There’s something about Christmas lights in Long Beach that just feels right this time of year. Whether you’re hanging out with friends, keeping the kids entertained, or just looking for a low-key way to soak up the holiday spirit, this city has some awesome spots to check out.
Grab a cup of hot cocoa (or that fav adult beverage you like to sip on) and head out to explore. These are all great places to see some incredible lights without spending a ton of money—just pure, laid-back holiday vibes. It’s the perfect excuse to take a stroll, enjoy the cooler weather, and maybe even make a tradition out of it.
Here’s the list—let’s make your holiday season a little brighter.
Daisy Lane Parade of Lights
If you’re looking for that small-town holiday charm right in the heart of Long Beach, the Daisy Lane Parade of Lights is where you’ll find it. This neighborhood celebration is all about community, holiday spirit, and good vibes. It’s been a tradition for decades, and it’s no surprise why—it’s festive, family-friendly, and full of holiday cheer.
Location & Details
The parade takes place on Daisy Avenue, running between Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and Willow Street in the Wrigley neighborhood. It’s super easy to get to, and you can usually find parking on nearby streets if you arrive early enough.
The big event this year is on Saturday, December 14th, and it kicks off at 5:00 PM. It’s completely free, so all you need to do is show up with your holiday spirit and maybe a comfy chair or blanket.
What to Expect
The Daisy Lane Parade is pure holiday nostalgia. Think decked-out floats, marching bands, dance groups, and all kinds of local performers spreading holiday cheer. Neighborhood families come out in full force, and it’s a fun mix of kids waving to Santa and adults soaking in the festive atmosphere.
The floats are always creative—some with lights synchronized to music, others themed around favorite holiday stories. And of course, Santa makes his grand appearance, capping off the night with a whole lot of holiday magic.
Best Spots to Watch
The parade runs the length of Daisy Avenue, so there’s plenty of space to find a good viewing spot. The area near 19th Street tends to be a little quieter, while the stretch closer to PCH can get more crowded. Wherever you set up, you’ll have a great view of the action.
Where to Park
Street parking is your best bet, but it can fill up quickly as the parade draws a good crowd. Try to park on side streets off Daisy Avenue or closer to Willow Street. If you don’t mind walking a bit, parking a few blocks away can save you some stress.
Pro Tips
- Arrive early. The parade draws a crowd, so showing up an hour before it starts will give you time to park and find a spot to settle in.
- Bring chairs or blankets. It’s a long parade, and you’ll want to be comfy while you enjoy it.
- Pack snacks. Hot cocoa, cookies, or even just a thermos of coffee can make the evening extra cozy.
- Dress warmly. It might not be freezing, but the night air in December can be cool enough to want a jacket or blanket.
More Than Just a Parade
The Daisy Lane Parade is more than just floats and music—it’s a way for the community to come together and celebrate. The houses along Daisy Avenue also get into the holiday spirit, with many putting up their own light displays and decorations. It makes for a beautiful backdrop to an already magical event.
Whether you’re bringing the family, meeting up with friends, or just looking for a laid-back way to get into the holiday spirit, the Daisy Lane Parade of Lights is a must-see. It’s local, it’s festive, and it’s guaranteed to put you in the holiday mood.
Shoreline Yacht Club Boat Parade
One of the best ways to celebrate the holidays in Long Beach is by watching the Shoreline Yacht Club Boat Parade. There’s something magical about seeing boats lit up with twinkling lights, gliding through the harbor against the backdrop of the city skyline. If you’re looking for a festive night out, this event has all the cozy holiday vibes you could want.
Location & Details
The parade takes place at Shoreline Village, located at 401-435 Shoreline Village Dr., Long Beach, CA 90802. The boats cruise around Rainbow Harbor, making it easy to get a good view from several spots along the waterfront.
The event is free to attend, which makes it perfect for a budget-friendly holiday outing. The parade typically starts around 6:00 PM, but it’s a good idea to get there a little early to grab a prime viewing spot.
What to Expect
The boat parade is a true spectacle, with yachts, sailboats, and even paddle boats decked out in lights and holiday decorations. Many of the participants go all out, with themes ranging from classic Christmas scenes to creative, over-the-top displays. There’s music, cheering, and a festive energy that makes the whole evening feel extra special.
Shoreline Village itself gets into the holiday spirit too, with shops and restaurants decorated for the season. You can grab a bite to eat before or after the parade—think fish and chips, burgers, or a warm cup of clam chowder—while enjoying the view of the harbor.
Where to Park
Parking at Shoreline Village can be a little tricky during events, so plan ahead. The Shoreline Village parking lot is the closest option, and they validate if you dine or shop at the village (be sure to check with the specific business). Rates start around $2 with validation, but without it, expect to pay closer to $10-$20 depending on how long you stay.
If the lot fills up, there’s additional parking at the Pike Outlets parking structure, just a short walk away. Another option is the Convention Center lot, which is a bit farther but usually has more availability.
Pro Tips
- Bring a blanket or jacket—it gets chilly by the water at night.
- Arrive early to avoid parking headaches and to explore the shops and restaurants at Shoreline Village before the parade.
- If you want an extra special view, consider making a reservation at one of the waterfront restaurants—they fill up fast, so book ahead.
Whether you’re there with friends, family, or on a festive date night, the Shoreline Yacht Club Boat Parade is a Long Beach holiday tradition you won’t want to miss. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season by the water.
Naples Island Christmas Lights
Naples is hands down one of the best spots to catch Christmas lights in Long Beach. The houses lining the canals go all out, with lights strung across balconies, glowing Christmas trees in every window, and festive displays that reflect beautifully on the water. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and just take it all in.
The best part? It’s free to wander around and enjoy. The canals are located on Naples Island, and you can start your stroll from any of the bridges—just follow the glow. To avoid crowds, go during the week, especially earlier in the evening. Weekends tend to get busy with everyone looking for that perfect holiday photo.
And when it comes to holiday traditions in Long Beach, the Naples Island Boat Parade is one you can’t miss. Imagine dozens of boats lit up with twinkling lights, playing holiday music, and cruising through the canals. It’s festive, it’s fun, and it’s a uniquely Long Beach way to celebrate the season.
Location & Details
The parade happens in the canals of Naples Island, and this year it falls on Saturday, December 21st, with the action kicking off at 6:00 PM. The smaller boats start things off in the inner canals, followed by the bigger yachts cruising along the outer canal around 6:30 PM.
This event is completely free to attend, but getting a good view takes a little planning. The canals are narrow, so space fills up quickly—especially along the bridges and walkways. Arrive early to snag a prime spot!
What to Expect
This parade is like a floating holiday party. You’ll see everything from small, paddle-powered boats with twinkling fairy lights to massive yachts decked out with elaborate decorations, inflatables, and synchronized light displays. Many of the boats play music—think Christmas classics and fun singalongs—and some even feature people in costume dancing or waving to the crowd.
Beyond the boats, the homes along the canals are just as festive, with dazzling lights and creative holiday displays. Walking through Naples feels like stepping into a holiday postcard.
Where to Watch
The best viewing spots are along the bridges and walkways in the inner canals. The 2nd Street Bridge and Appian Way Bridge tend to be popular spots, but they can get crowded. If you’re looking for a quieter place to watch, head toward the outer canal along Naples Plaza Park.
For a unique experience, consider booking a gondola ride with Gondola Getaway. It’s an amazing way to see the parade up close while gliding through the water. Plus, you can bring your own drinks and snacks to enjoy during the ride.
Where to Park
Parking can be tricky since Naples Island gets packed for this event. Arrive early and look for street parking in the neighborhoods around Appian Way and 2nd Street. There’s also a parking lot at Marine Stadium (5255 Paoli Way), which is about a 10-minute walk to the canals.
Pro Tips
- Arrive early. Aim to get there at least an hour before the parade starts to find parking and a good spot to watch.
- Dress for the evening. Even in Long Beach, December nights by the water can get chilly, so bring a jacket or blanket.
- Bring snacks and drinks. A thermos of hot cocoa or your favorite holiday beverage makes everything more festive.
- Consider walking, ridesharing or biking in. Traffic can get heavy, so if you’re local, leaving the car at home might save you a headache.
Whether you’re watching from the bridges, strolling along the canals, or gliding through the water in a gondola, the Naples Island Boat Parade is a holiday event that brings the community together in the best way. It’s festive, free, and full of that holiday magic that makes Long Beach so special. Don’t miss it!
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also book a gondola ride through Gondola Getaway. It’s a super chill way to see the lights from the water, and they’ll even let you bring your own drinks. Bring a blanket—it gets chilly out there!
Whether you’re walking or cruising, the Naples lights are one of those things you’ll remember long after the holidays are over.
El Dorado Winter Wonderland
If you’re looking for a full-on holiday experience, check out El Dorado Winter Wonderland. This event turns El Dorado Park into a festive playground, packed with lights, activities, and plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit. It’s not just about seeing the lights—it’s about making a whole evening out of it.
Location & Details
El Dorado Winter Wonderland is held at El Dorado East Regional Park, located at 7550 E Spring St., Long Beach, CA 90815. It’s super easy to find, with plenty of parking inside the park (though it does fill up, so arriving early is a good idea).
The event usually runs from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM on select nights in December. Tickets are $10 per person, and kids under 5 get in for free. It’s a great deal considering all the fun you can pack into one evening.
What to Expect
This isn’t just a stroll-through lights kind of thing. El Dorado Winter Wonderland has everything:
- Light Displays: Walk through glowing tunnels, giant illuminated trees, and colorful holiday scenes perfect for selfies.
- Santa’s Village: Meet Santa, snap a picture, and maybe drop off your wishlist. (Even grown-ups can sneak in a selfie!)
- Holiday Market: Local vendors set up shop with crafts, holiday goodies, and unique gifts—perfect if you still need to check off some names on your shopping list.
- Food Trucks & Treats: Come hungry because there are always amazing food trucks and stands with hot cocoa, churros, and more.
For the kiddos (and kids at heart), there’s also a sledding hill made from real snow. Yep, snow in Long Beach. If you’ve never seen it, now’s your chance.
Pro Tips
- Dress warmly—it might not be freezing, but the night air can get chilly, especially if you’re hanging out by the snow.
- Bring cash for food and vendors, just in case some don’t take cards.
- Tickets sometimes sell out for popular nights, so grab yours in advance online to be safe.
El Dorado Winter Wonderland is a great way to add a little magic to your holiday season. Whether you’re with family, friends, or just out for a festive date night, it’s one of those events that leaves you feeling all warm and fuzzy. Don’t miss it!
No matter where you decide to go, Long Beach has no shortage of holiday magic this season. Whether you’re strolling through the sparkling canals of Naples, cheering at the Daisy Lane Parade of Lights, exploring El Dorado Winter Wonderland, or soaking in the festive vibes at Shoreline Village, each spot has its own way of bringing the holidays to life.
These are all perfect opportunities to make memories with family and friends, enjoy some local traditions, and soak up the season without breaking the bank. So grab your coziest jacket, a warm drink, and someone you love spending time with, and head out to explore the best of Long Beach’s Christmas lights.
Here’s to a holiday season filled with good vibes, bright lights, and plenty of Long Beach charm. Happy holidays, and we’ll see you out there!
