Thousands of Long Beach residents and visitors rang in the holiday season on Wednesday evening, Dec 3, with light-up reindeer antlers, Santa hats and holiday sweaters at the city’s 11th annual Christmas Tree Lighting celebration.
A 67-foot-tall Christmas tree and more than 500,000 lights illuminated the Terrace Theater Plaza in downtown Long Beach, officially kicking off festive celebrations for many in the region.
“On behalf of the city of Long Beach, we want to wish all of you a safe, happy and healthy holiday,” Mayor Rex Richardson said during the celebration. “Never forget that we are all neighbors; we’re all in this together.”
Along with the tree lighting, attendees also enjoyed live music, a performance by Long Beach Ballet of scenes from “The Nutcracker,” local food vendors, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus – and even the Grinch – selfie stations and train rides. Families and friends of all ages enjoyed the attractions.
Some attendees also brought unwrapped toys for the Spark of Love Toy Drive, which is run by the Friends of Long Beach Firefighters and benefits local families in need.
The tallest Christmas tree in the city of Long Beach stands with all it’s lights on in front of the Terrace Theater in Downtown Long Beach. December 3, 2025. (Photo by Stephanie E’amato, Contributing Photographer)
A man stands in the Long Beach crowd taking pictures of the snow falling after the Christmas tree lighting ceremony. December 3, 2025. (Photo by Stephanie E’amato, Contributing Photographer)
The Captain of the Queen Mary, James Sanders, welcomes the crowd with open arms during the Long Beach tree lighting ceremony. December 3, 2025. (Photo by Stephanie E’amato, Contributing Photographer)
Mayor Rex Richardson welcomes his family to the stage to help with the pulling of the switch to turn on the Christmas tree lights. December 3, 2025. (Photo by Stephanie E’amato, Contributing Photographer)
The large crowd at the Long Beach tree lighting ceremony enjoy the one day of the year that snow falls in the city of Long Beach. December 3, 2025. (Photo by Stephanie E’amato, Contributing Photographer)
A young child reaches out to touch the “snow” that beings to fall after the Christmas tree and firewords display are done. Long Beach, December 3, 2025. (Photo by Stephanie E’amato, Contributing Photographer)
The moment the Christmas tree lights turn on is a magical moment. Long Beach, December 3, 2025. (Photo by Stephanie E’amato, Contributing Photographer)
As soon as the Christmas tree lights turn, music and firewords begin to play in a wonderful celebration of the holiday season. Long Beach, December 3, 2025. (Photo by Stephanie E’amato, Contributing Photographer)
A toddler rides on the shoulders of an adult , both adorned with christmas lights, during the annual Long Beach tree lighting ceremony. December 3, 2025. (Photo by Stephanie E’amato, Contributing Photographer)
The a cappella group, So Cal VoCal from USC, performed a few holiday songs for the large crowd at the Long Beach tree lighting ceremony. December 3, 2025. (Photo by Stephanie E’amato, Contributing Photographer)
Long Beach Destrict 1 Councel member, Mary Zendejas, greets the large crowd with a hopeful message during the tree lighting ceremony. December 3, 2025. (Photo by Stephanie E’amato, Contributing Photographer)
All of Long Beach City councel members and their families join Mayor Rex Richardson on the stage to help with pulling the switch to turn on the Christmas tree lights. December 3, 2025. (Photo by Stephanie E’amato, Contributing Photographer)
Everyone from young to old enjoyed the fireworks display at the annual Long Beach tree lighting ceremony. December 3, 2025. (Photo by Stephanie E’amato, Contributing Photographer)
The Long Beach Ballet performed several dances from their Nutcracker show that they will perform at the Terrace Theater this month.
Long Beach celebrates it’s annual tree lighting ceremony with a big firewords display, music, ballerinas and more. December 3, 2025. (Photo by Stephanie E’amato, Contributing Photographer)
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The tallest Christmas tree in the city of Long Beach stands with all it’s lights on in front of the Terrace Theater in Downtown Long Beach. December 3, 2025. (Photo by Stephanie E’amato, Contributing Photographer)
“This holiday season is a reminder to slow down, appreciate one another and let kindness ripple outwards,” First District Councilmember Mary Zendejas said. “Today, on this beautiful December night, let’s cheer to sharing warmth, compassion, and let’s light this beautiful Christmas tree in the way that only Long Beach knows how to do.”
The mayor – alongside his family, councilmembers, city leaders and the community at large – counted down from 10 to flip the switch to light the Christmas tree. Afterward, a fireworks show lit up the night sky and fake snow fell on the crowd to cap off the night.
“It’s exciting to watch the smiles on the kids’ faces when the snow falls and the fireworks go off, and their eyes light up and it’s a magical moment,” said Steve Goodling, president and CEO of Visit Long Beach, which puts on the event each year. “That’s what this event has become – a time for the community to celebrate together. That’s what makes this night so special.”
Because of the event’s growing popularity, the celebration was ticketed for the first time this year. More than 6,500 people reserved their free tickets to get into the event, Goodling said.
If people were not able to attend this year’s tree lighting, there will still be a chance to see Long Beach’s Christmas tree and the half a million lights on display. The tree and decorations will remain on the plaza, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., through New Year’s Day for all to enjoy. Each year, more than 30,000 people visit the plaza to experience the holiday display, take family photos and explore downtown, according to Visit Long Beach.
Long Beach’s Christmas Tree Lighting celebration has become an annual tradition for many families and friends in Long Beach, as well as surrounding communities. Others attended the celebration for the first time this year.
“I really love the fact that all different types of people are here representing all the different areas of Long Beach,” said Long Beach resident Shaun Kelly, who was attending the event for the first time on Wednesday. “It shows what good and positive community is all about.
“I loved the performance of ‘The Nutcracker,’ of course, the tree lighting and fireworks,” she added. “It’s a great vibe, families with their kids and friends together. I think that’s the best part.”