{"id":81543,"date":"2025-12-04T17:25:16","date_gmt":"2025-12-04T17:25:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/81543\/"},"modified":"2025-12-04T17:25:16","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T17:25:16","slug":"long-beach-holiday-activity-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/81543\/","title":{"rendered":"Long Beach Holiday Activity Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

December in Long Beach feels like California\u2019s version of a snow globe, except the glitter is sunlight glinting off the Pacific. The palms are wrapped in twinkle lights, the boats are dressed in tinsel and flip-flops replace snow boots. This season, the city\u2019s waterfront glow, global eats and laid-back charm make it one of the most festive escapes in Southern California. From dazzling Long Beach Christmas events to waterfront dining<\/a> and holiday shopping<\/a> sprees, the city blends merry with style. Download the Long Beach Holiday Savings Pass<\/a> to unlock local discounts, then let this Long Beach holiday guide show you the best places to eat, play and celebrate all season long.<\/p>\n

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1. Kick Off the Season at the Terrace Plaza
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Credit: Visit Long Beach<\/p>\n

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Credit: Visit Long Beach<\/p>\n

The holiday festivities officially start at Terrace Plaza. The downtown skyline sparkles as locals gather for live music, food trucks and family fun. Kids sip cocoa while couples take photos under the giant illuminated tree that casts a glow across the Convention Center. This year, keep an eye out for the Santa Hat Challenge<\/a>, a scavenger hunt that turns downtown into a playful winter wonderland. It\u2019s festive, it\u2019s free and it\u2019s the perfect way to see the city light up.<\/p>\n

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2. Parades That Spark Holiday Spirit<\/p>\n

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Credit: Visit Long Beach<\/p>\n

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Credit: Visit Long Beach<\/p>\n

Long Beach takes its holiday parades seriously, and the city streets and canals come alive with cheer. On Dec. 6, the Belmont Shore Christmas Parade<\/a> rolls down 2nd Street with marching bands, decorated floats and a pajama world record attempt that adds a playful twist. The following week, the Daisy Lane Christmas Parade<\/a> (Dec. 13) brings cozy neighborhood vibes with local schools and performers. Then, on Dec. 20, the Naples Island Boat Parade<\/a> steals the show as yachts shimmer through the canals like floating Christmas trees. For an extra dose of sparkle, book a Gondola Getaway<\/a>, Duffy boat<\/a> or glowing Waterbike<\/a> to see the lights from the water.<\/p>\n

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3. A Season of Shows, Carols & Culture
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If your ideal December includes art and music, Long Beach holidays deliver. The city\u2019s performing arts calendar is packed with classics and local flair. Catch Rancho Voices<\/a> (Dec. 4\u20135) \u201cA Christmas Carol<\/a>\u201d at the Long Beach Playhouse (Dec. 6\u201321) or The Nutcracker<\/a> by Long Beach Ballet (Dec. 13\u201321). The Camerata Singers\u2019 \u201cMessiah<\/a>\u201d on Dec. 22 and Musica Angelica\u2019s Baroque Christmas<\/a> on Dec. 20 fill the air with angelic harmonies, while the Parol Lantern Festival<\/a> at the Expo Arts Center (Dec. 20) adds a vibrant cultural touch. History lovers will love the Bembridge House Holiday Tour<\/a>, where this Victorian gem glows with timeless charm.<\/p>\n

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4. Family Fun With Fins & Lights
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Credit: Visit Long Beach <\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Credit: Visit Long Beach<\/p>\n

Families will find no shortage of holiday things to do in Long Beach. The Aquarium of the Pacific<\/a> transforms into a festive paradise during Surfer Santa weekends, with Santa swapping his sleigh for a surfboard. Don\u2019t miss Breakfast with Santa at Caf\u00e9 Scuba on Saturdays in December, or hop aboard a City Cruises Christmas Cruise<\/a> for waterfront views and selfies with Santa. Over at the Queen Mary, cozy up for \u201cHow the Grinch Stole Christmas\u201d during Movies on the Mary<\/a> on Dec. 17. Between the ocean views and the holiday cheer, even the sea lions seem to be smiling.<\/p>\n

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5. Where to Stay (and Sleigh)
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When it comes to where to stay in Long Beach, every hotel brings its own cheer. Hotel Maya<\/a> feels like a tropical Christmas card, with waterfront views, glowing palms and holiday dinners at Fuego<\/a>. Hyatt Regency Long Beach<\/a> puts you steps from The Pike<\/a> and Shoreline Village<\/a>, while The Westin Long Beach<\/a> offers a festive lobby and easy access to Terrace Plaza events. The Cove Hotel<\/a> pairs boutique charm with proximity to downtown fun, and Belmont Shore Inn<\/a> makes parade weekends a front-row experience. Wherever you check in, Long Beach hospitality feels like a warm hug.<\/p>\n

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6. Where to Eat, Drink & Be Merry<\/p>\n

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Credit: Beachwood Brewing<\/p>\n

\"Best\"BestCredit: Cafe Sevilla<\/p>\n

Foodies, rejoice. Long Beach restaurants know how to bring the flavor all year, but the holiday dining scene makes it extra special. Cozy up at The Attic<\/a> on Broadway for comfort food with Southern flair, or enjoy craft brews and harbor views at Ballast Point Brewing<\/a>. Indulge in seafood perfection at Roe Seafood<\/a>, and let Cafe Sevilla<\/a> spice things up with tapas and live flamenco. When it\u2019s time for a nightcap, pop into the city\u2019s spirited bar pop-ups at Beachwood Brewing & Distilling<\/a>, Port City Tavern<\/a>, Bamboo Club<\/a>, or The Social List<\/a>. Each serves a little holiday mischief with your martini.<\/p>\n

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7. Holiday Dining Experiences Worth Booking
\n\"\"\"\"Credit: Visit Long Beach<\/p>\n

For a night that feels like an event, book Nettuno\u2019s Fonduta Experience<\/a> (Dec. 8\u2013Jan. 6). This indulgent cheese-and-wine dinner is everything you crave on a cool December night. Before or after a show at the Playhouse or Ballet, grab dinner at The Ordinarie, where the Miracle Bar Christmas pop-up<\/a> fills the air with tinsel and cheer. Whether you\u2019re toasting with mulled wine or nibbling fondue by candlelight, this is holiday dining in Long Beach at its most festive.<\/p>\n

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8. Shop, Sip & Stroll Through the Season
\n\"\"\"\"Credit: Visit Long Beach<\/p>\n

Holiday shopping feels easy and fun when you\u2019re surrounded by palm trees and ocean air. At 2ND & PCH<\/a>, enjoy Breakfast with Santa and snap a photo with the jolly man himself. Plus, don\u2019t miss the Dec. 14 Hanukkah celebration here too! Over on Retro Row<\/a>, shop local boutiques for vintage treasures, or grab a craft beer while lounging at SteelCraft Long Beach<\/a>. At Long Beach Exchange<\/a> (LBX), shop small brands, dine outdoors and catch live carolers.<\/p>\n

Pro tip: download the Long Beach Holiday Savings Pass<\/a> for exclusive discounts while you shop.<\/p>\n

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9. Explore the Waterfront Icons
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Credit: Visit Long Beach <\/p>\n

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Credit: Long Beach Convention Visitors Bureau<\/p>\n

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Credit: Long Beach Convention Visitors Bureau<\/p>\n

Every great Long Beach holiday guide includes the city\u2019s signature waterfront spots. Spend your days wandering The Queen Mary<\/a>, Aquarium of the Pacific<\/a>, Shoreline Village<\/a> and The Pike Outlets<\/a>, or dive into culture at the Museum of Latin American Art<\/a> and the Long Beach Museum of Art<\/a>. As day turns to night, enjoy dinner at Fuego at Hotel Maya<\/a> for Latin fusion and sunset views, or head to The Carvery<\/a> for prime rib and cocktails. For a chic finale, sip a holiday drink at The Bungalow Long Beach<\/a>, where ocean views and twinkle lights are always in season.<\/p>\n

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10. Beach Days, But Make Them Festive<\/p>\n

\"Long\"LongCredit: Long Beach Convention Visitors Bureau<\/p>\n

Where else can you celebrate the holidays with your toes in the sand? Long Beach beaches make winter feel like summer with sunshine and sea breezes. Spend the afternoon at Junipero Beach<\/a> or Alamitos Beach<\/a>, stroll the Belmont Pier<\/a> and let your pup run free at Rosie\u2019s Dog Beach<\/a>. Before sunset, head to Bluff Park<\/a>, where the Pacific horizon turns pink and gold. It\u2019s the kind of moment that makes you grateful to call California home, even without a single snowflake in sight.<\/p>\n

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11. Capture the Coastal Magic<\/p>\n

Every great holiday season deserves its own highlight reel. Snap festive photos at Terrace Plaza, where the Long Beach tree lighting shines bright, or wander the Naples Canals<\/a> to see the reflections of glowing homes on the water. End your evening with a Harbor Breeze Cruise<\/a> for panoramic skyline views that feel straight out of a postcard. Before you go, pick up the annual Joe Jost\u2019s holiday t-shirt<\/a>, a beloved local tradition and the perfect souvenir from this beachside winter wonderland.<\/p>\n

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This article is brought to you by one of the many talented writers associated with Locale Magazine! We are a group of locals (whether born and raised or transplanted) who love this county we now call home!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"December in Long Beach feels like California\u2019s version of a snow globe, except the glitter is sunlight glinting…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":81544,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[46555,46556,131,46557,46558,133,46559,46560,46561,46562,46563,46564,132,46565,46566,46567,46568,46569],"class_list":["post-81543","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-long-beach","tag-belmont-shore-christmas-parade","tag-holiday-things-to-do-in-long-beach","tag-long-beach","tag-long-beach-bars","tag-long-beach-christmas-events","tag-long-beach-headlines","tag-long-beach-holiday-dining","tag-long-beach-holiday-guide","tag-long-beach-holiday-parades","tag-long-beach-holiday-shopping","tag-long-beach-holidays","tag-long-beach-hotels","tag-long-beach-news","tag-long-beach-restaurants","tag-long-beach-tree-lighting","tag-naples-island-boat-parade","tag-where-to-eat-in-long-beach","tag-where-to-stay-in-long-beach"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81543","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=81543"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81543\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/81544"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=81543"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=81543"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=81543"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}