TOYS FOR TOTS
What Annual holiday toy drive
Who Hosted by the Long Beach Police Department
When All month from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday
Where Collection boxes available at: Police Headquarters, 400 West Bdwy.; East Division, 4800 Los Coyotes Diagonal; North Division, 4891 Atlantic Ave.; West Division, 1835 Santa Fe Ave.
More Info The LBPD is partnering with the Long Beach Police Foundation to collect donated and new unwrapped toys for families and children who are less fortunate. Visit the collection boxes to donate or send monetary donations or gift cards to: LBPF, P.O. Box 15418, Long Beach, CA 90815 and mark the donation “Toy Patrol” on the memo line. Call (562) 570-7212.
QUITE A LOT OF TREES
What Christmas tree lot sale
Who Hosted by the Youth Center in Alamitos
When Through Tuesday, Dec. 22 from 9am to 9pm on weekends, and noon to 9pm on weekdays
Where Ganahl Lumber parking lot, 10742 Los Alamitos Blvd.
More Info The 18th annual sale will offer a selection of four different trees, including the Noble, Nordman Fir, Grand Fir and Douglas Fir. The event is a fundraiser for the Youth Center in Alamitos. Free hot cocoa or apple cider will be available, and children will receive free coloring books, crayons and candy canes. Call (562) 493-4043.
GATHER ‘ROUND
What Christmas pageant event
Who Presented by Long Beach churches
When Friday, Dec. 11 to Sunday, Dec 13 from 7:30pm to 9pm
Where 5500 block of Wardlow Road between Bellflower Boulevard and Woodruff Avenue
More Info Community churches will gather to host an event that will feature a candlelit outdoor walk and live performances. The performances and the refreshments will be free. Call (562) 421-1721.
SPOKES-PEOPLE
What Ugly sweater bike ride
Who Hosted by Kidical Mass Bixby Knolls
When Sunday, Dec. 13 at 1pm
Where Meet at Georgie’s Place, 3850 Atlantic Ave.
More Info Wear an ugly sweater in order to celebrate the holidays. Kids and adults of all ages are welcome. Visit bixbyknollsinfo.com .
FRONTIER FESTIVITIES
What Old-time Christmas festival
Who Hosted by Rancho Los Cerritos
When Sunday, Dec. 13 from 1pm to 7pm
Where Rancho Los Cerritos, 4600 Virginia Rd.
More Info People of all ages can experience and celebrate customs from the California frontier while learning about history in Long Beach’s national and state historic landmark. Admission is $5 per person. Ages 3 and under enter for free. All payment is at the door. Call (562) 206-2040.
FA-LA-LA-LA-LA
What Christmas performance and choir
Who Presented by the Friends of Music, a group of members from California Heights United Methodist Church and the greater Long Beach community
When Sunday, Dec. 13 at 3pm
Where California Heights United Methodist Church, 3759 Orange Ave.
More Info The event will feature the Christmas portion of Handel’s “Messiah” and performances from the the Chancel Choir and Chancel Orchestra. Call (562) 595-1996.
A ‘JOYOUS’ EVENING
What Free holiday concert
Who Hosted by the nonprofit Community Action Team(CAT)
When Sunday, Dec. 13 at 5pm
Where Bay Shore Church, 5100 E. The Toledo at Granada Avenue
More Info The 90-minute “Joy to the World” Christmas concert will have free music and seating. All ages are welcome, and seating and entrance is general admission. Wheelchair seating will be available. A $5 cookie contest will also be featured. Email Justin@JustinRudd.com or visit JustinRudd.com/concert .
A PET PROJECT
What Holiday fundraiser
Who Hosted by Friends of Long Beach Animals
When Sunday, Dec. 13 at 6:30pm
Where Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St.
More Info The event will benefit the animal protection organization’s projects. The reception will feature appetizers and desserts, a silent auction and raffle, prizes and music by Ralph Brunson on the piano. Tickets are $25. Call (562) 988-7647.
FUN TIMES THREE
What The Special Rancho Open House and Tour
Who Hosted by Rancho Los Alamitos
When Thursday, Dec. 17 to Saturday, Dec. 19 from 4pm to 8pm
Where Rancho Los Alamitos, 6400 Bixby Hill Rd.
More Info Rancho Los Alamitos will have a three-evening event to celebrate the holidays. Evening tours will feature seasonal music, carolers and a gift shop. Call (562) 431-3541.
SPREAD THE CHEER
What Christmas party event
Who Hosted by the Rotary of Signal Hill
When Thursday, Dec. 17 from 6pm to 10pm
Where Phil Trani’s Fine Food, 3490 Long Beach Blvd.
More Info Dine and engage with local residents in a “Jolly Good Cheer” event. Cost is $40. RSVP by calling or emailing Sandra Sandoval at (310) 729-4717or sandy.sandoval7@gmail.com .
LET IT SNOW?
What “Let It Snow at the North Pole” holiday event
Who Presented by 9th District Councilmember Rex Richardson
When Saturday, Dec. 19 from 11am to 1pm
Where Houghton Park, 6301 Myrtle Ave.
More Info Cookies will be served, toys will be given away to boys and girls and there will be snow and Santa Claus. All are invited to join in. RSVP at insidedistrict9.com or call (562) 570-6137.
MORE TOYS FOR TOTS!
What Toy drive giveaway
Who Hosted by Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride
When Sunday, Dec. 20 from noon to 4pm
Where 1017 N. Obispo Ave.
More Info Children and families can attend and get a free gift provided by local businesses and Long Beach Pride. There will be snacks, drinks and music, with Santa Claus stopping by, as well. Call (562) 987-9191.
ENCOURAGING PLAY TIME
What Holiday open house and toy drive
Who Presented by the Long Beach NAACP
When Sunday, Dec. 20 from 3pm to 5pm
Where Ernest McBride Sr. Park, 1550 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
More Info The Long Beach Branch NAACP traditionally give toys to over 500 youths from Long Beach Unified School District, shelters, local churches and families hosted by CSULB-NAACP College Chapter and the Long Beach Branch’s Youth Council. Toys and donations are still needed. Call (562) 856-7586.
EAT AND BE MERRY
What Free Christmas meal event
Who Madera’s Restaurant
When Friday, Dec. 25 at 1pm
Where Madera’s Restaurant, 3642 Katella Ave. in Los Alamitos
More Info The free meal is for homeless and wounded veterans. Reservations are required. Call (562) 598-0401 after 11am to make reservations.
WHEN THE PARTY’S OVER
What Christmas tree roundup
Who Hosted by Signal Hill Disposal
When Monday, Dec. 28 and Monday, Jan. 4
Where Ready for pickup at residential curbsides
More Info Live trees free of decorations will be picked up free of charge at residential curbsides on the specified dates. Put your tree on the curb the night before to ensure pickup. The trees collected will be turned over for recycling. Call (562) 597-0608.
