Long Beach kicked off the holiday season Wednesday night with its 11th annual Christmas Tree Lighting event at the Long Beach Terrace Theater, drawing families, neighbors and visitors to a festive evening of music, performances and fireworks.
Guests gathered on the plaza for live music, train rides and photo opportunities with the Grinch. Children and adults joined in a scavenger hunt-style challenge to find Santa hat decorations hidden throughout the area, adding a playful touch to the celebration. The Long Beach Ballet took the stage with a special holiday performance that led into the night’s main moment.
Mayor Rex Richardson attended the event with his family, joined by several city council members.
“This tree lighting event has become one of the defining celebrations of the holiday season in Long Beach, a night when thousands of neighbors come together and feel connected,” Richardson said in an email sent to media
As the crowd counted down with Richardson and his family, his children pulled the lever to illuminate the towering holiday tree. Fireworks burst overhead, reflecting off the theater’s façade as attendees looked on, cheering and snapping photos.
The night closed with the tree glowing brightly against the sky, a symbol of community and the start of Long Beach’s holiday festivities.
