Holiday season is officially here. Whether we are ready for it or not, it is time for holiday music in department stores, decorations, Christmas trees, and plenty of twinkling lights.
Christmas isn’t complete without a picture with the big fella, so we want you to feel prepared when it comes to finding the best Santa Claus’s around town.
Here are the top seven places to see Santa Claus this year:
1. December 1st - Parkview Village Meet Santa & Carriage Ride
Most Long Beach natives are familiar with the annual Parkview Village holiday celebration. They
have a horse-drawn carriage that takes locals around the shops for free, and a Santa Claus who is happy to take photos with families and little ones. The event is also part of a Toys-for-Tots drive which offers a great way to give back to charity during the holidays. Get ready for an evening of shopping at small businesses and spending time with family and friends.
Date: December 1st
Time: 6pm
2. December 1st - First Fridays Holiday Edition
Bixby Knolls knows how to throw a great Holiday party and getting to see Santa Claus definitely adds to the fun. Santa will be at this year’s First Fridays celebration at Mommy4D on Atlantic Avenue. It will be a night filled with fun as you get a chance to mingle with locals while enjoying music, art, and great food.
Date: December 1st
Location: Above Lola’s Mexican Cuisine at Mommy4D
Time: First Fridays is from 6:30pm-9pm, Santa will be at Mommy4D from 6:30pm-8pm
Link to First Fridays Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/376930029431495/
3. December 2nd - Breakfast with Santa at Parkers’ Lighthouse for Miller’s Children and Women’s Hospital
Giving back to the community is just one of the great things about the Holidays. Parkers’ Lighthouse is doing a Breakfast with Santa to raise proceeds for the Miller’s Children and Women’s Hospital. They will be serving bacon, eggs, potatoes, muffins, coffee, and more. Santa Claus will be making his grand entrance by boat and will be available to chat and take photos with families!
Date: December 2nd
Time: 8am-11am
Cost: $10 for Adults, $7 for Children (Ages 12 and under)
Book Reservation: http://parkerslighthouse.com/news_events/breakfast-with-santa/
4. December 2nd - 35th Annual Belmont Shore Christmas Parade
The 35th Annual Belmont Shore Christmas Parade is one of the biggest celebrations in Long Beach. Hundreds of people head down to 2nd street to watch beautiful floats pass by, and of course to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus! Bundle up and grab a hot chocolate from Polly’s Gourmet Coffee or Sweet Jill’s and enjoy this fun event. Make sure to arrive early to get a seat near the front!
Date: December 2nd
Time: 6pm-9pm
Event details here: https://www.belmontshore.org/event/the-35th-annual-belmont-shore-christmas-parade/
5. December 10th - Rancho Los Cerritos Old Time Christmas Festival
For you history buffs out there, the Rancho Los Cerritos Old Time Christmas Festival is a great opportunity to experience a traditional Victorian Christmas. There will be holiday music from a live brass band, carollers, and storytellers. You can walk around sipping cider while enjoying snacks. There will also be an opportunity to take photos with Santa Claus!
Date: December 10th
Time: 1pm-4pm
Cost: $5
6. Lakewood Mall
You can’t go wrong with Santa Claus at the Lakewood Mall. Not only is it great for holiday shopping, but it is great for holiday photos. In addition to family photos, there are also days where your pet can take a photo with Santa Claus! There is also a Holiday Pajama Night on December 2nd for families to get out and enjoy the holiday spirit.
Date/Times: Mon-Thur 11:00 am-8:00 pm
Fri & Sat 10:00 am-9:00 pm
Sun (11/12, 11/19, 11/26 & 12/3) 11:00 am-7:00 pm
Sun (12/10) 10:00 am-8:00 pm
Sun-Sat (12/17-12/23) 9:00 am-9:00 pm
Sun (12/24) CHRISTMAS EVE 8:00 am-6:00 am
Check their website for more details and to book your appointment now:
7. Cerritos Mall
With new stores being added every month, the Cerritos Mall is another great place for photos with Santa Claus. Located near the Forever 21, you will easily find yourself in a winter wonderland. You can go online to make your reservation for professional photos, and they also have designated days where you can have a pet photoshoot! They are also hosting the Stuff-A-Bus Spark of Love Toy Drive on December 1st. So bring your family and help spread the holiday cheer!
Date/Times:
November 9 - December 8:
MON-THUR: 11-7pm
FRI-SAT: 10am-8pm
SUN: 11am-7pm
December 8-23:
MON-SUN: 10-9pm
December 24:
SUN: 8am - 6pm
Book your Appointment Now: http://www.shoploscerritos.com/Events/Details/454913