Long Beach is decking its halls, streets and neighborhoods with festive and engaging activities to suit every interest this holiday season. Two community parades highlighting the joy of the season will take place Saturday evening, with the Daisy Lane Parade and Shoreline Village Boat Parade.
Additional holiday events include Christmas movies aboard the Queen Mary Tuesday and at the Harte Neighborhood Library Thursday, a winter celebration in the East Village Arts District Saturday and at the historic Bembridge house Sunday, and Santa and his reindeer will be stopping at Hotel Maya on Sunday.
Those looking to give back this holiday season can donate blood Friday, tend to the local wetlands at Willow Spring Park, or plant trees in Bixby Knolls on Saturday. Whether you’re looking to volunteer or enjoy festive entertainment, Long Beach has you covered.
Friday 12/13
American Red Cross Blood Drive: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Hyatt Regency Long Beach (200 S. Pine Ave.) is hosting a blood drive in partnership with the American Red Cross. Donors are encouraged to support their community by giving life-saving blood during this event. Appointments can be scheduled by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering the code HyattRegencyLB. Free.
Drop-In Tech Help: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Get assistance with personal devices such as smartphones, computers or tablets, as well as help with applications like email, Libby or Facebook at Harte Neighborhood Library (1595 W. Willow St.). Sessions are 15 minutes each and offered in English or Spanish. Bring devices fully charged, along with a library card and account logins/passwords. Free.
Restoration Friday: 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help care for native plants and pull weeds at Willow Springs Park (2745 Orange Ave.). Volunteers are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle, comfortable shoes and sunscreen. Free.
Film Screening: 10 p.m. The Long Beach Art Theatre (2024 Fourth St.) will be showing the 2023 film “Abruptio” with an in-person introduction from lead puppeteer Danny Montooth. Tickets are $130.50 for general admission and can be purchased on the theatre’s website or in person.
Saturday 12/14
Bixby Knolls Tree Planting: 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteers are needed to help the Bixby Knolls Neighborhood Association plant trees throughout the community. Volunteers will meet at 4200 Lime Ave. Registration is required. To register, visit the California Climate Action Corps’ website.
Joy Fest: Noon to 4 p.m. Celebrate the season with this community event in the East Village Arts District (intersection of First Street & Elm Avenue), featuring festive activities and local vendors. Free admission.
Daisy Lane Parade: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. This annual tradition begins at Daisy Avenue and West Burnett Street, travels south to Pacific Coast Highway, and loops back to conclude near West Hill Street. Since 1953, the parade has brought the community together to celebrate the holiday season with festive floats and performances. Free.
Tamales y Más on Toledo: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visit the Craftsman Village Historic District (N Toledo Walk) for this annual event, featuring music, food and local vendors. Tamales, champurrado and more will be available for purchase. Parking is limited — attendees are encouraged to take public transit, ride a bike or use rideshare services. Admission is free.
Shoreline Village Boat Parade: 5:30 p.m. Celebrate the season while watching the Shoreline Yacht Club’s Christmas Boat Parade. This festive event offers views of the Long Beach waterfront as decorated boats sail through Shoreline Marina and Rainbow Harbor, arriving at Shoreline Village between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. The event also features live holiday music, a DJ, dancing, balloon art and imitation snow. The parade can be viewed from multiple locations at Shoreline Village, including the restaurants, boardwalk and the marina break wall. Admission is free.
Sunday 12/15
Exploring Fair Trade Oils: Noon to 2:00 p.m. Visit Fair Trade Long Beach Retail Collective (4105 N. Bellflower Blvd., Unit B) to learn about a new collection of ethically sourced, fair trade beauty oils. Explore testers, enjoy giveaways and connect with others interested in sustainability. Free admission.
Seaside Santa with Reindeer and Sleigh: Noon to 4 p.m. Hotel Maya’s (700 Queensway Drive) waterfront sculpture garden will host a festive experience, featuring a holiday-themed brunch at Fuego, a visit from Santa Claus and live reindeer. Guests are encouraged to wear holiday attire and bring their cameras. To make a reservation, call (562) 481-3910 or visit Fuego’s website or OpenTable. Brunch prices vary.
Children’s Art Workshop: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Kids are invited to the Museum of Latin American Art (628 Alamitos Ave.) for a children’s storytime followed by a hands-on art workshop. All materials are provided. Walk-ins are welcome. Free.
Heritage Holidays After Dark: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Those 21 and older can celebrate the holidays in style at the historic Bembridge House (953 N. Park Circle Dr.). Sip wine while exploring intricately decorated rooms in this rare 118-year-old Victorian structure. Enjoy live music, seasonal treats and a festive atmosphere as you learn about local history. Tickets can be purchased for $23.18 on Eventbrite.
Monday 12/16
Low-Cost Vaccine Clinic: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Long Beach Animal Care Services (7700 E Spring St.) and Community Animal Medicine Project will be providing vaccines and services to pets at discounted prices. Services include microchipping, tapeworm treatment, nail trimming, flea/tick treatment and more. All dogs must be on a leash, and all cats should be in a carrier. Please bring the pet’s previous vaccine records. For more information, call 562-570-7387. Prices will vary.
Meditation Mondays: 11 a.m. to noon. The public is invited to meditate together at Lincoln Park (101 Pacific St.). Free.
Tuesday 12/17
Swearing-In Celebration: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Join Vice Mayor Cindy Allen for a special evening celebrating her swearing-in as a member of the city council at the Long Beach Civic Center (411 W. Ocean Blvd.). The event features a reception, swearing-in ceremony and a celebration. More details will be provided to attendees once they register on Eventbrite. Free.
12 Days of Christmas: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Queen Mary (1126 Queensway Highway) will be screening Christmas movies as part of its 12 day Christmas celebration. General admission tickets can be purchased for $26.50 on the ship’s website.
Wednesday 12/18
Speed Dating: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Love In LA invites singles aged 26 to 40 to a two-hour speed dating event at The Bungalow Long Beach (6400 Pacific Coast Highway) designed to help attendees make romantic connections. Attendees will meet eight to 12 people to speak to. Check-in begins at 7 p.m., with speed dating starting at 7:30 p.m. Matches will be emailed to attendees by 11 p.m. Spaces are limited. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite for $33.77.
Live Comedy: Those 21 and older are invited to a stand up performance by comedian Paul Rodriguez at the Laugh Factory (151 S Pine St.). Ticket prices start at $65.95 on tix.axs.com.
Thursday 12/19
Family Movie: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Families are invited to the Harte Neighborhood Library (1595 W. Willow St.) for a screening of the classic holiday film “Elf.” Closed captions will be played. Free.
Holiday Wreath Making: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Celebrate the season with a festive wreath-making workshop at the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway). In partnership with Rooted Harmony, participants will craft personalized holiday wreaths using various petals and greenery. Registration through the City’s calendar required. Free.
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