Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas in Long Beach
If you’re in the Los Angeles area this December, don’t sleep on Long Beach! This city truly has it all—ritzy glitzy boutiques are balanced with relaxed local restaurants, and the LA excitement is subdued by the laid-back coastal atmosphere. It’s the seventh-most populated city in California for a reason, and it only gets better around this time of year! From top-tier gift shopping to boat parades through Italian-styled canals and some of the freshest seafood around, Long Beach provides the ultimate California Christmas experience. Here are six ways to spend December in Long Beach.
Merry Shrimpmas!
San Pedro Fish Market Shrimpmas
@localemag Calling all seafood lovers, we found your new favorite restaurant. 🦞🍤 #localemagazine #locale #longbeachfoodies #longbeach #lbc #longbeacheats #sanpedrofishmarket @San Pedro Fish Market ♬ California – The Lagoons
On the 12th day of Shrimpmas, San Pedro gave to me… seasoned loaded shrimp trays! Follow along on San Pedro Fish Market’s Instagram for 12 days of giveaways starting Dec. 10. Enter for your chance to win gift cards and tickets to events all over Long Beach! We may have heard whispers about romantic dinners and gondola getaways, but you’ll have to check in each day to see what each gift of the season is—and who has been naughty or nice. Be sure to visit the Alamitos Bay location to dine overlooking the marina and dive into plates of fresh-caught fish. Their fish is all the fuss, but don’t miss out on their Parmesan-topped zucchini fries and a margarita to wash it all down! Holiday turkey gone wrong? San Pedro Fish Market is open 365 days a year, so celebrate the season with Long Beach’s family-owned favorite. Merry Shrimpmas!
A Night on Naples
Naples Christmas Boat Parade
Long Beach locals trade in sleighs for ships on Saturday, Dec. 10! Inspired by Italian charm, Naples Island in Long Beach is lined with cozy canals that light up with the colorful glow of the annual Naples Christmas Boat Parade! The parade has been a beloved community tradition for the past 75 years and is festive fun for everyone. LED trees shine on the bay, and the whole town nestles in on the island for the spectacular show starting at 6 p.m. Streets close at 5 p.m., so it’s best to find parking across the Second St bridge and walk across to the island—this also provides the best views and is where carolers tend to gather to spread Christmas cheer!
Glide into Merriment
Gondola Ride
While the Naples Boat Parade only lasts one night, the twinkling light displays lining the island are a spectacle to be enjoyed all month long! And a gondola ride is the most enchanting way to do so. The Gondola Getaway offers tours through the channels every night of December, starting at $200 for four passengers. Snuggle up to view beautifully decorated homes by boat! Gondolas are popular among couples but seat up to six so all can enjoy. You’ll float past a Christmas-tree plantation with over 70 glowing trees that sparkle above the bay. There’s no corkage fee, so book your ride and bring a bottle of red for the ultimate Venetian sleigh ride—cozy blankets included!
Home for the Holidays
The Shop by Jasmine Roth Pop-Up Shop
There’s no place like home for the holidays, so turn your home into a cozy and chic winter wonderland with a little help from HGTV’s Jasmine Roth! Roth, home designer and host of the HGTV series, “Help! I Wrecked My House,” launched her first holiday collection and pop-up shop at 2nd & PCH this year. Spoiler alert: it’s everything you didn’t know you needed. Through Jan. 8, browse amongst jingle bell garlands and copper kitchen essentials to find everything to deck the halls and stuff the stockings! Not to mention, 2nd & PCH is full of amazing restaurants, a roller rink and so many fun stores for holiday shopping, so bring the whole family—and don’t forget to take selfies with Santa!
Christmas Treasures
Long Beach Antique Market
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Christmas classics never get old! And neither do the classics found at the Long Beach Antique Market. The monthly Long Beach Antique Market is a treasure chest of vintage gems that make great gifts and are perfect for decorating the mantle. Explore the 20 acres of antique furniture, jewelry, art and clothing for one-of-a kind riches on Dec. 18 at Long Beach Veterans Stadium. The market is open from 5:30 a.m.-2 p.m., and early birds get a discount on the $10 admission fee. Cash tickets are sold at the box office the day of, so mark your calendars and get ready to go antique hunting!
‘Tis The Season To Shop Local
Creative Communal Artisan Market
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There’s no better time of year to support local businesses and shop small. Join Creative Communal at their artisan pop-up market at 2nd & PCH Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 17-18. Look out for Santa’s elves to confirm your spot on the nice list because amongst the 30+ local makers, you’ll find character meet-and-greets as well. That all adds up to plenty of festive photo ops! As you shop, sing along to classic holiday jingles performed by live musicians and treat yourself to festive foods at this family-friendly event. And yes, pups are included as part of the family! Expect handmade jewelry, boutique fashion, home goods, fine art and most importantly, lots of holiday cheer.
