A Kid-Friendly Guide to Long Beach's Holiday Season

In Long Beach, where holiday parades not only come marching down the street, but cruising down the canals, the real challenge is not finding what to do during the holiday season, but how to fit all the fun stuff in! Here’s a brief rundown of some festive activities you can do with the kids.

With many kid-friendly events including holiday parades and even underwater Santa sightings, Long Beach is the perfect Southern California family-friendly getaway this holiday season. Here are some of the best things to do with kids this holiday season in Long Beach.

AQUARIUM HOLIDAYS, AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC

Nobody celebrates the holidays like the Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way), which celebrates in multiple and unique ways during its annual Aquarium Holidays events from December 6 to 21, 2025. Enjoy festive decorations, daily appearances by Santa Diver, a Kwanzaa display, holiday films, and gift shopping in the Pacific Collections gift store. Each weekend, meet Surfer Santa for photos and visits, and on December 7 and 14, gather for Hanukkah storytelling. On December 6, 13, and 20, the Aquarium will host Breakfast with Santa featuring visits from the Aquarium's mascot characters and Surfer Santa.

CREDIT: Aquarium of the Pacific

2ND & PCH

2ND & PCH (6400 Pacific Coast Hwy) will host a tree lighting event on November 25 from 5 to 8 PM, featuring live music, crafts, face painting, and the chance to meet Santa. Breakfast with Santa will be held at Noble Rotisserie on December 6 and 13 from 9 to 11 AM, and the center’s PCH Explorers Kids Club will host a Story Time with Mrs. Claus on December 23 and a Noon Year Celebration on Dec. 31. There are opportunities to take photos with Santa throughout December, including Silent Santa events on December 7 and 14 designed for those with sensory sensitivities. On Saturdays and Mondays through December 24, experience a magical snowfall at 5, 6, and 7 PM! For info on all holiday happenings, visit the 2ND & PCH website.

CREDIT: 2nd & PCH

RANCHO VOICES: A HOLIDAY CELEBRATION, RANCHO LOS ALAMITOS

Rancho Voices takes place Dec. 4 - 5, 2025 (4-8 p.m.). Last year's Rancho Voices reenacted some of the fabulous Christmas parties thrown by the Bixbys, who originally owned the Rancho, for their workers, families, and friends during the early 1900s. This event at Rancho Los Alamitos (6400 E. Bixby Hill Rd.) featured music and some light refreshments and allows visitors tour and view the Rancho house’s decorations inside and out; perhaps sparking some inspiration for their own holiday decorating. Though the event is free, reservations are required and will be available at the end of October. More details coming soon!

WINTER IN WILLMORE, BEMBRIDGE HOUSE

This free annual holiday event is held at the historic Bembridge House (953 N Park Cir.), and includes music and carolers, falling snow, children's activities like face painting, local vendors, food trucks, and even period Victorian actors in their holiday finery. Children will have the opportunity to meet and discuss holiday plans with Santa Claus himself. Winter in Willmore takes place December 7, 2025 from 4-8 p.m. and is organized by the Willmore City Heritage Assn.

Winter in Willmore Facebook page

QUEEN MARY

For festive fun for the whole family, check out Holly Days Aboard the Queen Mary (1126 Queens Hwy)! This month-long celebration includes a holiday version of the Royal Sunday Brunch with Santa on December 7, 14, and 21. Enjoy screenings of A Christmas Story on Dec. 16 and How The Grinch Stole Christmas on Dec. 17 and a holiday dinner show for all ages, Tibbie’s Holiday Follies on December 19 and 20. Visit Santa’s Ship Stop to build gingerbread houses, enjoy Cocoa with Claus, and send a letter to Santa with replies guaranteed (dates for Santa’s Ship Stop include December 19 from 4 to 9 PM, and December 20 and 21 from 10 AM to 3 PM).

Credit: The Queen Mary

THE NUTCRACKER

Now in its 43rd year, the Long Beach Ballet’s spectacular production of The Nutcracker at the Long Beach Terrace Theater (300 E Ocean Blvd) is known as one of the best in the nation. Featuring a full symphony orchestra, a flying sleigh, a real live horse, on-stage pyrotechnics, and a cast of over 250, this show is a beloved annual holiday tradition for families across Southern California. Shows will be held on December 13-14 and 20-21, 2025. For showtimes and tickets, visit the event’s website.

LONG BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY NOON YEAR’S EVE

On December 31, three local library branches will celebrate the New Year in the middle of the day to allow kids to get in on the fun normally reserved for midnight! Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W Broadway) will host a Noon Year's Eve celebration for kids from 11 AM to 12:30 PM with a dance party, fun crafts, and balloon drop to ring in 2026! Plus, there will be a fun photo opportunity with a special guest. This family friendly event will be held in the Community Room. At Brewitt Neighborhood Library (4036 E Anaheim St), enjoy a family disco party from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, with dancing lessons and crafts. Harte Neighborhood Library (1595 W Willow St) will host a pajama party from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM with music, dancing, a photo op, noise maker craft and a balloon drop at noon.

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About the Author

Claire Atkinson

Claire Atkinson is a Southern California native who has lived in Long Beach for over 20 years. She spends her free time visiting local parks, farmers markets, and museums, and loves learning about Long Beach history and culture.