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 local 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.
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.
FOR THE KIDDOS
What Toy drive
Who Hosted by the Signal Hill Police Department
When Saturday, Nov. 26 from 9am to 5pm
Where Target Store, 950 E. 33rd St.
More Info The public is encouraged to donate new unwrapped toys that are valued at $10 or more. The toys will be donated to kids in need within the community. Email Brian at bleyn@signalhillpd.org.
A LOT OF CHRISTMAS TREES
What 18th annual tree lot
Who Hosted by the Youth Center in Los Alamitos
When Opens Saturday, Nov. 26 from 9am to 9pm
Where Ganahl Lumber’s parking lot, 10742 Los Alamitos Blvd.
More Info The center will open its tree lot on weekends from 9am to 9pm and weekdays from noon to 9pm. Fragrant-scented trees, tree stands, watering spouts, wreaths and other items will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit youth programs. Call (562) 493-4043.
NOT ONLY GREEN WHEN SUMMER’S HERE
What Tree-lighting ceremony
Who Presented by the office of Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia
When Tuesday, Nov. 29 from 5pm to 8pm; tree lighting at 6pm
Where Terrace Theater Plaza, Long Beach Convention Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.
More Info The public is invited to the free festive event that will including games and treats. Picture opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available, and there will also be holiday booths, kid’s train, brass band, DJ, choirs and more for guests. Free parking will be available at the Convention Center’s Terrace Theater parking structure. Call Bob at (562) 495-8345.
LIGHTING UP THE NIGHT
What Festival of Lights, dinner and bus trip
Who Hosted by the Signal Hill Historical Society
When Wednesday, Nov. 30 from 1pm to 9:30pm
Where Bus leaves from Signal Hill City Hall, 2175 Cherry Ave.
More Info A bus trip to the historic Mission Inn in Riverside will take participants to the Festival of Lights event, featuring four-million lights and 400 animated figures. A six-course dinner at the Bella Trattoria restaurant will be served afterward. Tickets for members are $45, and non-members are $55. Advance reservations required. Call (562) 597-4220 or email shhistory@icloud.com.
SHOPPING WITH A CAUSE
What Gift shop open house
Who Hosted by the Community Hospital Long Beach Foundation
When Thursday, Dec. 1 from 10am to 8pm, Friday, Dec. 2 from 10am to 5pm and Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9am to noon
Where Community Hospital Long Beach, 1720 Termino Ave.
More Info The open house will include snacks and beverages and items available for purchase. Visit chlbfoundation.org.
O, CHRISTMAS TREE
What 22nd Annual Tree of Love Celebration
Who Hosted by the Community Hospital Long Beach Foundation
When Thursday, Dec. 1 from 5:30pm to 7pm
Where Community Hospital Long Beach, 1720 Termino Ave.
More Info The event allows donors to place a special ornament on a holiday tree in honor of or in memory of loved ones and friends. Each ornament is $20, and names of those recognized will be listed on large posters and in event programs. The evening will feature a presentation by carolers and the lighting of the tree. Call Kathy at (562) 933-5970.
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.
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.
