Long Beach Lights Up: Free Long Beach Light Displays & Festivities for Families

As the season shifts into twinkle lights, hot chocolate, and holiday cheer, there’s no better time than now to map out a festive-filled holiday for your family in Long Beach!

So many events are free, family-friendly, and perfect for creating holiday memories with your little ones, so check out our list to a fun holiday season kickoff specially made for mamas looking for no-fuss, joyful outings.

🎄 Why Long Beach is the Place for a Holiday Kickoff

Long Beach has become a go-to for families wanting holiday magic without venturing too far or spending too much. With its coastal charm, walkable downtown, and a spirit of community, the city offers a mix of nostalgic parades, dazzling light displays, artsy events, and seasonal cheer, all wrapped up in a family-friendly package.

For Long Beach Moms, it’s a perfect opportunity to make lasting traditions, whether it’s trekking downtown for a glittery tree, strolling quiet residential streets aglow with lights, or catching parades full of community warmth.

✨ What’s Happening (Dec 4–Dec 25): Free Events & Light Displays

Saturday, December 6, 2025

• Belmont Shore Christmas Parade — 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM along East 2nd Street (from Livingston Ave to Bayshore Ave and back). Expect festive floats, marching bands, Santa, and a fun “Jingle & Jammies” theme (yes — pajamas encouraged!).

Saturday, December 13, 2025

• Daisy Lane Parade — 5:00 PM, beginning at Daisy Avenue at West Burnett Street; route loops south to Pacific Coast Highway and back, ending near West Hill Street and Maine Avenue.

• Evening Holiday Entertainment on Daisy Lane — The night after the parade (Sunday, Dec 14) there will be street-median holiday entertainment (lights, decor, performances) on Daisy Avenue at 20th Street.

Saturday, December 13, 2025

• Shoreline Yacht Club Christmas Boat Parade (viewing party at Shoreline Village) — Parade begins ~ 5:30 PM through the marina; the free viewing-party at Shoreline Village includes waterfront views, holiday music, and festive ambiance.

Saturday, December 20, 2025

• Naples Island Christmas Boat Parade — 6:00 PM, boats and decorated watercraft cruise through the canals of Naples Island. Waterfront bridges, canals, and public walkways along the canals make for prime (and free) viewing spots for families.

🌟 Don’t Miss These Open-Air, Family-Friendly Experiences

While the tree-lightings get a lot of attention, the holiday season in Long Beach isn’t all about bells and whistles. Sometimes the simplest joys — wandering, admiring lights, grabbing cocoa, and soaking in the calm — are the ones kids remember most. Starting around December 3, the holiday tree at the downtown Terrace Plaza will be up, and many of the decorations and lights remain for weeks.

Whether you stroll near the waterfront, explore different neighborhoods, or enjoy a spontaneous evening under lights with hot cocoa in hand. These unstructured moments can be some of the most magical.

🧑‍👩‍👧‍👦 Why These Events are Mom-Approved

• Budget-friendly: Many of these events are free or have free admission, which keeps holiday fun accessible.

• Low-stress & family-friendly: Parades, craft shows, and light displays make for easy, pleasant outings, no elaborate planning needed.

• Community feel: Places like Daisy Lane exude local charm and bring neighbors together, creating a sense of belonging and tradition.

• Flexible & spontaneous: Between structured events, there are plenty of opportunities for casual, impromptu outings like grabbing dinner nearby and wandering over to check out lights or see if the tree’s glowing downtown.

❤️ Some Notes & Tips for Enjoying the Season

• Keep an eye on official event pages (for example, for the Daisy Lane Parade or Holiday Arts & Craft Show) for any updates: parade routes, times, parking suggestions, or possible weather changes.

• Belmont Shore Parade: line-ups begin early and 2nd Street closes to traffic before parade time. If you want a good spot, arrive early! Many families bring blankets or folding chairs.

• Boat parades (Shoreline & Naples): Waterfront roads and canals can get crowded, and parking fills up quickly. If possible, consider ride-share, walking, or public transit.

• Bring something warm to sip (like cocoa or cider) and maybe snacks, especially if waiting through crowds or lines, that helps with little ones and keeps the mood merry.

🎅 Making Holiday Memories in Long Beach

There’s something deeply special about a holiday season built around a sense of place, a city you know, streets you drive past every day, and events that feel like old friends returning. For Long Beach Moms, this time of year is a chance to lean into that: to create memories that belong to home, to community, and to childhood.

Whether you’re bundled up under string lights downtown, sipping cocoa at a craft show, or watching neighborhood floats drift by on Daisy Avenue, these simple joys are what makes the season bright.

Wishing you and your family magical beginnings to the holidays!