Key Takeaways
- This weekend in Long Beach features cozy community vibes, kid-approved holiday magic, and exciting nightlife events.
- Hanukkah-Palooza offers a warm gathering with candle lighting, dinner, and art projects on Friday evening.
- Join Cookies with Santa at Ramona Park for cookie decorating, crafts, and train rides on Saturday morning.
- Build-a-Gingerbread House on the Queen Mary provides a magical workshop experience from Friday to Sunday.
- End the weekend with the Chasing Santa Run, a festive coastal race on Sunday morning, perfect for all abilities.
If your group chat is already asking “So… what are we doing this weekend?” — don’t worry, I’ve got you.
This weekend in Long Beach is the perfect mix of cozy community vibes, kid-approved holiday magic, grown-up nightlife, and one event that involves running after Santa along the ocean (because of course it does).
Here’s what’s happening in Long Beach — and why each one is worth leaving the house for.
Hanukkah-Palooza
Friday, December 19 | 6:00–8:00 PM
If you’re craving a holiday event that feels genuinely warm and community-driven (not performative, not rushed), Hanukkah-Palooza delivers.
Hosted by Temple Israel Long Beach, the evening begins with candle lighting and songs, then flows into a relaxed dinner and art project. Dinner includes soup, salad, latkes, and dessert — aka everything you actually want to eat.
There’s a $10 suggested payment, and RSVPs are requested (email Charmaine at [email protected]). It’s welcoming, cozy, and the kind of event where you linger longer than planned.
📍 269 Loma Ave, Long Beach, CA 90803
Cookies with Santa at Ramona Park
Saturday, December 20 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
This is one of those “parents win, kids win” mornings.
Cookies with Santa brings neighbors together for holiday cookie decorating, balloon crafts, photos with Santa, and light refreshments — but the real star this year is the 18-passenger trackless train, giving kids rides around the park in a safe, contained area.
It’s festive, low-stress, and early enough that you still have your whole Saturday afterward. Pro tip: bring a tote for cookie masterpieces you’ll be forced to keep forever.
📍 Ramona Park
3301 E. 65th St., Long Beach, CA 90805
Build-a-Gingerbread House on the Queen Mary
Friday–Sunday, December 19–21
Yes, this is as magical as it sounds.
Step into Santa’s Ship Stop aboard the Queen Mary for a hands-on gingerbread house workshop using pre-baked panels, fluffy icing, candy, and festive toppings. While you build, you’ll sip hot chocolate, write letters to Santa, enjoy holiday tunes, and take photos in fully decked-out spaces.
Bonus: ship admission is included, so this isn’t just a craft — it’s an experience. Perfect for families, friends, or anyone who wants to lean fully into holiday magic without doing dishes afterward.
📍 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802
Tinsel Club: Shangri-La Record Hop
Saturday, December 20 | 9:00 PM | 21+ | No Cover
If your idea of holiday spirit involves vinyl records, tiki cocktails, and zero Mariah Carey, welcome home.
Tinsel Club takes over The Bamboo Club with DJs spinning festive-adjacent vinyl, tropical holiday vibes, and no cover. Needle drops at 9 PM, and the crowd usually ranges from “just stopping by” to “why is it 1:30 AM?”
It’s fun, a little unhinged, and very Long Beach in the best way.
📍 3522 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA 90804
Chasing Santa Run
Sunday, December 21 | Starts at 7:00 AM
For the overachievers, the runners, and the people who said “sure” before thinking it through (I’ve been there!).
Chasing Santa is a festive coastal race with options for 5K, 10K, 10-Miler, or Half Marathon. Whether you’re racing, jogging, walking, or just there for vibes and costumes, it’s all about holiday spirit and ocean views.
The race starts early, ends triumphantly, and gives you bragging rights for the rest of December.
📍 Start Location:
5400 E Ocean Ave, Long Beach, CA 90803
Final Vibe Check
Community ✔️
Kids ✔️
Nightlife ✔️
Holiday chaos ✔️
Long Beach does the holidays differently — and this weekend proves it.
Check out our Events Calendar on LBCVibe.com for more details about what’s happening this weekend in Long Beach.
See you out there!
FAQs
Yes — many of them are. Cookies with Santa, Build-a-Gingerbread House on the Queen Mary, and Hanukkah-Palooza are all great for families and kids. Tinsel Club at The Bamboo Club is 21+, and Chasing Santa Run is open to all ages depending on distance.
Some do. Hanukkah-Palooza asks for an RSVP by email and has a suggested donation. Build-a-Gingerbread House on the Queen Mary requires tickets and includes ship admission. Chasing Santa Run requires race registration. Cookies with Santa is free and open to the public.
Some are! Cookies with Santa is free, and Tinsel Club has no cover. Other events may have a suggested donation or ticket cost, so it’s best to check details before heading out.
Parking varies by location. Cookies with Santa, Hanukkah-Palooza, and Tinsel Club have street parking, while the Queen Mary and Chasing Santa Run areas have paid lots available.
It’s a mix. Hanukkah-Palooza and Build-a-Gingerbread House are primarily indoors. Cookies with Santa and Chasing Santa Run are outdoors. Tinsel Club is indoors at The Bamboo Club.
