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 5 of the best things to do with kids this holiday season in Long Beach.

CREDIT: @DeadEndBrigade

ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING, TERRACE THEATER PLAZA

Long Beach officially kicked off the holiday season on November 28, by lighting more than a half-million lights on a 67-foot-tall Christmas tree, the largest artificial Christmas tree in Los Angeles County. As usual, the event, now in its ninth year, was accompanied by lots of singing, dancing, performances, and a plaza dressed up for the holidays with even more lights and plenty of Instagrammable points of interest, including giant Christmas ornaments that you can stand inside!

AQUARIUM HOLIDAYS, AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC

Nobody celebrates the holidays like the Aquarium of the Pacific, which celebrates in multiple and unique ways during its annual Aquarium Holidays events in December. On Saturdays December 2 through 17 the Aquarium will have photo opportunities with Santa and visitors can experience snowfall in the Great Hall and festive holiday decor. Throughout the month ‘ol Kris Kringle turns in his usual red velvet suit for a red scuba outfit (the better to plunge into the tanks and deliver ocean gifts to the Aquarium animals, sea lions, fish, etc.). Also during Aquarium Holidays, the Aquarium will host a Kwanzaa celebration and Hanukkah storytelling.

Gingerbread Decorating Workshops

Master Gingerbread Builder Isaac Salgado has created massive gingerbread villages at Long Beach businesses for over a decade, and this year he will share his skills with local kids. His gingerbread workshops (with Santa!) will be held December 10 at Confidential Coffee (137 W 6th St) and on December 17 at The Pie Bar (450 Pine Ave). Admission for one child and one adult chaperone includes all materials, photo ops, and holiday cheer.

Credit: @DeadEndBrigade

RANCHO VOICES: A HOLIDAY CELEBRATION, RANCHO LOS ALAMITOS

WINTER IN WILLMORE, BEMBRIDGE HOUSE

After more than a decade, this free annual holiday event is moving to the historic Bembridge House (953 N Park Cir.), and will include 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 16 from 3-7 p.m. and is organized by the Willmore City Heritage Assn.

Winter in Willmore Facebook page

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE, RANCHO LOS CERRITOS

About the Author
Claire Atkinson
Related Content: