Long Beach Holiday Traditions: A Season of Change and Celebration
Updated November 2026
A Beloved Naples Tradition Takes a Pause
For generations, the Naples Island Holiday Boat Parade has been one of Long Beach's most cherished seasonal celebrations. Illuminated boats winding through the canals, beautifully decorated waterfront homes, and neighbors gathering along the water have made it a treasured part of the city's holiday identity.
This year, however, the tradition will take a pause.
The Naples Improvement Association has announced the cancellation of the 2026 Naples Island Holiday Boat Parade and neighborhood decorating contest, citing concerns about unusually high tides, potential flooding, and public safety.
With significant tidal activity anticipated during the holiday season, organizers made the difficult decision to prioritize the safety of residents, visitors, and participating boaters.
It's disappointing news for a community that has celebrated this tradition since 1946. But it also reflects the unique challenges of living along the water and the importance of protecting our coastal neighborhoods.
Fortunately, Long Beach has a remarkable collection of holiday traditions, and there are still plenty of wonderful ways to celebrate the season.
Trees in the Bay: A Long Beach Holiday Signature
Few holiday sights are as distinctly Long Beach as the illuminated Christmas trees floating across our waterways.
For decades, the beloved Trees in the Bay tradition has brought seasonal color to Alamitos Bay and surrounding waterfront areas.
Their reflections dancing across the water have become part of the visual identity of a Long Beach Christmas.
Whether admired from the shoreline, a nearby restaurant, or during a quiet evening along the bay, these floating displays capture something special about celebrating the holidays in a coastal community.
They're a reminder that some of our most meaningful traditions are also the simplest.
Belmont Shore Christmas Parade: A Community Favorite
Another beloved Long Beach tradition returns to Second Street this December.
The 42nd Annual Belmont Shore Christmas Parade takes place Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 6–9 p.m.
This year's theme, Light Up the Night, promises an evening filled with illuminated floats, marching bands, festive costumes, and plenty of neighborhood spirit.
Families and friends gather along Second Street, while the surrounding restaurants, boutiques, and familiar gathering places add to the celebration.
For many Long Beach residents, the parade is one of those annual occasions that makes the holiday season feel complete.
👉 Belmont Shore Christmas Parade Details
Downtown Long Beach Lights Up for the Holidays
Downtown Long Beach offers another wonderful way to experience the season.
The annual Long Beach Christmas Tree Lighting returns to Terrace Theater Plaza on Monday, December 7, 2026, from 5–8 p.m.
The celebration features a spectacular 67-foot Christmas tree, more than 500,000 lights, live entertainment, falling snow, and a fireworks finale.
Throughout December, the plaza becomes a festive destination, with oversized ornaments and seasonal displays providing a beautiful backdrop for holiday evenings.
It's an especially enjoyable setting for gathering with friends or family before dinner or a performance downtown.
Admission is free, although advance tickets are required. Tickets are released in weekly batches beginning November 9.
👉 Reserve Free Tickets for the Long Beach Tree Lighting
Holiday Performances at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center
Long Beach has a rich performing arts tradition, and the holidays provide a wonderful opportunity to enjoy it.
The Long Beach Ballet's annual production of The Nutcracker returns to the Terrace Theater December 12–20, bringing generations of audiences together through music, dance, and holiday storytelling.
For many families, attending a holiday performance is as much a tradition as decorating the tree or gathering for a special dinner.
A performance followed by dinner downtown can make for a memorable evening—and another reason to appreciate the cultural experiences available right here in Long Beach.
👉 Long Beach Nutcracker Performance Tickets
Holiday Lights and Neighborhood Traditions Across Long Beach
Beyond the waterfront and downtown celebrations, some of Long Beach's most memorable holiday experiences can be found right in its residential neighborhoods.
From elaborate light displays to traditions passed down through generations, these seasonal touches reflect the pride and community spirit that make Long Beach special.
Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane
In the historic Wrigley neighborhood, Daisy Avenue's Christmas Tree Lane has been a cherished Long Beach tradition for more than 70 years.
Each December, the landscaped medians between Pacific Coast Highway and Hill Street are transformed into a festive holiday village, complete with illuminated trees and whimsical seasonal displays.
It's an especially charming destination for a leisurely evening drive or stroll, offering a nostalgic glimpse of the holidays in Long Beach.
Lights on Falcon in Bixby Knolls
For a more dazzling display, Lights on Falcon has become a neighborhood favorite.
Located at 4128 Falcon Avenue, this elaborate residential installation is known for its synchronized LED lights, music, and interactive elements that turn an ordinary neighborhood home into a remarkable holiday attraction.
It's a wonderful example of the creativity and enthusiasm local residents bring to the season.
East Long Beach Holiday Arches
In East Long Beach, participating homeowners create a particularly welcoming holiday atmosphere with illuminated arches, colorful decorations, and imaginative seasonal themes.
The displays bring a sense of continuity from one home to the next, making an evening drive or neighborhood stroll feel like a shared celebration.
It's these smaller, resident-driven traditions that often become some of the most memorable parts of the season.
Park Estates: A Classic Holiday Setting
Known for its beautiful homes, mature trees, and distinctive residential architecture, Park Estates offers a lovely setting for enjoying holiday decorations.
Throughout the neighborhood, seasonal lighting complements the established landscaping and individual character of the homes.
While not a formally organized holiday attraction, Park Estates can be a delightful addition to an evening spent exploring Long Beach's decorated neighborhoods.
Bembridge House: Holiday Charm and Long Beach History
For those who appreciate historic architecture and timeless holiday traditions, the beautifully preserved Bembridge House in the Willmore neighborhood offers something particularly special.
Built in 1906, this elegant Queen Anne Victorian home is one of Long Beach's architectural treasures.
Each holiday season, Long Beach Heritage brings the home to life with festive decorations and special tours that celebrate both the season and the property's remarkable history.
The 2026 Heritage Holidays theme, Vintage Sparkle, celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah, the Winter Solstice, and Kwanzaa through displays throughout the house.
Special holiday walkthroughs offer visitors the opportunity to explore the home's beautifully decorated interiors at their own pace. Tour dates and reservation details are available through the official Bembridge House website.
The neighborhood also celebrates the season with Winter in Willmore, offering another opportunity to appreciate this historic corner of Long Beach.
It's a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays while discovering the architectural heritage that makes our city so distinctive.
👉 Explore Bembridge House Holiday Tours & Reservations
A Season to Appreciate What Makes Long Beach Special
The absence of the Naples Boat Parade will certainly be felt this year, particularly by the residents and families who have made it part of their holiday celebrations for decades.
But Long Beach has never been defined by just one tradition.
From the floating trees illuminating our bays to the lights of Downtown, historic homes, neighborhood celebrations, and holiday performances, there are still countless ways to enjoy the season.
And perhaps that's what makes the holidays here so memorable.
It's not simply the decorations or the events. It's the sense of place, the familiar traditions, and the people who bring them to life year after year.
Here's to a safe, beautiful holiday season in Long Beach—and to the return of cherished traditions in the years ahead.
For additional seasonal activities and celebrations:
👉 Explore More Long Beach Holiday Events
Discover More of Long Beach
Long Beach's distinctive neighborhoods, waterfront settings, architecture, and community traditions are part of what makes living here so appealing.
For those interested in exploring the neighborhoods and lifestyles that make this coastal city unique:
👉 Explore the Long Beach Neighborhood Guide
Ginette Skelton is a longtime Long Beach resident and Realtor® with Coldwell Banker Realty, sharing local insight into the neighborhoods, homes, and community traditions that define coastal Long Beach.
Ginette Skelton | REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Realty | Global Luxury Specialist
562-225-5658
www.GKnowsRealty.com
