FESTIVE LUMBER
What Annual tree lot
Who Hosted by the Youth Center in Los Alamitos
When Beginning Nov. 25 to December from 9am to 9pm on weekends and noon to 9pm on weekdays
Where Ganahl Lumber parking lot, 10742 Los Alamitos Blvd.
More Info Attendees will have the chance to choose from Noble, Nordman, Douglas and Grand Fir trees, along with tree stands, watering spouts, wreaths and other festive items. Call (562) 493-4043.
THE GIFT OF HOPE
What Donation program
Who Hosted by MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach
When Donations accepted until Friday, Dec. 15
Where Donation drop-off is located at Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center, 701 E. 28th St., Suite 202
More Info The hospital’s Adopt-a-Family program accepts donations of cash, gift certificates or gifts for hospitalized children and teenagers at the cancer center. Call Linda (562) 933-8600.
THE SEASON OF GIVING
What Donation drive
Who Hosted by Community Medical Center Long Beach
When Donations accepted until Friday, Dec. 22
Where Community Hospital Long Beach, 1720 Termino Ave.
More Info The MemorialCare Center for Mental Health & Wellness at Community Medical Center Long Beach is collecting donations for the holiday season for its patients. Donees are encouraged to bring games, journals, art supplies, hygiene products, toothbrushes/toothpaste, brushes/combs, clothing for men and women of all sizes and more. Avoid items that contain metal wiring or glass. Only new items will be accepted. Call (562) 933-5931.
YULE TIME
What Victorian Christmas event
Who Hosted by Long Beach Heritage
When Friday, Dec. 1 and Friday, Dec. 8 from 6pm to 8pm (adult reception and tour); Sunday, Dec. 3 from 11am to 2pm (“Toys & Yuletide” event and tour); Tuesdays, Dec. 5, 12 and 19 from 1:30pm to 2:30pm and Saturdays, Dec. 9, 16 and 30 (house tours)
Where Bembridge House, 953 Park Circle
More Info The tour’s theme this year is “Toys & Yuletide Tunes.” The house will be fitted with holiday decorations. Space is limited and reservations are required for evening tours. Cost is $10 per person. On Sunday, children under 12 enter for free with prior reservation. Visit lbheritage.org.
TGIF
What First Fridays Art Walk
Who Hosted by the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association When Friday, Dec. 1 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Where Atlantic Avenue from Bixby Road to San Antonio Drive
More Info The holiday version of the event will feature arts-and-crafts activities, treats and holiday-inspired happenings and musical entertainment. Visit firstfridayslongbeach.com for more information and a listing of all activities.
RAISING FUNDS LIKE
HOTCAKES
What Santa Pancake Breakfast fundraiser event
Who Hosted by the Long Beach New Frontier-ScoutReach District program
When Saturday, Dec. 2 from 8am to 10am
Where Applebee’s, 899 E. Spring St.
More Info Attendees can take pictures with Santa at $5 per picture. Tickets are $10 per person. Donations and silent-auction and opportunity-drawing items are requested. Call Long Beach Area Council Boy Scouts of America at (562) 427-0911, ext. 244.
A JOLLY MEMORY
What “Breakfast with Santa” event
Who Hosted by MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach
When Saturday, Dec. 2 from 8am to 11am
Where Parkers’ Lighthouse, 435 Shoreline Village Dr.
More Info During breakfast, children will be able to take their picture with Santa, who will arrive at the location by yacht. The restaurant encourages attendees to bring new, unwrapped gifts for Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital patients. Cost is $10 for adults and $7 for children under the age of 12. Call (562) 432-6500 to make a reservation.
LET THERE BE LIGHT
What Tree decorating and lighting ceremony
Who Hosted by the Long Beach Parks, Recreation & Marine Department
When Saturday, Dec. 2 from 3pm to 5pm
Where Scherer Park, 430 E. 49th St., southeast corner of Atlantic Avenue and Del Amo Boulevard
More Info The annual Christmas tree ceremony will feature a kids photo booth with Santa Claus and the chance to win toys in an opportunity drawing. Santa will visit Uptown Dog Park for pet photos from 2pm to 3pm. Free hot chocolate and ice cream will be available. First 100 guests will receive a $10 gift certificate to Johnny Rebs Restaurant. Call Gloria at (626) 818-8920.
A HOLIDAY MIRACLE
What “Miracle on Anaheim Street” holiday show
Who Presented by Held2gether, Long Beach Playhouse and Improv for Life
When Saturday, Dec. 2 at 8pm
Where Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St.
More Info The one-night performance will be a variety show that will include a dozen holiday-themed comedic improv scenes, sketches and musical numbers. The show will benefit the WomenShelter of Long Beach. Tickets are available at lbplayhouse.org.
EATING AND GIVING
What Pop-up dinner and toy-drive event
Who Hosted by Dine LBC
When Friday, Dec. 8 at 6:30pm
Where Legend Seafood Restaurant, 1350 E. Anaheim St.
More Info Long Beach culinary expert Chef “T” Visoth Ouk will feature Cambodian cuisines, including appetizers and a four-course sit-down dinner with a glass of wine. Guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy valued at $15 or more for distribution for local children in the community. The dinner is $55 per guest and can be purchased at dinelbc.com.
FOR THE KIDS
What Holiday gala
Who Hosted by the Museum of Latin American Art
When Saturday, Dec. 9 from 3pm to 6pm
Where Museum of Latin American Art, 628 Alamitos Ave.
More Info The children’s holiday gala will feature a performance by Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band, activity stations, holiday crafts, kid-friendly food from local restaurants, hot-cocoa and candy buffet, access to museum exhibits and palm-tree lighting ceremony. Cost is $60 for adults and $40 for children ages 14 and under. Proceeds from the event benefit museum exhibitions and public programs. Call Jessica at (562) 216-4137.
‘BAH, HUMBUG!’
What Performance of A Christmas Carol
Who Performed by the Long Beach Playhouse
When From Saturday, Dec. 9 to Saturday, Dec. 23
Where Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St.
More Info Chris Mertan is directing this year’s show, which is an interpretation of the original A Christmas Carol narrative by author Charles Dickens. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $14 for students on Fridays and $24 for adults, $21 for seniors and $14 for students on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are available at lbplayhouse.org.
SUCH A DRAG
What “Drag to Give” charity event
Who Hosted by the B Room
When Friday, Dec. 15 at 7pm
Where Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.
More Info The event raises funds, jackets and toys for children and their families in Long Beach. Jewels and Ron Sylvester will be the hosts and MCs for the event. The night will feature performances from standup comedian Narcizo Gonzalez and other performers. The evening will begin with a kickoff, featuring cocktails, music and mingling, followed by the performances and after party. The event is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring a toy or clothing article. Email isa@itsadragtogive.com or visit facebook.com/itsadragtogive.
