Ring in the Holidays at the 11th Annual Long Beach Tree Lighting, December 3

(LONG BEACH, CA – NOVEMBER 5, 2025)
The Southland’s favorite Christmas tree lighting extravaganza returns to the Long Beach Terrace Theater Plaza on December 3! Join Santa Claus, Visit Long Beach, and Mayor Rex Richardson for the 11th annual Holiday Tree Lighting. Bring family and friends to enjoy live music, a performance from The Nutcracker by Long Beach Ballet, and one of the most spectacular holiday displays in the region with half-a-million sparkling lights, larger-than-life decorations, and a 67-foot-tall Christmas tree. Fireworks and falling snow will cap off the night, creating memories to last a lifetime.

Giving guests may bring an unwrapped, new toy for the Spark of Love Toy Drive benefiting families in need, run by the Friends of Long Beach Firefighters.

“For more than a decade, our free tree lighting event has grown to attract more and more community members and visitors alike – it has truly become a local family tradition to start the holiday season,” said Steve Goodling, President and CEO of Visit Long Beach. “We invite the community to come Downtown for the event and visit local shops and restaurants – and to keep Long Beach in mind as a holiday destination through year-end, with multiple parades, lighting displays, and events for all ages.”

“This tree lighting has become one of the defining celebrations of the holiday season in Long Beach – a night when thousands of neighbors come together and feel connected,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “My family will be there as we count down and watch the lights shine across the waterfront, and we hope your family will stand with us.”

“I am delighted to welcome everyone to Downtown Long Beach for this exciting holiday event!” said First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas. “This magical event truly captures the spirit of the holidays and the sense of community that makes Long Beach so special. I encourage everyone to come enjoy the festivities, support our local businesses, and make lasting memories in the heart Downtown Long Beach.”

PROGRAM DETAILS:
Ticketed RSVP is required. Go to: go.visitlongbeach.com. One entry per ticket, no re-entry.
Doors open at 5 PM
Live entertainment begins at 5:15 PM
Tree lighting ceremony begins at 6:15 PM
Event ends at 8 PM
Activations: children’s train ride, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, selfie stations with larger-than-life décor, fireworks, falling snow

The plaza will remain open until 8 PM for attendees to enjoy the festivities, and the tree and decorations will remain on the plaza through New Year’s Day for all to enjoy. Each year, more than 30,000 people visit the Plaza to experience the holiday display, take family photos, and explore Downtown.

Due to growing popularity, the tree lighting event is ticketed this year, requiring advance reservations. Tickets are free, and all attendees will receive a Long Beach Holiday Savings Pass to enjoy great deals at local businesses, including Beachwood Blendery, Buono’s Pizzeria, Events on Pine, Five Starr Pilates & Fitness, Laurie’s Pie Bar, PanIQ Room Long Beach, Rachel Marie Photo, Watch Me! Sports Bar, and more. VisitLB is also making the savings pass available to the general public. Get tickets at go.visitlongbeach.com.

Santa Hat Challenge
Also on December 3, Visit Long Beach is launching its Santa Hat Challenge, where visitors can search the plaza for Santa Hat decorations and enter to win prizes. Starting with the tree lighting event and running through December 30, LED Santa hat decorations will be hung around the plaza area. Visitors who find six or more of the hats and scan the QR code posted at each location will be entered to win a sweepstakes. Three winners will be selected in January to win prize bundles that include experiences at local restaurants and attractions.

For more details on the tree lighting event and to reserve free tickets, and to access the holiday savings pass and Santa Hat Challenge, visit go.visitlongbeach.com.

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About Visit Long Beach: Visit Long Beach markets and promotes the City of Long Beach as a destination for leisure travel, conventions and events. Founded in 1982 as a nonprofit corporation, the organization employs myriad strategies to publicize and market the city, including traditional advertising, content marketing, media relations, and robust convention client services. Visit Long Beach has a membership program for local businesses, providing them with marketing and publicity services including web listings, social media promotions, and exposure to convention clients.