Holiday Performances in Long Beach

Another holiday season in Long Beach brings with it another slate of great performances capturing the magic, music and storytelling of this festive time of year. From grand ballets and intimate classical concerts to glowing choral celebrations and spirited theatrical favorites, there’s some kind of holiday magic for every kind of arts lover.

EGG NOG: A HOLIDAY MYSTERY, LONG BEACH CITY COLLEGE

Long Beach City College invites you to celebrate the season at Eggnog: A Holiday Mystery, a festive performance featuring the LBCC Wind Ensemble, conducted by Brian Hamilton, and the LBCC Symphony Orchestra, led by Roger Przytulski. Enjoy an afternoon of spirited music and holiday cheer on Dec. 7 at 2 PM in the Liberal Arts Campus Auditorium (4901 E Carson St, Building J). This joyful event promises fun, mystery, and memorable performances for audiences of all ages.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL, LONG BEACH PLAYHOUSE

December 6-21

Returning for its annual incarnation at the Mainstage of Long Beach Playhouse (5021 E Anaheim St), this is a fast-paced retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol featuring all of the familiar characters: ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Future, as well as Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and, of course, Ebenezer Scrooge himself. This yearly tradition takes place from Dec. 6-21, at 2 and 8 PM.

Credit: Long Beach Playhouse

A BAROQUE CHRISTMAS IN GERMANY

December 20

Celebrate the holidays surrounded by exquisite musicianship at First Congregational Church of Long Beach (241 Cedar Avenue) as Musica Angelica presents a radiant evening of traditional German Baroque music. This intimate concert featuring works by Bach, Handel and Telemann, showcases Maestro Martin Haselböck performing on organ alongside distinguished artists, bringing the expressive warmth of the season to life. Guests are invited to a hosted pre-reception with hors d’oeuvres and beverages before the 7:30 PM performance.

THE NUTCRACKER, LONG BEACH BALLET

December 13-21

Long Beach Ballet’s beloved production of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker at the Long Beach Terrace Theater (300 E Ocean Blvd) is regularly voted the nation’s most loved. Blending classical artistry with cinematic magic, this lavish production features a full orchestra, cast of more than 200 performers, dazzling pyrotechnics, even a live horse. Artistic Director David Wilcox’s imaginative staging makes this one of the nation’s most celebrated Nutcrackers. Come enjoy all the wonder, warmth and holiday enchantment audiences look forward to each year.

HANDEL’S MESSIAH, LONG BEACH CAMERATA SINGERS

December 2 & December 22

Camerata Singers–choral partner for the Long Beach Symphony and Musica Angelica–will perform Handel’s Messiah, Dec. 22 at Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church (5195 Stearns St) at 7:30 PM. Also, the crystalline a cappella voices of Camerata’s Catalyst Chamber Ensemble will perform Candlelight Christmas on Dec. 2 at 7:30 PM at St. Cornelius Catholic Church (5500 E Wardlow Rd). Step into the glow of the season with an intimate, all-candlelight concert featuring timeless carols and fresh new choral works.

About the Author
Steve Lowery
Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.
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