During the coming week, Long Beach will be brimming with events to celebrate the holiday season. Whether you’re looking to create festive memories with family, expand your skills with workshops, or enjoy some local entertainment, there’s something for everyone this week.
Families can dive into holiday cheer with a Nutcracker-themed storytime, decorate cookies at Trademark Brewing, watch a classic movie at the Harte Neighborhood Library, or check out the annual Belmont Shore Christmas Parade with marching bands and dazzling floats.
Adults and older teens can enjoy a festive evening of local history and architecture at the Kimpson-Nixon House. Seniors can connect at a holiday luncheon at the Signal Hill Public Library.
Friday 12/6
The Nutcracker Ballet Storytime: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Kids are invited to a special holiday reading of “The Nutcracker” led by Tutu Studio at the Dana Neighborhood Library (3680 Atlantic Ave.). Attendees will also learn dance moves and listen to the music from “The Nutcracker.” Free.
Chess Club: 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Adults and teens over 16 are invited to play chess together at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.). Chess sets will be provided. Free.
Saturday 12/7
Merry & Bright Cookie Decorating Workshop: Noon to 2:00 p.m. Celebrate the season with Batter Up Sweetery’s hands-on cookie decorating workshop at Trademark Brewing (233 E Anaheim St.). Led by Alenni Chitwood, this class teaches professional piping techniques to create four festive cookies to take home. Perfect for all skill levels, the event welcomes children between the ages of 6 and 14 with an accompanying adult (both require tickets). Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite for $33.85.
Musical Performance Series: Noon to 1 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of music in the Miller Room at the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway) as Grammy Award-nominated baroque guitarist Richard Savino and soprano Jennifer Ellis Kampani of Musica Angelica present a program highlighting the evolution of baroque guitar to modern guitar, featuring works from Latin America and Italy. This special event is presented by Musica Angelica, with support from the Port of Long Beach. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Free.
Elf Movie Screening + Meet & Greet: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Pike Outlets (95 S. Pine Ave.) will be hosting an elf-themed holiday event. The evening will include a live performance, a meet & greet with an elf and a screening of the movie “Elf.” Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. This event is appropriate for all ages. Free.
Winter in Willmore: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season during this festive event at the historical Bembridge House (953 Park Circle), featuring family-friendly activities, live music and a market with local vendors offering handmade goods and holiday treats. The first 50 children to arrive will receive a $10 gift card to purchase a book from Love Literacy. Free.
Belmont Shore Christmas Parade: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This annual Christmas parade travels along East Second Street, from Livingston Avenue to Bayshore Avenue. This Long Beach tradition features over a dozen marching bands and floats. The streets will close to traffic at 5 p.m. Attendees should bring chairs and blankets early to find a good spot. Free.
Live Theater: 8 p.m. The opening night of the Long Beach Playhouse’s (5021 E. Anaheim St.) production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Tickets can be purchased on lbplayhouse.org for $39.
Sunday 12/8
Adoption & Vaccination Clinic: 8 a.m. to noon. Animal lovers are invited to adopt a new pet or bring the pets they already have to receive low-cost health services during this event at Rosie the Riveter Park (3599 Clark Ave.). Services range from $10 to $30.
Art Workshop: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Artist Maria Guadalupe will teach participants to use oil pastels on toned paper during this workshop at the Museum of Latin American Art (628 Alamitos Ave.). All materials will be provided. Registration through the museum’s website is required. Participation costs $5.
Mod & Merry – An Evening of Holiday Cheer: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season at the historical Kimpson-Nixon House (380 Orlena Ave.), a work of early modernism by architect Raphael Soriano. Enjoy Greek-inspired appetizers, rooftop views and insights from owner/architect Alan Pullman on the home’s restoration and its role in Long Beach’s architectural history. Attendees are asked to dress in festive attire with a modern twist. This event is appropriate for those over the age of 16. Tickets can be purchased for $28.52 on Eventbrite.
Monday 12/9
Spanish Storytime: 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Children of all ages will be able to enjoy Spanish stories read by library staff at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.). Free.
Community Meeting: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The City of Long Beach invites the public to a community meeting to hear updates about the development of the new Long Beach Senior Center. The meeting will be held at the current Long Beach Senior Center (1150 E. Fourth St.). Attendees will learn about the project’s progress and will be able to ask questions. Free.
Tuesday 12/10
Digital Literacy Workshop: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Learn how to be better informed when navigating the digital world during this workshop at the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway). Participants can learn about misinformation and disinformation online, while gaining insights into their impact on how the public consumes information. The workshop will also provide practical tips on identifying credible sources. Free.
Recreation Job Fair: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Job seekers are invited to learn about employment opportunities with the Long Beach Parks, Recreation, and Marine Department during this event at Whaley Park (5620 E. Atherton St.) City staff will share details about current and upcoming positions and assist with the application process. Applications can be found at longbeach.gov/park/about-us/job-opportunities. Free.
Wednesday 12/11
Holiday Luncheon & Bingo: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Senior citizens are invited to the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.) to eat lunch and play bingo together. Holiday attire is encouraged. Registration is required. To register, visit the City’s website or call (562) 989-7330. Free.
Long Beach Night Walks: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Capture the festive holiday lights of the Naples Canals during this group photography walk. Photographers of all skill levels are welcome. This event is hosted in partnership with Happily Bearded After and Tuttle Cameras, and attendees will meet at La Bella Fontana Park (90 Corinthian Walk). Participants will practice their low-light photography skills while exploring a scenic Long Beach neighborhood. After the walk, participants are invited to join fellow creatives at K.C. Branaghan’s Irish Pub for a casual meetup to share tips and connect. Free.
Thursday 12/12
Family Movie: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Families are invited to the Harte Neighborhood Library for a screening of the classic holiday film “Home Alone.” Closed captions will be played. Free.
12 Days of Christmas: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The first of a 12-day holiday celebration onboard the Queen Mary (1126 Queensway Highway). There will be a holiday market, family-friendly activities and a ceremonial lighting of the ship’s stacks. General admission tickets can be purchased for $26.50 on the ship’s website.
LezFlix & Chill: 6 p.m. A monthly evening of movies and mingling at Adelitas Revenge (4007 East Fourth St.) in Long Beach. This month’s film is “A New York Christmas Wedding,” a lesbian holiday rom-com. Popcorn and candy will be provided, and attendees are welcome to bring their own drinks. This event is free, but optional $5 raffle tickets will be sold at the door.
