A Kid-Friendly Guide to Long Beach's Holiday Season

In Long Beach, where holiday parades not only come marching down the street, but cruising down the canals, the real challenge is not finding what to do during the holiday season, but how to fit all the fun stuff in! Here’s a brief rundown of some festive activities you can do with the kids.

With many kid-friendly events including holiday parades and even underwater Santa sightings, Long Beach is the perfect Southern California family-friendly getaway this holiday season. Here are some of the best things to do with kids this holiday season in Long Beach.

CREDIT: @DeadEndBrigade

ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING, TERRACE THEATER PLAZA

Long Beach will officially kick off the holiday season on December 4, by lighting more than a half-million lights on a 67-foot-tall Christmas tree, the largest artificial Christmas tree in Los Angeles County. As usual, the event, now in its 10th year, will be accompanied by lots of singing, dancing, performances, and a plaza dressed up for the holidays with even more lights and plenty of Instagrammable points of interest, including giant Christmas ornaments that you can stand inside!

Tree Lighting

AQUARIUM HOLIDAYS, AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC

Nobody celebrates the holidays like the Aquarium of the Pacific, which celebrates in multiple and unique ways during its annual Aquarium Holidays events in December. On Saturdays December 7 through 23 the Aquarium will have photo opportunities with Santa and visitors can experience snowfall in the Great Hall and festive holiday decor. Throughout the month ‘ol Kris Kringle turns in his usual red velvet suit for a red scuba outfit (the better to plunge into the tanks and deliver ocean gifts to the Aquarium animals, sea lions, fish, etc.). Also during Aquarium Holidays, the Aquarium will host a Kwanzaa celebration and Hanukkah storytelling.

RANCHO VOICES: A HOLIDAY CELEBRATION, RANCHO LOS ALAMITOS

Rancho Voices takes place Dec. 5 and 6 (4-8 p.m.). Last year's Rancho Voices reenacted some of the fabulous Christmas parties thrown by the Bixbys, who originally owned the Rancho, for their workers, families, and friends during the early 1900s. This event at Rancho Los Alamitos (6400 E. Bixby Hill Rd.) featured music and some light refreshments and allows visitors tour and view the Rancho house’s decorations inside and out; perhaps sparking some inspiration for their own holiday decorating. Though the event is free, reservations are required and will be available at the end of October. More details coming soon!

WINTER IN WILLMORE, BEMBRIDGE HOUSE

After more than a decade, this free annual holiday event is moving to the historic Bembridge House (953 N Park Cir.), and will include music and carolers, falling snow, children's activities like face painting, local vendors, food trucks, and even period Victorian actors in their holiday finery. Children will have the opportunity to meet and discuss holiday plans with Santa Claus himself. Winter in Willmore takes place December 7 from 5-9 p.m. and is organized by the Willmore City Heritage Assn.

Winter in Willmore Facebook page

QUEEN MARY

The Queen Mary’s (1126 Queens Hwy) 12 Days of Christmas, from December 12 to 23, will be packed with daily festive activities and special events for the whole family. Kids can participate in decorating cookies and stockings, building gingerbread houses, taking photos with Santa, and enjoying story time with Mrs. Claus. Plus, each day will feature a special event, including a Winter Wonderland Market and a Snow Day with real snow and a train ride on December 19. For full details, visit the Queen Mary website. The Queen Mary will also host a Breakfast with Santa on December 14 and 21.

CREDIT: The Queen Mary

2ND & PCH

2ND & PCH (6400 Pacific Coast Hwy) will host Breakfast with Santa on December 7 and 14 at Noble Rotisserie from 9 to 10AM. For menu options and reservations, visit the 2ND & PCH website. Their Silent Santa event provides a calm, sensory-friendly environment for children and adults to meet Santa in a quieter setting without crowds, lights and noise. Check it out on December 8 and 15 from 9 to 11AM. PCH Explorers Club is 2ND & PCH’s monthly event for kids, featuring special performances, seasonal crafts, and more. Enjoy a festive holiday edition on December 17 from 10AM to 12PM.

THE NUTCRACKER

Now in its 42nd year, the Long Beach Ballet’s spectacular production of The Nutcracker at the Long Beach Terrace Theater (300 E Ocean Blvd) is known as one of the best in the nation. Featuring a full symphony orchestra, a flying sleigh, a real live horse, on-stage pyrotechnics, and a cast of over 250, this show is a beloved annual holiday tradition for families across Southern California. Shows will be held on December 14-15 and 20-22. For showtimes and tickets, visit the event’s website.

LONG BEACH TOWNE CENTER

On December 21 at 12PM, Long Beach Towne Center (7575 Carson Blvd) will host a festive Holiday Celebration Event featuring photos with Santa, kids' crafts, face painting, balloon twisters and falling snow. This holiday event is free and open to the public. While at the center, families can enjoy catching a movie, a meal, or doing some holiday shopping together.

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About the Author

Claire Atkinson

Claire Atkinson is a Southern California native who has lived in Long Beach for 20 years. She spends her free time visiting local parks, farmers markets, and museums, and loves learning about Long Beach history and culture.