The Most Instagrammable Holiday Spots In Long Beach

This popular retail center by the bay hosts numerous events throughout the year, many of which are just perfect for photos. On November 21, 2024 at 6:00 p.m., watch a holiday wonderland come to life with a magical tree lighting. Take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and join in the festivities with a complimentary snowman light stick (available to RSVP'd attendees).

If you’re in the mood for some variety, this is the place to be. The Plaza has quickly become one of the most popular and recognizable spots for holiday shots, since there’s so much to choose from and it’s located right off well-traveled Ocean Boulevard in Downtown Long Beach. Let’s see: there’s the record-breaking 67-foot tree decorated with more than 500,000 lights, there’s the truly larger-than-life Christmas ornaments and snow globes that folks can pose inside, there’s dancing water, and a magical Santa Stroll which will immerse you in a winter wonderland.

Don't miss the annual Terrace Theater Plaza Christmas tree lighting at 5:00 p.m. on December 4, 2024!

Calling all gingerbread and caroling fans! The historic Queen Mary will be featuring the 12 Days of Christmas—a series of holiday activities and performances. From cookie decorating to dance parties, spend the holidays with one-of-a-kind festivities. Capture delightful moments while enjoying real snow play and embarking on a holiday train ride. 12 Days of Christmas at the Queen Mary runs from December 12 to December 23, 2024.

If you’re looking for a seemingly never-ending ribbon of unique, eye-popping shots, Naples is probably where you want to go. One of Long Beach’s most desirable neighborhoods, many of the homes that line the area’s famous canals are decorated not only in lights but many tell holiday tales through the use of audio and animatronics. It’s an amazing sight and one that attracts not only families but couples, so it’s a great place to take the shot when you’re ready to make your relationship official. If you’re looking for even more, on December 21, 2024 at 6:00 p.m., the canals will be alive with spectacularly decorated boats and watercraft taking part in the annual Naples Boat Parade.

Of course, Christmas is all about traditions. The Queen Anne Victorian Bembridge House (953 Park Circle) is simply one of the most beautiful and historic residencies in the city. More than 115 years old, the house, owned by Long Beach Heritage, an organization that advocates for historic preservation, decks the house out each holiday season in traditional yuletide magnificence, with spectacular ornamented trees, gingerbread houses, as well as plenty of lights both inside and out. If you have followers of a certain age, or perhaps just read a lot of Dickens, you’ll want to get some shots of this.