BETTER TO GIVE
What Holiday donations
Who Hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach
When Ongoing
Where Donate to bgclublb.nationbuilder.com/holiday_giving
More Info The clubs are making efforts to provide children in need a safe place to go after school, activities to strengthen their minds and bodies and mentors. The donation tab at the bgclublb.org website allows donors to contribute proceeds to the cause.
MEET YOUR MATCH
What Open donation
Who Hosted by McKenzie Mortuary
When The month of December
Where Donate to McKenzie Mortuary at (562) 961-9301 or visit kammcare.com/donate.htm
More Info The mortuary is accepting gift certificates, new or used, at its donation website. Gifts will benefit those in need of breast-cancer treatment. McKenzie Mortuary grants also benefit child care. All donations will be matched by the mortuary, with a cap of $10,000.
DRIVEN TO GIVE?
What Donation drive
Who Launched by the UPS Store
When All month until Jan. 2
Where UPS Store, 3553 Atlantic Ave. Suite B
More Info The store is raising funds to benefit the Toys for Tots Literacy Program, which helps purchase books for children in the area. The donation drive will culminate with the UPS Store’s first-ever float in the 128th Rose Parade, highlighting the literacy program at the event. Visit toysfortots.org/literacy to donate online, or visit the site to donate in-store.
WALK THE WALK
What First Fridays Art Walk
Who Presented by the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association
When Friday, Dec. 2 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Where Meet at Atlantic Avenue from Bixby Road to San Antonio Drive
More Info The event will begin the holiday season with music, poetry, candy canes and appearances by Santa Claus and elves. Free parking will be available at the Bixby Business Center on the corner of Atlantic and San Antonio. Email info@bixbyknollsinfo.com.
A ‘SPECIAL’ EVENT
What Holiday theatre production
Who Presented by The Found Theatre
When Runs from Friday, Dec. 2 to Sunday, Dec. 18 at 8pm; Sunday showings are 2:30pm
Where The Found Theatre, 599 Long Beach Blvd.
More Info The theatre will present a live performance of Merry Mid-Century, a tribute to 1950s TV Christmas specials. Tickets are $15. If attendees donate a new pair of men’s or women’s socks at the event to be distributed to Long Beach agencies that provide assistance for the homeless, they will receive complimentary eggnog or another festive beverage. Visit foundtheatre.org or email info@foundtheatre.org.
IT’S A MIRACLE!
What Miracle on Anaheim Street performance
Who Presented by the Long Beach Playhouse
When Saturday, Dec. 3 at 8pm
Where Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St.
More Info The playhouse and local improv group Held2Gether will present the 2nd annual one-night event to benefit the WomenShelter of Long Beach. The group will present a musical evening of improv and sketch comedy. All proceeds will go directly to the shelter. Tickets are $20, and they are available at lbplayhouse.org.
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
What Victorian Christmas event
Who Hosted by Long Beach Heritage
When Sunday, Dec. 4 from 11am to 3pm
Where Bembridge House, 953 Park Circle
More Info The Bembridge House will be decorated with Victorian Christmas decorations, and the event will feature arts and crafts for children, caroling by the South Coast Chorale Singers and a garden boutique. Tickets are $10. Children 10 and under enter for free with prior reservations. Visit lbheritage.org or call (562) 493-7019.
SEE SANTA RUN
What 4th Annual Long Beach Santa Fun Run
Who Presented by the Gay Entertainment Directory (GED Magazine)
When Sunday, Dec. 4 at 12:30pm; run begins at 2:30pm
Where Begins at Paradise Bar, 1800 E. Broadway and ends at Hamburger Mary’s, 330 Pine Ave.
More Info The run will raise funds for the LGBTQ Center of Long Beach Youth Services. The event will also collect non-perishable food donations for the AIDS Food Store of Long Beach. Participants will be able to don their “favorite and skimpy” holiday apparel and register in two different individual registration levels. An after-party featuring drag performances, music, buffet lunch, drink specials and raffles for prizes will take place afterward. Registration is available at LBSantaRun.gedmag.com.
CHRISTMAS AT THE CREAMERY
What 17th Annual Uptown North Long Beach Christmas Party
Who Presented by the North Long Beach Community Action Group
When Sunday, Dec. 4 at 3pm
Where Historic Long Beach Dairy and Creamery, 167 E. South St.
More Info The event is open to the public. Participants are encouraged to bring a wrapped ornament for a Christmas game and a favorite dish. Email lbencruzin@gmail.com or call (562) 428-7710 to RSVP.
FA-LA-LAAAA
What Christmas caroling
Who Presented by the Friends of Los Cerritos
When Sunday, Dec. 4 at 4pm
Where Meet at the northeast corner of Weston and Bixby
More Info The route of the 6th Annual Los Cerritos Christmas Caroling Caravan will travel from the northeast corner of Weston and Bixby to four curbside hosted parties before returning to the starting point. Attendees are encouraged to bring a potluck item and a donation for Toys for Tots. The caroling will be canceled in the event of rain. Visit loscerritosna.org.
PICTURE IT…
What Annual holiday art sale
Who Hosted by the Cal State Long Beach School of Art and other clubs
When Opening reception on Sunday, Dec. 4 from 4pm to 7pm
Where Cal State Long Beach, rooms FA 2 and FA3, 1250 Bellflower Blvd.
More Info The school will present an art sale that will include ceramics, fibers, metals, sculptures, printmaking pieces and wood. Parking will be available in Lot 8 and 8A. Email tony.marsh@csulb.edu.
PARTY TIME!
What Holiday party
Who Hosted by the Hearing Loss Association of America
When Thursday, Dec. 8 at 6:30pm
Where Weingart Center, 5220 Olivia Ave.
More Info The association’s holiday party will feature food, socializing and a “White Elephant” gift exchange. The board of directors will provide appetizers, finger foods and holiday desserts. No reservations are necessary, and admissions is free. Email Gail at gail7go@gmail.com.
MEETING’S GREETINGS
What Monthly meeting
Who Hosted by the Long Beach Republican Women Federated
When Saturday, Dec. 10 at 9:30am
Where Long Beach Airport Marriott Hotel, 4700 Airport Plaza Dr.
More Info Singer Lynmarie Inge will provide holiday entertainment, and Greg Blair, from the National Republican Senate Committee, will be the featured speaker. Cost is $25 for members, and $30 for guests. The cost includes breakfast. Email LBRWF@gmail.com or call (562) 493-4125 to RSVP.
COMING TOGETHER
What Christmas pageant
Who Hosted by the Long Beach Christian Reformed Church
When Sunday, Dec. 11 to Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 7:30pm to 9pm
Where 5500 Block of Wardlow Road between Bellflower Boulevard and Woodruff Avenue
More Info A candlelit outdoor walk will feature Nativity scenes, complete with actors and live animals. Six local churches that are located within blocks of one another will provide free performances and refreshments. Choirs and musical groups will also be present. Call Jayne at (562) 421-1721 or email jtien@lbcrc.org.
