Those weird limbo days in between Christmas and New Year’s have arrived, but thankfully there’s plenty of fun and free things to do in Long Beach to fill the time.
Various celebrations are taking place pre-New Year’s Eve, such as a Noon Year’s Eve dance party for kids Friday afternoon, Watch Me! Sports Bar is celebrating a historic year in women’s sports Friday night, a festive Chanukah celebration will take place at 2ND & PCH Sunday evening and the Expo Arts Center will be celebrating Kwanzaa Monday night.
Residents wanting to squeeze in some new skills before the year ends can attend a free dog training class Friday afternoon at Lincoln Park, an English conversation club at Billie Jean King Main Library or a kid’s sewing class at Los Altos Library both Saturday afternoon.
Ring in the new year with a New Year’s Day Dash featuring 5K, 10K or 10-mile options, by welcoming a new business in Bixby Knolls, or with a cold plunge to refresh the body.
Friday 12/27
Christmas Tree Recycling: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents can bring their bare, live Christmas trees to 12 Long Beach locations to have their tree recycled now through Jan. 10. Artificial trees will not be accepted. Locations include Houghton Park, Veterans Park, Wardlow Park, Bixby Park and more. Free.
Noon Year’s Eve Dance Party: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Celebrate the upcoming New Year’s with a family-friendly event at the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway). Kids can craft festive attire before taking part in a dance party and a balloon drop to ring in the new year. Free.
Dog Training: Noon to 1 p.m. Friendly dogs are invited to learn new skills during this outdoor training class at Lincoln Park (101 Pacific Ave.). Free.
Business Holiday Party: 8 p.m. Watch Me! Sports Bar (6527 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Unit B-2) is hosting a holiday party to celebrate the milestones made in women’s sports this year and their opening of the first bar celebrating women’s sports in the state. The event will include a DJ, drink menu and snacks. Free entry.
Saturday 12/28
El Dorado Regional Park Cleanup: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Join fellow park-lovers to clean up fishing lines and other debris from El Dorado Park (7550 E. Spring St.) and lakes. Participants should wear sturdy shoes, bring water, wear a hat and sunscreen. All ages are welcome, but youth under 18 must bring an adult. Meet at the parking lot on the left just past El Dorado Frontier in Area III of El Dorado Regional Park. Please pre-register by calling (562) 570-1745. Free.
English Conversation Club: 11 a.m. to noon. English language learners are invited to practice English conversations together at the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway). This is an informal gathering and a safe space for anyone trying to learn English. Free.
South Division Commander’s Community Forum: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Long Beach Police Department’s East Division Commander will be listening to residents share their concerns during this public event at the South Division Community Room (400 W. Broadway). Free.
Sew Fine: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. School-aged children can learn basic sewing skills and create something special at the Los Altos Neighborhood Library (5614 Britton Drive). This hands-on program is perfect for beginners and offers a fun introduction to using a sewing machine. Free admission.
3D Film Series: 2 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Watch the Academy Award-winning 2011 fantasy adventure movie “Hugo” in 3D at the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway). Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film follows an orphan in 1930s Paris as he uncovers the mystery of his late father’s invention. A brief introduction and post-screening discussion will be held before and after the movie. Limited seating and 3D glasses are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Free.
Alex Mendham & His Orchestra: 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Listen to Alex Mendham and his 11-piece orchestra in the Queen’s Salon aboard the Queen Mary (1126 Queens Hwy.). This event will feature jazz and swing tunes from the Art Deco era. Enjoy classic hits from legends like Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong and Glenn Miller. Tickets can be purchased for $42.20 on the ship’s website.
Sunday 12/29
Chanukah Celebration: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Celebrate Chanukah at 2ND & PCH (6400 E. Pacific Coast Hwy.) with live music from a three-piece band, a dazzling LED robot performance, crafts for kids and light refreshments. This festive event is hosted by Shul By The Shore and Temple Israel. Free.
Reggae Sundays: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Groove to the rhythm of reggae with local artist Massive McGregor at DiPiazza’s (5205 Pacific Coast Hwy.). General admission is free.
Monday 12/30
Winter Fun Days: Noon to 5 p.m. Kids can keep active and engaged during winter break during this drop-in recreation program for children ages 5-12, run by the City of Long Beach. Participants can enjoy supervised recreational activities at select Long Beach parks. Children may come and go at their own discretion. Pre-registration is required. Applications will be available at participating parks during the program’s hours of operation. For a list of participating parks, visit the City’s website. Free.
Kwanzaa Celebration: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Celebrate the cultural tradition of Kwanzaa at the Expo Arts Center (4321 Atlantic Ave.). This event honors Kwanzaa with live music, cultural presentations, African-inspired dance performances, food and more. Free.
Tuesday 12/31
Noon Year’s Eve: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This pre-New Year’s party at Sports Basement (2100 N. Bellflower Blvd.) is best suited for kids 1 through 10 years old, and will include snacks, music, games and a countdown to noon. Families should bring their own noisemakers, a picnic and blanket for the post noon chill. Free.
Noon Year’s Eve Pajama Party: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Children 12 and under can celebrate the new year at the Harte Neighborhood Library (1595 W. Willow St.) Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their pajamas for a morning of music, dancing, crafts and a balloon drop. Free.
Kwanzaa Crafts & Stories: 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Children between the ages of 3 and 12 are invited to celebrate Kwanzaa with crafts and stories at the Bach Neighborhood Library (4055 N. Bellflower Blvd.). Free.
Wednesday 1/1
New Year’s Day Dash: 7 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. The public is invited to this run featuring a 5K, 10K, 10-Miler and half marathon at the beach (5400 E. Ocean Blvd.). The race will kick off the new year with the half marathon and 10-Miler starting at 7 a.m., followed by the 5K and 10K at 7:30 a.m. Water stations will be available along the route. Awards will be given to the top male and female finishers in each race. Ticket prices for the races range from $26.97 to $41.81 on givesignup.org.
Grand Opening Bash: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Celebrate the new year at the opening of new local business Olive & Rose (255 Atlantic Ave.), featuring bagels, a full bar and music by DJ Proper Sound. Free admission, menu prices vary.
New Year’s Day Brunch Cruise: 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Celebrate the first day of the year aboard this cruise along the Long Beach coast. This two-hour cruise features a chef-prepared buffet with unlimited mimosas, champagne and sparkling cider. Enjoy live entertainment and scenic views of the Long Beach Harbor. Guests can purchase additional drinks from the fully stocked bar. The cruise departs from Rainbow Harbor, Dock 6A, at 11:00 a.m., with boarding starting at 10:30 a.m. Casual attire is recommended. Tickets can be purchased for $105 on the online platform City Experiences.
Thursday 1/2
New Year’s Polar Plunge: 8 a.m. to noon. Start the new year with a cold plunge at local business Human Aeon (121 Belmont Ave.), designed to energize and refresh. Participants are encouraged to bring a bathing suit, towel and warm layers for after the activity. Tickets can be purchased on the business’ website for $20.
Lego Club: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. School-aged children 6 years old and up are invited to build with Legos at the Los Altos Neighborhood Library (5614 Britton Drive). Legos will be provided. Free.
Disney On Ice Presents Magic in the Stars: 7 p.m. Celebrate the magic of Disney and Pixar live at the Long Beach Arena (300 E Ocean Blvd.). Join your favorite Disney Princesses and characters like Moana, Raya, Asha, Elsa and Mirabel as they come to life in a live ice-skating performance. Tickets can be purchased for $38.30 on Ticketmaster.
