Holiday Magic for the Entire Family: A Festive Story from Long Beach & Beyond
The evening chill wraps around you as you step into the twinkling heart of Long Beach. Streets glow, laughter drifts from corner cafés, and the holidays are alive—not through commercial glitz, but through cherished local traditions. From waterfront parades to historic neighborhood markets, this coastal corner of Southern California transforms into a tapestry of light and celebration every holiday season.
1. Lights on the Water in Long Beach
Downtown Long Beach erupts in sparkle with its annual tree lighting—a 67-foot fir draped in half a million lights. Soon after, Shoreline Village hosts the Parade of 1,000 Lights, where boats shimmer with whimsical themes like “Surf, Sand & Santa.” The bay itself becomes the canvas for holiday joy.
2. Naples Island’s Canal Magic
Naples Island remains one of the most enchanting places to celebrate. Each December, the Christmas Boat Parade winds through the canals, a tradition since 1946. Whether strolling the bridges or gliding in a gondola, the glow of the homes and boats creates a holiday dreamscape you won’t soon forget.
3. Belmont Shore’s Street Spectacle
On the first Saturday of December, East Second Street fills with marching bands, floats, dance troupes, and Santa himself for the Belmont Shore Christmas Parade. It’s a neighborhood tradition with the energy of a small-town festival and the backdrop of a big city.
4. Seal Beach by the Sea
Just a few minutes down the coast, Seal Beach rings in the holidays with its own beloved traditions. The Seal Beach Christmas Parade, held downtown along Main Street, features local schools, classic cars, community groups, and plenty of coastal cheer. It’s followed by the Seal Beach Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Eisenhower Park—where ocean breezes mingle with the scent of cocoa and pine.
Fun fact: Locals say the parade feels like “small-town Americana by the sea,” making it one of the coziest holiday gatherings in Orange County.
5. San Pedro’s Waterfront Sparkle
Just northwest of Long Beach, San Pedro keeps its maritime spirit alive with the Los Angeles Harbor Holiday Afloat Parade, a long-standing tradition where boats, yachts, and tugboats cruise the channel decked out in dazzling lights. Add to that the San Pedro Holiday Parade down Pacific Avenue—featuring community groups, drill teams, and Santa on a firetruck—and you’ve got the perfect blend of land and sea celebrations.
Fun fact: The Afloat Parade dates back to the 1960s and is considered one of the largest waterfront holiday events in Southern California.
6. Stage & Ship Traditions in Long Beach
No holiday season here is complete without the Long Beach Ballet’s Nutcracker, featuring a flying sleigh, live orchestra, and pyrotechnics—arguably one of the grandest productions in the country. Meanwhile, the Queen Mary’s “12 Days of Christmas”transforms the historic ship into a floating wonderland, with gingerbread houses, choirs, and even smoke stacks lit like giant holiday candles.
7. Markets & Community Gatherings
Fourth Street’s holiday craft fair, the Uptown Village Market, and Winter in Willmore at Bembridge House all add a homegrown touch to the season with artisan vendors, gingerbread decorating, and historic ambiance. Each neighborhood has its own cozy corner to sip cider, shop local, and meet Santa.
8. A Short Drive to Winter Magic
Cross into Orange County for Winter Fest OC at the fairgrounds—complete with snow play, tubing, and over a million lights. Or take the artistic route at Laguna Beach’s Sawdust Festival Winter Fantasy, where handcrafted gifts, carolers, and twinkling pathways make it feel like a European holiday market on the Pacific.
The holidays here aren’t just events—they’re traditions layered with history, community, and coastal charm.
Photo cutlines:
The spectacular annual tree lighting ceremony in downtown Long Beach
It’s a Queen Mary Christmas!
Sawdust Art Festival Winter Fantasy in Laguna Beach
