Best Holiday Date Ideas in Long Beach

Key Takeaways

  • Long Beach offers unique holiday date ideas that mix romance and festive fun, from bougie tapas to cozy coffee shops.
  • Top spots include Telefèric Barcelona for tapas and Due Fiori for an intimate dining experience.
  • Fun events like the Christmas Car Wash and outdoor walks along the Naples Canals create memorable moments.
  • For a nostalgic vibe, catch ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ on 16mm or enjoy a play like ‘A Christmas Carol’.
  • Explore additional options by checking the LBC Vibe full event calendar for more Holiday Date Ideas in Long Beach.

For lovers, situationships, and people who just want a night out that doesn’t involve screaming toddlers and big box stores.

Let’s be honest…

Between the annual office party, shopping stress, and at least one auntie asking if you’re “seeing anyone special” at the next family gathering, you deserve a date night that reminds you December can actually be magical.. So if you’re craving a date night that feels festive, romantic, and worthy of saying, “Okay, fine, maybe I DO like December,” then Long Beach is about to be your love language.

This city absolutely slays holiday vibes — from bougie tapas bars and craft cocktail snowstorms to twinkle-light strolls and feel-good comedy nights. So grab your person, your crush, or the brave soul you matched with on Tinder. Here are the best holiday date night spots in Long Beach to keep the season bright and your romantic energy fully thriving.

1. Telefèric Barcelona — Bougie Tapas

If you want to look effortlessly sophisticated without trying too hard, Telefèric Barcelona is your move. It’s loungey. It’s bougie. It’s giving European holiday getaway.

And the best part?
They’ll walk over with an elegant pitcher and literally pour a shot into your mouth if you tip your head back like you mean it. I’m not saying romance starts here… but I’m also not not saying that.

Date Night Vibe:
Sexy, sleek, flirty — the kind of night where someone definitely orders something they can’t pronounce.

2. Due Fiori — Cozy, Classy, and Perfect for Whispering Across the Table

If you’re trying to look romantic without screaming “I tried too hard,” Due Fiori is your holiday home base. Warm lighting. Handmade pastas. Intimate tables. Basically, everything Hallmark movies wish they had.

Date Night Vibe:
Stunning but approachable. Like the good version of meeting someone’s family.

3. Baby Gee Bar — Snowfall Every Hour and Cocktails That Feel Naughty

Baby Gee goes feral for the holidays — in the best possible way. Their Very Merry Gee-Mas takeover brings:

  • Festive cocktails
  • Visits from Santa (no promises on behavior)
  • Snowfall at the top of every hour starting at 7pm
  • 12 Days of Christmas giveaways
  • A vibe so good you’ll forget the parking situation

It’s cheeky, cozy, and chaotic in the cutest possible way.

Date Night Vibe:
Campy holiday magic… with just enough mischief.

4. Beachwood Brewing (Bixby Knolls)

Beachwood Brewing’s holiday pop-up, The Sleigh Bar, is a full sensory sleigh ride. Their cocktails? Crafted entirely in-house with fun holiday glassware and flavor profiles that feel both familiar and “oh wow, what IS that?”

But let’s talk about the actual selling point:
Their outdoor lounge has fire pits — perfect for that moment in the date where you’re like, “I think we should sit closer… for warmth.” And here’s the best part: once you start making out, families with kids tend to scatter.
It’s called natural crowd control.

Date Night Vibe:
Whimsical, cozy, and just boozy enough to make magic happen.

5. Ground Hideout Coffee — Family-Owned, Cozy, and Holiday Drinks for DAYS

Ground Hideout is the kind of local, family-run spot that makes you want to stay for hours. Warm, relaxed, super friendly — and their holiday drink menu is basically Santa’s tasting flight:

  • Santa’s Brew
  • Cookie Butter Latte
  • Brown Butter Latte
  • Gingerbread goodness
  • Candy Cane Mocha
  • A Grinch drink that sells out faster than the parking lot fills

It’s the perfect pre-date warmup or the “we’re still talking after three hours” place.

Date Night Vibe:
Wholesome but still flirty. Relaxed and welcoming.

6. CoffeeDrunk — For the Couple Who Treat Seasonal Drinks Like a Sport

CoffeeDrunk never plays when it comes to their holiday menu. We’re talking:

  • A Butterscotch Latte that tastes like a hug
  • A chaotic-good ‘Elf Off’ Matcha with cranberry + maple
  • A ‘Christmas Coded’ Mocha with peppermint cold foam
  • And the ‘It’s Giving Nuts’ Latte, which… speaks for itself

If your love language is “let’s order three different drinks and share,” welcome home.

Date Night Vibe:
Cute, caffeinated, and deliciously extra.

7. Naples Canals — The Ultimate Holiday Date Idea in Long Beach (And It’s Free!)

If you do nothing else on this list, do this.

Walking the Naples Canals during the holidays is the definition of romantic.
Lights reflecting on the water. Quiet lanes. Perfect photo moments. Soft “is this a movie?” energy.

Pro tips from someone who has done this 400 times:

  • Park at Naples Elementary School
  • Go on a weeknight to avoid the most crowds
  • Bring your fave hot cocoa or adult beverage
  • Wear layers — it gets breezy and you want an excuse to cuddle

Date Night Vibe:
Soft, sparkly, intimate — easily a top 3 date in the entire city.

8. Christmas Car Wash in Lakewood — Yes, It’s Real. Yes, It’s Amazing.

“What is a Christmas Car Wash?”
I’m so glad you asked.

The merriest drive-through car wash in the land — filled with cheerful characters, holiday riddles, festive chaos, and just enough magic to forget you’re literally… washing your car

Your ticket includes:

  • A photo with Santa & Mrs. Claus
  • Their best Express Exterior wash
  • An interactive experience with holiday characters
  • Air freshener
  • Microfiber towel
  • Dashwipe

It’s weird. It’s wonderful. It’s peak holiday energy.

Date Night Vibe:
Silly, adorable, wholesome — and honestly? Kind of iconic.

9. “It’s a Wonderful Life” on 16mm at Art Theatre — Retro Romance Achievement Unlocked

Want a date that feels straight out of a vintage holiday reel?
Catch It’s a Wonderful Life on a rare 16mm film print at the Art Theatre of Long Beach.

Showtimes:

  • Dec 20 @ 11am
  • Dec 21 @ 11am

Pair it with brunch, coffee, or something stronger after.

Date Night Vibe:
Classic, nostalgic, and heart-melting.

10. A Christmas Carol at Long Beach Playhouse (Dec 6–21)

A timeless holiday tradition — and one that makes even the grinch-iest heart soften a little. The Playhouse’s annual production is quick, theatrical, and full of warmth.

Date Night Vibe:
Cultured, cozy, and great for couples who want to mix things up.

11. Heritage Holiday Evenings at Bembridge House

If you love historic homes, cozy lighting, and holiday décor that feels like stepping back in time, the Bembridge House is ready for you.

Event date: Dec 22, 6–9pm
Theme: Enchanted Toyland

Explore the decorated rooms, wander the grounds, enjoy the music — it’s pure seasonal charm.

Date Night Vibe:
Vintage romance. Think Victorian holiday meets Long Beach magic.

12. Momo Rodriguez’s 5th Annual Toy Drive & Comedy Show

Held at The Laugh Factory Long Beach, this event is free with a toy donation and features comedy, community, and a surprise celebrity guest. It’s the perfect blend of feel-good and fun.

Event date: Dec 11, 7:45–9pm

Date Night Vibe:
Joyful, meaningful, and totally different from the standard dinner-and-drinks routine.

Want More Holiday Date Ideas in Long Beach?

Explore the full event calendar — your go-to for everything festive, fun, and fabulously local.