Take Part in Holiday Contests at the Terrace Plaza

And this year–Dec. 5, beginning at 5 p.m.–promises even more since the Christmas tree now rises to a record 67-feet, making it the tallest artificial Christmas tree in Los Angeles County. What’s more–like, three times more–are the now 500,000-plus lights that adorn the tree that will be lit when Mayor Robert Garcia flips the switch. On top of all of that, this year will also feature hunts, contests and cash, making this a very happy holiday indeed!

The contests include the Santa Hat Scavenger Hunt, an event reminiscent of searching for Easter eggs except that instead of eggs, people will be looking for oversized Santa hats. The hats are not made of cloth but bright LED lights, making them a bit easier to find around the Terrace Theater Plaza as well as Rainbow Bridge. There are 12 such hats of different colors representing different aspects of Long Beach–for example, there’s a rainbow hat repping the city’s LGBTQ+ community.

To participate in the contest, simply take a selfie with at least three different hats and post them on Instagram with the hashtag #LBSantaSearch to be entered for a chance to win prizes. Three people will be randomly selected at the end of December and be awarded with $500 each.

There is also a Holiday Photo contest that begins Dec. 5. Take a photo on the Terrace Theater Plaza and post it on Instagram with the #LBHolidayMagic, and you will be entered in a contest that will also award three selected participants $500 each.

As has always been the case, the tree lighting will be accompanied by a spectacular fireworks display. Before and after the lighting you can expect all manner of music, whether from DJs or talented performers.

The Southern California Brass Consortium, a group of more than 25 brass and percussionists, will be playing holiday favorites and, likewise, SoCal VoCals will be singing their acapella versions of the best loved Christmas carols. The Long Beach Ballet, which will once again be performing the country’s most popular Nutcracker (Dec. 16-18, 22-23) will perform selections from the classic ballet.

Families can take free train rides around the plaza and there will be multiple photo booths as plenty of oversized Christmas ornaments and snow globes for folks to gather inside for unique photos. There will be food trucks and local restaurants providing plenty of great food.

Since the tree lighting signals the start of the holiday season in Downtown Long Beach, Downtown Long Beach will be decorated in its holiday best, including more than 100 wreaths and garland displayed along the Promenade as well on Pine Avenue. The Shoreline Square office building will be lit from street level to its 20-story top, while the condominiums and apartments that border the Terrace Plaza will help create a wall of light, continuing a seamless continuation of lights and decorations from the plaza.