Key Takeaways
- The Connection Market offers an inclusive holiday community experience with Santa, giveaways, local vendors, live music, and activities on Dec 13.
- Winter Glow Village features beauty and wellness brands, hot cocoa, and family-friendly events from Dec 13-14.
- The Holiday Half Marathon and Christmas Light 5K provide festive fitness opportunities on Dec 12-13.
- SantaCon 2025 brings holiday chaos to downtown Long Beach on Dec 13 for a 21+ crowd.
- The Hmong New Year Celebration showcases cultural performances and food at El Dorado Park on Dec 13-14.
(Because staying home in sweatpants is tempting… but these plans are better.)
If your group chat is dead, your calendar is empty, and you’re this close to rewatching the same show for the fourth time — consider this your official intervention. Long Beach is going all-in on holiday energy this weekend, and whether you’re here for cozy vibes, cultural celebrations, fitness flexes, or full Santa chaos, there’s something with your name on it.
Here’s what’s happening in Long Beach this weekend December 12 – December 14.
The Connection Market: Soul & Cheer
Saturday, Dec 13 | 12pm–7pm
LBX – The Hangar
4150 McGowen St, Long Beach, CA
Free admission + parking
Pet & family friendly
This isn’t just a market — it’s a full-on community love fest. The Connection Market is closing out the year with Soul & Cheer, and it’s the kind of event that makes you remember why Long Beach is special.
What’s happening:
• 40+ local vendors offering handmade items–perfect for shopping local and getting unique gifts
• Live DJ spinning holiday jams
• Photos with Santa (until 5pm)
• Face painting + DIY ornament station
• Ugly sweater contest (prizes for top 3)
• Food, brews, free massages, and giveaways
All cultures and traditions are welcome — you don’t have to celebrate Christmas to belong here.
Why go: Support local, soak up good energy, and leave with a full heart (and probably a bag of goodies).
Winter Glow Village: Beauty & Wellness Holiday Market
Saturday–Sunday, Dec 13–14 | 11am–5pm
Marina Pacifica Shopping Center (behind Club Studio)
If your idea of holiday cheer includes hot cocoa, self-care, and shopping for gifts that don’t scream “last-minute,” Winter Glow Village is your move.
This coastal holiday market blends festive vibes with beauty and wellness brands, gifting suites, raffles, and cozy photo ops — all set against the waterfront at Marina Pacifica.
What to expect:
• Indie beauty, wellness, lifestyle & handcrafted brands
• Complimentary hot cocoa (12–5pm)
• Gift wrapping station* for purchases $50+
• Hourly + surprise raffles
• Photo opps & holiday decor
• Family-friendly activities
Sunday Circle Member Perks (FREE RSVP required):
• Free holiday stocking for the first 100 members to check in
• Gifting Suite freebies throughout the event
Free RSVP: svnsundays.com
*T&Cs apply. While supplies last.
Why go: Easy holiday shopping, cozy vibes, and you get to feel productive and relaxed — a rare combo.
Holiday Half Marathon & Christmas Light 5K
Friday–Saturday, Dec 12–13
Marine Stadium
5255 E Paoli Way, Long Beach, CA
Long Beach’s most festive fitness weekend is back — and it’s bigger, brighter, and faster than ever at Marine Stadium.
Friday, Dec 12
Christmas Light 5K + Kid’s Penguin Waddle Run
6:00 PM
Run under the lights with over 20 illuminated stations, live bands, MyArt Theatre performances, and holiday displays throughout Marine Stadium. It’s festive, family-friendly, and costumes are highly encouraged.
Saturday, Dec 13
Holiday Half Marathon
7:00 AM
A scenic coastal course through Marine Stadium, Belmont Shore, Naples Island, 2nd Street, and beach path stretches — flat, fast, and perfect for chasing a PR or just soaking in the views.
Why go: Holiday spirit + endorphins = elite combo.
Long Beach SantaCon 2025
Saturday, Dec 13 | Starts at 4pm
Altar Society Brewing & Coffee Co.
230 Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA
Ticketed | 21+
This one’s for the naughty list. SantaCon is taking over Downtown Long Beach with hundreds of Santas, elves, and holiday chaos — all in the name of festive fun.
Your ticket includes:
• Entry into select bars
• Waived cover fees
• Exclusive drink specials
• Live DJs at select venues
• Digital pub crawl map
• Free after-party
Why go: Because nothing says holiday spirit like a Santa suit and a drink in your hand. Please plan your ride home.
Hmong New Year Celebration
Saturday–Sunday, Dec 13–14
El Dorado East Regional Park
7550 E Spring St, Long Beach, CA
Free | All are welcome
One of Long Beach’s most meaningful cultural celebrations returns with a vibrant, two-day Hmong New Year Festival.
What to expect:
• Traditional singing and dancing
• Cultural performances
• Craft booths and food vendors
• Opening ceremony at 10:00 AM
• Wear Hmong attire for a chance to win a prize
After-party:
Recreation Park Community Center
6:00 PM
Suggested $20 donation per person
Why go: It’s beautiful, welcoming, and a reminder of how diverse and rich our city truly is.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re shopping local, celebrating culture, breaking a sweat, or bar-hopping in a Santa hat, Long Beach is stacked this weekend. Pick your vibe (or do them all — we don’t judge).
For more events, updates, and last-minute additions, head to our full Events Calendar at LBCVibe.com and stay in the know all weekend long.
See you out there!
The Connection Market: Soul & Cheer
**Parking is also free at LBX for The Connection Market
Winter Glow Village
Hmong New Year Celebration
Many are. The Connection Market, Winter Glow Village, the Christmas Light 5K, and the Hmong New Year Celebration are all family-friendly. SantaCon is 21+ only.
Some events require advance registration:
Winter Glow Village: Free RSVP recommended for member perks
Holiday Half Marathon & Christmas Light 5K: Registration required to participate
SantaCon: Ticket required
Other events like The Connection Market and Hmong New Year are free and open to the public.
Yes. LBX offers free parking for The Connection Market. Marina Pacifica and Marine Stadium have public parking. Availability may vary, so arriving early is recommended.
Dogs are welcome at The Connection Market (pet-friendly). For other events, check individual venue rules.
The Connection Market and Winter Glow Village are both great for holiday shopping, featuring local vendors, handmade goods, beauty, wellness, and unique gifts.
SantaCon is a well-organized, ticketed event with on-site staff. Attendees must be 21+, drink responsibly, and plan safe transportation home.
Visit the LBC Vibe Events Page for the full calendar, updates, and newly added events throughout the week.
