1. Belmont Winter Village

In lieu of the storied Christmas Parade, which is planned to return next year, the Belmont Shore Business Association (BSBA) is hosting an an alternative event on Saturday, December 4th: the Belmont Shore Winter Village. The celebration will extend the length of the 2nd Street business corridor and will include activities and entertainment for all ages.

A central stage will be set up next to the Chase Bank building and will feature:

• High school bands
• Dance troupes
• An 8-pc brass ensemble
• A special holiday concert from Manuel the Band who will close out the evening.

Santa will make an appearance at the “Shorth Pole” on the North corner of 2nd + Nieto. Partial closures of side streets will allow for many of the usual float entries to become stationary activations that patrons can interact with as they explore the different activities up and down the street.

2. Holiday Open House at Rancho Los Alamitos

Take a step back in time when you visit Rancho Los Alamitos and its gorgeous, historic ranch and gardens. This area is rich with history of the lives of native people who converted this land into the Long Beach we know and love today. The sacred ranch now hosts annual events for all ages, perfect for the whole family to enjoy. The holiday open house lets you tour the decorated ranch house, perhaps sparking inspiration for your own festivities. This event also features drinks, music and an unforgettable holiday spirit. Rancho Los Alamitos also hosts other seasonal events, including Breakfast with Santa and a Holiday Workshop. Check out the whole event calendar here to see the latest happenings!

3. 75th Annual Naples Boat Parade

Kids and adults alike will love the Naples Boat Parade, happening this year on Saturday, December 18. During this event, boats coast through the canals and Alamitos Bay past brightly decorated mansions. Whether spectators are on a boat or on land, this is a bright and sparkly holiday event that can be thoroughly enjoyed by everyone in the family.

4. Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade

This is a unique community event with lots of bright lights and decorations, holiday displays and nativity scenes, and a whole lot of joy for the whole family.

5. Aquarium Holidays at the Aquarium of the Pacific

Long Beach’s beloved aquarium kicks off the holidays with their annual festivities including holiday décor, gingerbread house displays, daily Penguin Parades, snowfall in the Great Hall, and, of course, special appearances by Santa Diver, who delivers a wave of gifts to the Aquarium of the Pacific’s animals. Not only does the holiday spirit bring joy to grinning onlookers, but to penguins, sea otters, seals, and fish too! Nobody gets excluded from Kris Kringle’s treats at the local aquarium. Instead of going down a chimney, watch as scuba-ready Santa Clause plunges in the tank - a photo op for the entire family. For specific dates and activities at the Aquarium of the Pacific, visit their full holiday schedule here.

6. Winter in Willmore

Head to Drake Park in Long Beach on Saturday, December 18 from 1–4 pm to give your kids a taste of winter in Southern California. Kids can:

• Make yummy gingerbread houses
• Sled down piles of real snow
• Meet Santa and some of his elves
• Get their faces painted

Admission to the event is free!

7. The Long Beach Nutcracker