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What's happening in Long Beach, CA, this December?
Here are our top picks for weekend events and activities in Long Beach this month. Enjoy!
Say "Yeah!" as the multi-award-winning musical spectacle Kinky Boots arrives to lift your spirits to high-heeled heights! Winner of every Best Musical award, including the Tony®, Grammy®, and London’s Olivier Award, this captivating show features an infectious, score by Cyndi Lauper and a book by four-time Tony winner Harvey Fierstein. Based on true events, the story follows an unlikely pair who discover that changing your mind is the first step to changing the world.
Uncover the rich holiday history of Long Beach at the festive Rancho Los Alamitos gathering. Channel the spirit of the early 1900s Bixby family community Christmas parties by touring the elegantly decorated Ranch House. Gather your loved ones for a truly charming evening featuring seasonal music and complimentary snacks in a gorgeous historic setting.
Start your gift hunt early at the special shopping showcase presented by Rancho Los Alamitos! Visitors receive exclusive access to the decorated Museum Store, packed with great fall and winter items and creations from local makers. Grab a beverage from the pop-up coffee bar and score amazing deals across all holiday merchandise.
Experience the cutting-edge comedy of the celebrated Louis C.K., a six-time Emmy and three-time Grammy Award winner. Known for his groundbreaking specials like "Sincerely, Louis C.K." and sold-out live performances like "Back To The Garden", this comedy powerhouse promises a raw and unforgettable set. Join one of the biggest names in stand-up for an evening of laughter at Long Beach Convention Center's Terrace Theater.
Long Beach Playhouse's Mainstage Theater presents the cherished holiday favorite, A Christmas Carol, in a highly theatrical retelling of the Charles Dickens classic directed by Carole Louise Nicholson. Witness Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation as the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future try to set the miser on the path to holiday cheer alongside characters like Tiny Tim and Bob Cratchit.
Gather in Downtown Long Beach on December 7 for the annual International Tamales Festival featuring a Homemade Tamales Contest, Tequila Tasting, unique shopping vendors, and exciting live entertainment. The day also includes a dedicated Kids Zone for a day of family-friendly fun.
Witness an adrenaline-fueled spectacle when Nitro Circus brings world-class daredevils and elite athletes to Long Beach! Prepare to be wowed by unstoppable energy and jaw-dropping stunts from top-tier performers across FMX, BMX, skate, scooter, and many more disciplines. This high-octane show delivers incredible action that will captivate fans of every age!
Join Olive & Rose and Clay on First for a fun and creative Holiday Ornament Painting Workshop! Your ticket secures your spot in the class and includes your own pottery item to decorate. Make a festive night of it by ordering drinks and snacks from Olive & Rose's courtyard happy hour menu, available throughout the event.
Bring your seasonal creativity and good vibes to this workshop at Ballast Point Brewery. Craft a gorgeous wreath while enjoying local brews and spectacular evening waterfront views. No green thumb is required to participate in this fun and festive workshop!
The acclaimed Long Beach Ballet returns to the Terrace Theater for the 42nd annual run of the nation's "best-loved" production, The Nutcracker. Artistic Director David Wilcox pulls out all the stops, showcasing a cast of over 250, a full symphony orchestra, and spectacular effects including a flying sleigh, a real horse, and on-stage pyrotechnics. This beloved holiday classic brings magical surprises the entire family will adore.
Celebrate the holidays at the annual Daisy Parade, presented by the City of Long Beach and Councilmember Roberto Uranga. The procession begins on Daisy Avenue at West Burnett Street and travels south, looping around Pacific Coast Highway before returning north.
Craft your own beautiful holiday decor during the Native Plant Wreath Workshop at Rancho Los Alamitos. Begin with a fascinating tour of the Rancho's Native Garden, learning about the importance of California's indigenous plants. Then, dive into the fun to make a unique 8-inch wreath to take home.
Grab your Santa suits and join the most festive pub-crawl of the season in Bixby Knolls. Create your own route through "Brewery Knolls," visiting local breweries, restaurants, and shops all within walking distance. Enjoy great food and drink specials, live music, holiday shopping, and a scavenger hunt, all while supporting the BKBIA and the Bixby Knolls Community Foundation.
Prepare for a dazzling spectacle as the annual Naples Boat Parade turns the romantic canals of Naples Island into a holiday wonderland. Festive decorations cover not only the watercraft but also the brightly adorned homes along the canals. This year, the excitement heats up with the theme "A Tropical Winter Wonderland," promising a unique and memorable celebration.
Musica Angelica, Long Beach’s renowned period instrument ensemble, presents a beautiful and intimate concert featuring A Baroque Christmas in Germany. This exquisite performance combines traditional vocal and instrumental compositions from masters like Bach, Handel, and Telemann, with Maestro Martin Haselböck featured on the organ alongside special guest artists.
Don your finest mask and celebrate New Year's Eve aboard the Queen Mary. Each deck will be transformed into an immersive experience, featuring everything from secret speakeasies and ballroom grandeur to lively jazz and dazzling cabaret performances. Enjoy signature cocktails, delicious food, and top-tier entertainment, culminating in the best fireworks show on the West Coast.
Ring in 2026 high above the city at HALO, the rooftop bar at the Fairmont Breakers Long Beach, for an unforgettable New Year's Eve celebration. Expect sweeping skyline views, signature cocktails, and live DJ entertainment perfect for dancing under the stars. The evening includes a photo booth, elevated bites, and a champagne toast as you enjoy a front-row seat to the midnight fireworks.
For all upcoming events visit our Event Calendar or check out the This Is Long Beach blog.
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Neighborhoods
Home to a perfect blend of wonderful and welcome communities.
Plan Your Trip
Whether you’re visiting Long Beach, California for business, fun or both, you’ll always find something unconventional to do.
Events in Long Beach
Special events in Long Beach invite visitors to experience a variety of festivals, sporting events, concerts, and celebrations throughout the year.