This week, Long Beach and Signal Hill are buzzing with holiday events to suit every interest and age group. Those seeking seasonal cheer can attend tree lightings in Colorado Lagoon and Cal Heights, a celebration at SteelCraft, a festive photoshoot at a neighborhood library or a holiday market at LBX.
For music lovers, the Apocalypse Zombieland Bass Festival promises a two-day spectacle of live performances with a post-apocalyptic twist, while an indie rock night showcases local talent in an intimate setting.
Art lovers can enjoy an outdoor projection art installation in downtown Long Beach, or reflect on the lives of two late local artists at the Rod Briggs Memorial Gallery.
Friday 11/29
Apocalypse – Zombieland Bass Festival: 2 p.m. During this two-day music festival at the Queen Mary Waterfront (1126 Queens Hwy.), guests will enjoy four stages of bass music with post-apocalyptic vibes. This inaugural festival combines live performances with an immersive zombie-themed narrative. All ages are welcome. Ticket prices start at $152.31 on apocalypsefest.frontgatetickets.com.
Colorado Lagoon 36th Annual Tree Lighting: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Join the Alamitos Heights Improvement Association and Belmont Heights Community Association for their 36th annual Holiday Tree Lighting at the newly renovated Colorado Lagoon Playground (5119 E. Colorado St.). Enjoy caroling led by the Wilson High School Carolers, an open house at the Wetlands and Marine Science Education Center, and a visit from Santa. The tree lighting ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. Free.
Saturday 11/30
Hot Girl Walk: 10 a.m. Adult women are invited on a walk through the Bixby Knolls business district to explore local shops and connect with the community. The walk will start at the Expo Arts Center, (4321 Atlantic Ave.) and end at Lola’s Mexican Cuisine for a Friendsgiving mixer. Registration is required through Eventbrite. Free.
Ube Makers Mart: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The public is invited to this ube-centric food market in Downtown Long Beach’s East Village Arts District (First St. & Elm Ave.). Attendees can try ube treats, shop from local vendors and listen to vinyl music. First Street will be closed from Linden to Elm Avenues for this family-friendly event. Free.
Festive Holiday Market: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Celebrate the season at The Hangar Food Hall (4150 McGowen St.). This family-friendly event will include over 40 local craft vendors, delicious food from eight restaurants, an on-site brewery and live entertainment. Free admission.
Arts Film Series: 12:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. The Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway) will host a double feature exploring the art of ballet. The selected films are “Ballerina,” a documentary profiling five Russian ballerinas from the Mariinsky Theatre, and “White Nights,” a drama about a ballet dancer stranded in the USSR. Brief introductions and discussions will take place before and after each film. Free.
Be The Light: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Loiter Galleries and the Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DLBA) will present a projection art installation at the Mosaic storefront (290 E Fourth St.) in Downtown Long Beach. Free.
Holiday Photo Shoot & Bookmarks: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Bring friends, family and a camera to the Harte Neighborhood Library (1595 W. Willow St.) for a festive photo shoot. Holiday pajamas and props are encouraged. Attendees can also make felt bookmarks. No pets allowed. Free.
Sunday 12/1
Crochet Circle: Noon to 3:30 p.m. Join fellow crocheters at Valparaiso Plaza (2100 E. Ocean Blvd.) for an afternoon of creativity and connection. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crocheter, this event welcomes everyone to learn, share projects and make new friends in the community. Bring a blanket, snacks and crochet materials if you have them (supplies will be available if needed). Enjoy a cozy outdoor atmosphere as you stitch, chat and unwind with fellow enthusiasts. To find the exact location of the group on the day of the event, direct message @knotieshortie on Instagram. Free.
Buy Nothing Holiday Market: Noon. This free holiday market hosted by Care Culture Collab in the Good Time parking lot (1322 Coronado Ave.) gives people the chance to donate items they would like to receive as a gift, and “shop” from other people’s donations. Care Culture Collab is asking for items such as jackets, winter coats, backpacks, tote bags, clothing, blankets, art supplies, books, canned food, pet care items and more. Leftover items will be donated to 7th St. Collective’s weekly free market. Free.
In Memoriam Exhibit: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The public is invited to the opening of this art exhibit memorializing the work of two late local artists at the Rod Briggs Gallery (2221 E. Broadway). The exhibit will honor Marka Burns, an influential artist and educator at CSULB, and Mic Burns, a renowned pipe designer and digital painter. Free.
Holiday Bash: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Celebrate the season during this family-friendly event at SteelCraft Long Beach (3768 Long Beach Blvd.). Attendees can meet Santa and Rudolph, enjoy kids’ crafts with Able ARTS Work and dance to music by DJ Daryl Mags. Free.
Indie Rock & Art Night: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Experience live indie music and art at Que Sera (1923 E. Seventh St.), featuring performances by MRK, Riot Knight, Hasan and the Unseen, and opener Orcein, alongside an art bazaar featuring local artisans and vendors. This event is for those 21 and older. Entry is $5.
Monday 12/2
K-9 Emergency First Aid & CPR: 10:30 a.m. to noon. Dog owners are invited to learn how to care for their furry friends in emergency situations during this workshop at the Signal Hill Public Library (1800 E Hill St.). Hazards discussed will include choking, poisons, wound care and more. This workshop is for those 18 and older. Registration is required. Register by calling 562 989 7330. Free.
Harte-felt Holiday Gifts: 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Get inspired this holiday season with thoughtful and budget-friendly gift ideas curated by the staff at the Harte Neighborhood Library (1595 W. Willow St., Long Beach). Librarians will share a list of creative and inexpensive gift examples perfect for everyone on your list. Complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa will be available while supplies last. Free.
Tuesday 12/3
Heritage Holidays: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Celebrate the season with Long Beach Heritage at the Bembridge House (953 N. Park Circle). Enjoy live music, caroling, seasonal treats, and guided tours of this 118-year-old Victorian home. Tickets can be purchased for $17.85 on Eventbrite.
Dungeons & Dragons: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Teens in the 7th through 12th grades are invited to join a Dungeons & Dragons campaign at the El Dorado Neighborhood Library (2900 Studebaker Rd., Long Beach). This interactive event welcomes players of all skill levels for a campaign to Stormwreck Isle. Registration is required as space is limited. Register by calling (562) 570-3136 or through the City’s online calendar. Free.
Wednesday 12/4
Holiday Tree Lighting: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Celebrate the season during this annual holiday celebration at the Terrace Plaza (300 E. Ocean Blvd.). Enjoy the lighting of a 67-foot tree adorned with over 500,000 lights, live music, performances, food trucks, pictures with Santa and a fireworks display. Free.
Polar Bears in a Changing Arctic: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Join Dr. Karyn Rode, wildlife biologist, at the Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way) for a discussion about polar bears and their changing habitat. Afterward, attendees can enjoy cocktails from the cash bar, music, crafts and live animal exhibits. This event is appropriate for those over the age of 14. Tickets are $5 on the aquarium’s website or $10 at the door.
Thursday 12/5
Holiday Open House: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Rancho Los Alamitos (6400 E. Bixby Hill Rd.) will be holding a holiday celebration featuring music and light refreshments in its historic buildings and gardens. Registration through Eventbrite is required. Parking onsite will cost $5. Admission is free.
Cal Heights Tree Lighting: 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Kick off the holiday season at the second annual Cal Heights Neighborhood Tree Lighting at the corner of Orange Avenue and Bixby Road, featuring a 15-foot tree, remarks by Councilwoman Megan Kerr, and live music by local choirs and jazz artist Billy Mohler. Enjoy tacos, hot cocoa, cookie decorating, photos with Santa and more. Attendees are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to children in need. Parking is limited in the neighborhood and walking is encouraged. Free.
