Long Beach's Belmont Shore Christmas Parade Celebrates 40th Year

(NOVEMBER 15, 2024 – LONG BEACH, CA) One of Long Beach’s most beloved holiday traditions and one of the region’s most highly attended holiday events, the Belmont Shore Christmas Parade celebrates its 40th anniversary, with more than 100 entries and 30,000 spectators anticipated to join the fun on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 6 PM.

“For 40 years, this parade has been a holiday tradition that brings together generations of families, neighbors, and businesses, creating lasting memories for our community,” says Heather Kern, Executive Director of the Belmont Shore Business Association (BSBA). “Organizing the parade each year is one of the best parts of my job, along with watching the joy it brings to everyone.”

Founded in 1982 by John Morris to draw visitors to Belmont Shore, the parade has grown into the second-largest holiday parade in Southern California, while retaining the charm of a community celebration that showcases local schools, nonprofits, and community groups. Morris – co-creator of Legends and the annual Big Bang on the Bay event – will serve as this year’s Grand Marshal.

“I’m honored and thrilled to serve as the Belmont Shore Christmas Parade’s Grand Marshal this year,” Morris says. “I’m proud of the parade’s legacy of bringing Long Beach together and celebrating everything that makes our community special.”

New to the parade this year as a special guest emcee is Bob Goen, the well-known host of TV shows like Perfect Match and the daytime version of Wheel of Fortune, and Entertainment Tonight. Goen, Morris’ brother-in-law, will announce the parade live near Chase Bank. In addition, the Last Regiment of Syncopated Drummers – a Portland-based drum corps founded by Long Beach resident and Wilson High alum Greg Odell – will travel to Belmont Shore to perform.

Returning are crowd favorites including the Lit Riderz, the SoCal Corgi Beach Day crew, local marching bands, and entries from community staples like the Port of Long Beach, the Aquarium of the Pacific, and the Long Beach Airport. The Wilson High School Marching Band will close the parade, ushering in Santa Claus just as they have since the beginning.

“The Belmont Shore Christmas Parade showcases our city’s enthusiastic holiday spirit and hometown pride,” Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson says. “We love celebrating the holidays in Long Beach, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to enjoy one of our biggest holiday events of the season.”

The parade will be live-streamed on the Belmont Shore website and YouTube channel.

“This is a great local tradition in Long Beach and one that creates memories for years to come,” says Steve Goodling, president and CEO of Visit Long Beach. “Bring your family, friends, and loved ones and make a night of it with dining, shopping, and celebrating.”

Community members and businesses can support the parade by purchasing limited edition Christmas Parade t-shirts, purchasing a holiday message to be displayed in shop windows on 2nd Street, or purchasing a signed holiday print by local artist Bob Senske. For more information on the parade, sponsorships or volunteering or to apply to participate, visit belmontshore.org/christmasparade.

EVENT DAY INFORMATION

Spectators may set up chairs along the route beginning at 4 PM. Earlier seating is not allowed.

Parking is free in beach lots along Ocean Boulevard.

The parade follows a unique route along 2nd Street, with a “double back” design that allows spectators to view all entries from multiple vantage points. The parade starts at Livingston Drive, then travels south along 2nd Street, making a U-turn at Bayshore Avenue and returning north.