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 up 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.
FOR ART’S SAKE
What First Fridays Art Walk
Who Hosted by BKBIA
When Friday, Dec. 4 from 6pm to 9pm
Where Bixby Knolls along Atlantic Avenue
More Info The event will feature the eighth annual community tree and menorah lighting ceremony. Bring an ornament decoration to hang on the community tree. The Sea Funk Brass Band will perform, and carolers will also be in attendance. Email info@bixbyknollsinfo.com .
HERE WE COME A-WASSAILING
What Wassail celebration
Who Hosted by the American Association of University Women Long Beach
When Saturday, Dec. 5 from 10am to noon
Where Home of member Deloris Mayuga
More Info This year’s celebration will feature a wassail drink traditionally prepared by member Barbara Gleason along with refreshments and snacks. Reservations are not needed for the event. Call (562) 438-0597 for an address.
O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL
What Breakfast in Bethlehem event
Who Hosted by California Heights United Methodist Church
When Saturday, Dec. 5 from 10am to noon
Where California Heights United Methodist Church, 3759 Orange Ave.
More Info The Christmas event will feature crafts, games, the nativity and activities for children of all ages. Admission is free, but canned-food donation to the Broken Loaf Food Pantry is suggested. Visit calheightsumc.org .
CREATION STATION
What “Gorgeous Green” event
Who Hosted by Rancho Los Cerritos
When Saturday, Dec. 5 from 1pm to 4pm
Where Rancho Los Cerritos, 4600 Virginia Rd.
More Info Children can choose from art materials to make tree decorations, holiday cards and sew a Christmas stocking. Hands-on activities and a house or garden tour will be available. Call Jan at (562) 206-2040.
A SWEET AFFAIR
What Community Christmas decorating and lighting
Who Presented by the Country Club Manor Association and City of Long Beach Parks, Recreation & Marine
When Saturday, Dec. 5 from 3pm to 5pm
Where Scherer Park, 4891 Atlantic Ave.
More Info The event will feature decorating, caroling, arts and crafts, a kids photo booth with Santa and free hot chocolate, ice cream and coffee. Call (626) 818-8920.
SHOP FOR A GOOD CAUSE
What Christmas market event
Who Hosted by the California Heights United Methodist Church
When Sunday, Dec. 6 from 11am to 12:30pm
Where California Heights United Methodist Church, 3759 Orange Ave.
More Info The church will host an “Alternative Christmas Market” that provides an opportunity to buy handcrafted items such as clothing, home decor, ornaments, cards, handbags, toys, jewelry and more from international nonprofit cooperatives. Pigs in a blanket, ice cream floats, and homemade pies will also be available for purchase to benefit Heifer Project, a nonprofit seeking to eliminate poverty. Call (562) 595-1996.
…AND ALL THROUGH THE HOUSE
What Victorian Christmas celebration
Who Hosted by Long Beach Heritage
When Sunday, Dec. 6 from noon to 4pm
Where Bembridge House, 953 Park Circle
More Info The event will be a Christmas celebration that will have crafts for children, a garden boutique and refreshments. Santa Claus and the South Coast Chorale singers will also be in attendance. Call (562) 437-2890.
RUNNING OUT OF CLOTHES
What Santa Speedo Run
Who Hosted by the Gay Entertainment Directory
When Sunday, Dec. 6; registration at 12:30pm, fun run at 2:30pm
Where Paradise Bar, 1800 E. Broadway
More Info The 1.5-mile run or walk will benefit the LGBTQ Center of Long Beach and the AIDS Food Store. Wear swimwear or underwear. Participants will be treated to a buffet luncheon, drink specials and a raffle. Email johnn90807@gmail.com .
MUSIC TO YOUR EARS
What Celtic Yuletide celebration
Who Presented by McKenzie Mortuary
When Sunday, Dec. 6 at 7pm
Where McKenzie Mortuary, 3843 E. Anaheim St.
More Info Craicmore, contemporary celtic music performers, will have a benefit concert for the Kamm Cares Foundation, a breast cancer nonprofit. Email kenjmckenzie@aol.com .
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.
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.
