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.
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.
RANCHO VOICES: A HOLIDAY CELEBRATION, RANCHO LOS ALAMITOS
Rancho Voices, which takes place Dec. 7, 8 and 9 (4-8 p.m.) reenacts 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.) features 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.
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE, RANCHO LOS CERRITOS
These festivities include living history tours through the holiday decorated adobe conducted by candlelight. The event, which takes place December 10 from 5-8 p.m., involves costumed guides sharing a century of holiday traditions, while short vignettes take place in the adobe’s exhibit rooms. Along with live music and light refreshments, guests can also peruse the Rancho Los Cerritos’ (4600 Virginia Rd.) museum shop to find unique holiday gifts for all ages. Tours, which take place both inside and out – so, dress appropriately – take about 30 minutes to complete. The event is likely to sell out, so visitors are advised to make their reservations soon.
100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, California 90802
(562) 590-3100
Website
AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, California 90802
4600 Virginia Road
Long Beach, California 90807
(562) 206-2040
Website
RANCHO LOS CERRITOS HISTORIC SITE4600 Virginia Road
Long Beach, California 90807
6400 East Bixby Hill Road
Long Beach, California 90815
(562) 431-3541
Website
RANCHO LOS ALAMITOS HISTORIC RANCH and GARDENS6400 East Bixby Hill Road
Long Beach, California 90815