Deck the Halls with Long Beach Ornaments

Does anything set the holiday mood quite like ornaments? Whether dangling from a tree or perched on a mantle, ornaments bring sparkle, personality and a whole lot of cheer to any space. Long Beach is home to an array of shops packed with said cheer, not to mention character and creativity, perfect for finding something silly, sentimental and/or shiny. If you’re in search of the perfect little treasure to brighten your home–or someone else’s–here are a few local spots worth hanging around.

SANTA’S WORKSHOP

Each holiday season, a bit of the North Pole touches down in Shoreline Village as Santa’s Workshop (419 Shoreline Village Dr Suite A) sets up shop with whimsical decor and ceiling to floor ornaments. You’ll find classic Santas and gingerbread designs, but given its waterfront setting you can also expect a whole trove with nautical charm—pirates, lighthouses, mermaids, mermen and other ocean-inspired characters ready to make a splash on your tree.

THE BETTER HALF BOUTIQUE

Bixby Knolls’ beloved The Better Half Boutique (3803 Atlantic Ave) continues to shine with its warm, family-run vibe and its wide variety of gifts that can be custom engraved. That includes ornaments, which can be personalized with a date, name or special message. Ornaments are sprinkled throughout the shop, alongside holiday-ready kitchenware, specialty treats, picture frames and a curated collection of unique gifts.

LB SWAG

LB Swag (5304 E 2nd St) celebrates everything Long Beach, with decor and clothes by local makers. That includes ornaments and that includes perhaps the most authentically Long Beach ornament of them all: the charming floating wooden Christmas trees that illuminate our waterways every year. While the real structures tower at 16 feet, LB Swag offers a scaled-down 5-inch ornament version, as well as a 14-inch LED-lit centerpiece that brings that storied coastal glow right into your home.

FAIR TRADE LONG BEACH COLLECTIVE

Fair Trade Long Beach Collective’s (4105 N Bellflower Blvd) lives up to its “glocal” philosophy— blending local craftsmanship with treasures from around the world. Its ornament selection includes pieces made in Long Beach along with handcrafted items like felt ornaments from Nepal. While you’re browsing, you’ll also find an ever-changing lineup of distinctive gifts, from apparel and jewelry to artwork created with purpose and care.

LUNA BELMONT SHORE

Luna Belmont Shore’s (4928 2nd St) has earned its reputation for offering an amazing ornament selection every year, all year long. Their store windows are always strewn with line upon line of ornaments, stopping strollers to gaze upon the festive sparkle whether it’s December or July. Inside, the ornament options run the gamut of Santa and classic holiday icons, quirky characters like zombies and unicorns, beloved pets, and even lots of Hollywood musical legends like Stevie Nicks or David Bowie. It’s a great place to find something unexpected.

SONGBIRD

One of the city’s most entertaining retail spots, Songbird (2240 E 4th) on Retro Row is the kind of place you wander into and find very hard to leave as you revel in items that range from unique to hilarious to uniquely hilarious. That extends to holiday ornaments, which can be hilariously unique whether you choose Christmas cacti, Krampus or a monster collection including Yuletide Wolfman, Frankenstein and Dracula.

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.