During the Long Beach Christmas Tree lighting event, several carolers, live bands and ballet dancers entertained the audience at the Terrace Theater Plaza on Dec. 3. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

Long Beach transformed into a winter wonderland Wednesday night, with falling snow, ballet performers dancing The Nutcracker and the lighting of a 67-foot-tall Christmas tree.

The city celebrated the 11th annual Long Beach Christmas Tree Lighting at the Terrace Theater on Dec. 3.

Toward the climax of the event, mayor Rex Richardson and his children pulled the switch for the Christmas lights, following a crowd countdown. At 6:45 p.m., the lights turned on.

The joyful moment was marked by fireworks bursting from the theater’s roof, faux snow, and live Christmas music performances.

The live band, which performed after the Christmas tree lighting, attracted crowds to the stage as they kicked off the holiday season at the Terrace Theater Plaza on Dec. 3. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

The event also featured the Long Beach Fire Department’s “Spark of Love” Toy Drive, photos with Santa, free train rides and a variety of Christmas decorations in front of the Terrace Theater.

The event was a special moment for community members, brimming with holiday spirit, family traditions and city pride.

The Long Beach Ballet group performed The Nutcracker at the Terrace Theater Plaza on Dec. 3. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

For Long Beach resident Michelle Brannon, the event symbolizes the spirit of Christmas and Long Beach pride.

“I love the holiday spirit and I love my city,” Brannon said. “I haven’t been able to go to this in the past, but this year my family planned ahead and got tickets in advance, so we could go.”

Local resident Sydney Bautista feels the Christmas lighting is an important tradition for the city of Long Beach.

“My mom and I live in Long Beach and we really love the Christmas time traditions here,” Bautista said. “This event is very special to us and we try to attend it every year. I really like watching Long Beach Ballet perform, seeing the Christmas tree light up, and watching the fireworks. It’s a really fun experience.”

Attendees outside Long Beach also consider the event to be a special tradition.

After the countdown of 10 seconds, the crowd waited anxiously for the tree to light up after event organizers finished their speech at the Terrace Theater Plaza on Dec. 3. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

Los Angeles local Omar Moodie described himself as a Christmas enthusiast who participates in as many Christmas activities in the L.A. area as possible.

He shared that of all the Christmas events he attends, the Long Beach Christmas Tree lighting is one of his favorite traditions.

“So far this season, I’ve been to four different Christmas tree lightings, including this one, and I’ve got two more scheduled for this week,” Moodie said. “This tree lighting probably takes the cake for me, though. Everything is so beautiful and the music is incredible.”

For event attendee Linda Tidwell, this event was not just special because of the holiday spirit but because of a family tradition of watching her son’s band perform live.

“My son Bradford Tidwell is part of a jazz band that performed tonight,” Tidwell said. “I always come to his shows, anytime he performs. I will always try to make it to as many of them as I can. So that’s why I came out tonight.”

The children’s performance warmed the hearts of many audience members as the opener of the Long Beach Ballet group at the Terrace Theater Plaza on Dec. 3. Diego Perez | Long Beach Current

The holiday spirit was heavy in Long Beach throughout the night and will continue through December as the lights remain on display in front of the Terrace Theater.

The Long Beach Fire Department will also continue accepting toy donations at local fire stations for its toy drive.

For those who missed the Christmas tree lighting, a live stream of the event is available on Facebook.