiday season with its sixth annual tree lighting ceremony and Santa’s arrival at 2nd & PCH on Tuesday evening, Nov. 25.
The highly anticipated family tradition transforms the coastal retail center into a festive winter wonderland, complete with sparkling lights, cheerful decor and holiday spirit.
Families and friends converged at the popular retail center on Tuesday to enjoy a variety of holiday festivities, including a live performance by SZN4 from the show “Building the Band,” crafts, face painting and more.
Fireworks light the sky over the Christmas tree at the sixth annual tree lighting ceremony at the PCH & 2nd shopping center in Long Beach on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Attendees look skyward for a fireworks show at the sixth annual tree lighting ceremony at PCH & 2nd in Long Beach on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Santa Claus makes his entrance at the sixth annual tree lighting ceremony at PCH & 2nd in Long Beach on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Traditional holiday-themed characters pave the way for Santa’s entrance at the sixth annual tree lighting ceremony at PCH & 2nd in Long Beach on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
20-month old Hudson Goodman takes in the atmosphere at the sixth annual tree lighting ceremony at PCH & 2nd in Long Beach on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Coloring and arts and crafts for youngsters are part of the activities offered at the sixth annual tree lighting ceremony at PCH & 2nd in Long Beach on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Holiday revelers attend the tree lighting ceremony at PCH & 2nd in Long Beach on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Holiday revelers attend the tree lighting ceremony at PCH & 2nd in Long Beach on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Holiday revelers attend the tree lighting ceremony at PCH & 2nd in Long Beach on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Holiday revelers take in the live music at the tree lighting ceremony at PCH & 2nd in Long Beach on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Holiday revelers take in the live music at the tree lighting ceremony at PCH & 2nd in Long Beach on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Holiday revelers take in the live music at the tree lighting ceremony at PCH & 2nd in Long Beach on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
The Goodman family from Lakewood sit in Santa’s sleigh at the sixth annual tree lighting ceremony at PCH & 2nd in Long Beach on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Throngs of holiday revelers surround the Christmas tree at the sixth annual tree lighting ceremony at PCH & 2nd in Long Beach on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Fireworks light the sky at the tree lighting ceremony at PCH & 2nd in Long Beach on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Fireworks light the sky at the tree lighting ceremony at PCH & 2nd in Long Beach on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Fireworks light the sky at the tree lighting ceremony at PCH & 2nd in Long Beach on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
A youngster holds a glow light in front of the stage at the tree lighting ceremony at PCH & 2nd in Long Beach on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Holiday revelers take in the live music at the tree lighting ceremony at PCH & 2nd in Long Beach on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Band members entertain holiday revelers at the sixth annual tree lighting ceremony at PCH & 2nd in Long Beach on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Zoey Carr, 6, sings along to the music as her father, Paul of Seal Beach looks on at the sixth annual tree lighting ceremony at PCH & 2nd in Long Beach on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Santa and Mrs. Claus help light the Christmas tree at the sixth annual tree lighting ceremony at PCH & 2nd in Long Beach on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
The sixth annual tree lighting ceremony at PCH & 2nd features a fireworks show in Long Beach on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
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Fireworks light the sky over the Christmas tree at the sixth annual tree lighting ceremony at the PCH & 2nd shopping center in Long Beach on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Guests also started their holiday shopping at the curated holiday market hosted by 714 Market along Seaport Way.
Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and friends arrived to bring more joy and cheer to an already lively evening. Children and families lined up to get photos and share their Christmas wishes.
This year’s tree stands at 52.5 feet tall, organizers said. People cheered as the tree was illuminated, and the event culminated in a fireworks display lighting up the Long Beach sky, marking the official start of the holiday season at 2nd & PCH.