Sunshine, Sea Breezes and Seriously Good Eats Make Long Beach Your Ultimate Coastal Holiday Escape
December in Long Beach feels like California’s version of a snow globe, except the glitter is sunlight glinting off the Pacific. The palms are wrapped in twinkle lights, the boats are dressed in tinsel and flip-flops replace snow boots. This season, the city’s waterfront glow, global eats and laid-back charm make it one of the most festive escapes in Southern California. From dazzling Long Beach Christmas events to waterfront dining and holiday shopping sprees, the city blends merry with style. Download the Long Beach Holiday Savings Pass to unlock local discounts, then let this Long Beach holiday guide show you the best places to eat, play and celebrate all season long.
1. Kick Off the Season at the Terrace Plaza
The holiday festivities officially start at Terrace Plaza. The downtown skyline sparkles as locals gather for live music, food trucks and family fun. Kids sip cocoa while couples take photos under the giant illuminated tree that casts a glow across the Convention Center. This year, keep an eye out for the Santa Hat Challenge, a scavenger hunt that turns downtown into a playful winter wonderland. It’s festive, it’s free and it’s the perfect way to see the city light up.
2. Parades That Spark Holiday Spirit
Long Beach takes its holiday parades seriously, and the city streets and canals come alive with cheer. On Dec. 6, the Belmont Shore Christmas Parade rolls down 2nd Street with marching bands, decorated floats and a pajama world record attempt that adds a playful twist. The following week, the Daisy Lane Christmas Parade (Dec. 13) brings cozy neighborhood vibes with local schools and performers. Then, on Dec. 20, the Naples Island Boat Parade steals the show as yachts shimmer through the canals like floating Christmas trees. For an extra dose of sparkle, book a Gondola Getaway, Duffy boat or glowing Waterbike to see the lights from the water.
3. A Season of Shows, Carols & Culture
If your ideal December includes art and music, Long Beach holidays deliver. The city’s performing arts calendar is packed with classics and local flair. Catch Rancho Voices (Dec. 4–5) “A Christmas Carol” at the Long Beach Playhouse (Dec. 6–21) or The Nutcracker by Long Beach Ballet (Dec. 13–21). The Camerata Singers’ “Messiah” on Dec. 22 and Musica Angelica’s Baroque Christmas on Dec. 20 fill the air with angelic harmonies, while the Parol Lantern Festival at the Expo Arts Center (Dec. 20) adds a vibrant cultural touch. History lovers will love the Bembridge House Holiday Tour, where this Victorian gem glows with timeless charm.
4. Family Fun With Fins & Lights
Families will find no shortage of holiday things to do in Long Beach. The Aquarium of the Pacific transforms into a festive paradise during Surfer Santa weekends, with Santa swapping his sleigh for a surfboard. Don’t miss Breakfast with Santa at Café Scuba on Saturdays in December, or hop aboard a City Cruises Christmas Cruise for waterfront views and selfies with Santa. Over at the Queen Mary, cozy up for “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” during Movies on the Mary on Dec. 17. Between the ocean views and the holiday cheer, even the sea lions seem to be smiling.
5. Where to Stay (and Sleigh)
When it comes to where to stay in Long Beach, every hotel brings its own cheer. Hotel Maya feels like a tropical Christmas card, with waterfront views, glowing palms and holiday dinners at Fuego. Hyatt Regency Long Beach puts you steps from The Pike and Shoreline Village, while The Westin Long Beach offers a festive lobby and easy access to Terrace Plaza events. The Cove Hotel pairs boutique charm with proximity to downtown fun, and Belmont Shore Inn makes parade weekends a front-row experience. Wherever you check in, Long Beach hospitality feels like a warm hug.
6. Where to Eat, Drink & Be Merry
Foodies, rejoice. Long Beach restaurants know how to bring the flavor all year, but the holiday dining scene makes it extra special. Cozy up at The Attic on Broadway for comfort food with Southern flair, or enjoy craft brews and harbor views at Ballast Point Brewing. Indulge in seafood perfection at Roe Seafood, and let Cafe Sevilla spice things up with tapas and live flamenco. When it’s time for a nightcap, pop into the city’s spirited bar pop-ups at Beachwood Brewing & Distilling, Port City Tavern, Bamboo Club, or The Social List. Each serves a little holiday mischief with your martini.
7. Holiday Dining Experiences Worth Booking
For a night that feels like an event, book Nettuno’s Fonduta Experience (Dec. 8–Jan. 6). This indulgent cheese-and-wine dinner is everything you crave on a cool December night. Before or after a show at the Playhouse or Ballet, grab dinner at The Ordinarie, where the Miracle Bar Christmas pop-up fills the air with tinsel and cheer. Whether you’re toasting with mulled wine or nibbling fondue by candlelight, this is holiday dining in Long Beach at its most festive.
8. Shop, Sip & Stroll Through the Season
Holiday shopping feels easy and fun when you’re surrounded by palm trees and ocean air. At 2ND & PCH, enjoy Breakfast with Santa and snap a photo with the jolly man himself. Plus, don’t miss the Dec. 14 Hanukkah celebration here too! Over on Retro Row, shop local boutiques for vintage treasures, or grab a craft beer while lounging at SteelCraft Long Beach. At Long Beach Exchange (LBX), shop small brands, dine outdoors and catch live carolers.
Pro tip: download the Long Beach Holiday Savings Pass for exclusive discounts while you shop.
9. Explore the Waterfront Icons
Every great Long Beach holiday guide includes the city’s signature waterfront spots. Spend your days wandering The Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, Shoreline Village and The Pike Outlets, or dive into culture at the Museum of Latin American Art and the Long Beach Museum of Art. As day turns to night, enjoy dinner at Fuego at Hotel Maya for Latin fusion and sunset views, or head to The Carvery for prime rib and cocktails. For a chic finale, sip a holiday drink at The Bungalow Long Beach, where ocean views and twinkle lights are always in season.
10. Beach Days, But Make Them Festive
Where else can you celebrate the holidays with your toes in the sand? Long Beach beaches make winter feel like summer with sunshine and sea breezes. Spend the afternoon at Junipero Beach or Alamitos Beach, stroll the Belmont Pier and let your pup run free at Rosie’s Dog Beach. Before sunset, head to Bluff Park, where the Pacific horizon turns pink and gold. It’s the kind of moment that makes you grateful to call California home, even without a single snowflake in sight.
11. Capture the Coastal Magic
Every great holiday season deserves its own highlight reel. Snap festive photos at Terrace Plaza, where the Long Beach tree lighting shines bright, or wander the Naples Canals to see the reflections of glowing homes on the water. End your evening with a Harbor Breeze Cruise for panoramic skyline views that feel straight out of a postcard. Before you go, pick up the annual Joe Jost’s holiday t-shirt, a beloved local tradition and the perfect souvenir from this beachside winter wonderland.
This article is brought to you by one of the many talented writers associated with Locale Magazine! We are a group of locals (whether born and raised or transplanted) who love this county we now call home!
