Off campus
1. Naples boat parade
The Naples boat parade shows off boats of all shapes and sizes, each dressed in their brightest Christmas adornments, as they find their way through the beautiful Naples canals of Long Beach. The 76th annual boat parade will take place on Saturday at 6 p.m.
Not only do the boats show off with elaborate and extravagant lights and decorations, but the residents that live along the canals cover their homes with Christmas spirit as well. These homes are entered into a local competition for the best dressed homes, which will be decided tomorrow. The show will also be filled with the sounds of holiday carolers that walk about throughout the duration of the show.
The best place to watch the parade as the boats sail by and the water reflects the magic of these vessels are on the waterfronts and bridges surrounding the canal. Alamitos Bay Marina, the 2nd Street bridge, and Appian Way Bridge are great spots to spectate the event with family and friends.
2. Long Beach ugly Christmas sweater pub crawl
On Dec. 17, Long Beach is the place to be for those over 21 interested in spending a fun night with friends and family while wrapped in tacky knitted wool, the ugly Christmas sweater pub crawl. Tickets for the event are on sale now for $12 to $20 depending on the party size.
The pub crawl calls for participants to wear their truly ugliest sweater. After buying the tickets, download the mobile app for the event in order to post photos and have a chance to win prizes and gifts.
Check-in starts at 4:30 p.m. at Portuguese Ben Distilling, where ticket holders will receive a path to follow and which bars to stop at first. Although the order will differ from group to group, the establishments participating include Milana’s New York Pizzeria, Agaves Ultra Lounge, Shannon’s Sports Pub, and The Harbor.
3. Gaslamp in Long Beach: Beach reggae Christmas party
For reggaeton lovers, the Gaslamp restaurant and bar in Long Beach is hosting a reggae Christmas party for all ages that will feature Eli-Mac and other guest artists on Saturday at 5 p.m.
Gaslamp, known for its parties, live music and entertainment, have set the bar to be the premier restaurant for this kind of entertainment. The beach reggae Christmas party is a great way to show family and friends the christmas spirit, SoCal style.
Tickets can be purchased on their website for an entry fee of only $20. For a table, a separate reservation must be made.
4. A Christmas Carol: Long Beach Playhouse’s Mainstage Theater
The long standing Christmas favorite by Charles Dickens is the perfect story to get anyone amped up on Christmas cheer. The Long Beach Playhouse will be putting on a production of “A Christmas Carol” from Dec. 9 until Dec. 18, giving everyone what the people want; a heartwarming story of a money driven miser turned blessed with generosity.
Starting Friday, there will be a discounted preview of the play for those looking to see just a peek into Ebenezer Scrooge’s world. This Saturday will be the opening night of the show, along with a champagne gala to kick-off this Christmas party.
All shows start at 8 p.m., and tickets are available for purchase now with a current price point between $14 – $18. These tickets can be bought on the Long Beach Playhouse website.
5. Santa hat scavenger hunt
Starting Dec. 5, the Long Beach Terrace Plaza will also be putting on a Santa hat scavenger hunt that will run through Jan. 1. With 12 santa hats hidden around the plaza, participants are encouraged to find at least three of them and post selfies with these hats on social media to be entered into a prize drawing.
For those who are keen enough to find a santa hat, they will need to post it on instagram with the hashtag #LBSantaSearch. After finding three hats they are eligible to be awarded $500 prizes.
There will also be a photo contest around the plaza that have the same cash prize award opportunities for those who take photos around the plaza and post on instagram with the hashtag #LBHolidayMagic.
On campus
1. “Carols by Candlelight”: LBCC Performing arts
This Saturday seems to be a popular date for all Chirstnmas related events, as Long Beach City College’s own Winter Choir will be performing “Carols by Candlelight” on Dec. 10, in the auditorium at the Liberal Arts Campus at 7 p.m.
This holiday concert will feature English composer Benjamin Britton’s “Ceremony of Carols.” written in 1942, with the college’s singers, soloists, and the “Cappella Madrigal” choir. Harpist Ellie Choare and pianist Hanna Yi will also be accompanying the vocalists during the performance.
This event has a $15 entry fee, but is free to students that hold a valid ASB card. This Choral concert will be the penultimate show from LBCC’s performing arts department for 2022.
2. 2022 Winter Orchestra LBCC
The final show from Long Beach City College’s performing arts department will be the 2022 Winter Orchestra on Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.
This is the perfect opportunity for students to show their family and friends the talent that the LBCC performing arts program has to offer. As finals will be done by this time, why not be rewarded with a magical winter performance to send off into winter break.
The show will be held at the LAC’s auditorium, with tickets available for $15 for general admissions and $10 for students, staff, and seniors.
3. Winter Jazz and Vocal Band Concert
Long Beach City College’s jazz and vocal band will also be having their final fall 2022 concert on campus this Friday at 7 p.m.
This concert will be in LAC’s auditorium as well, featuring vocal ensembles and the jazz big band, consisting of traditional swing instruments and a wide variety of styles and eras of musical literature.
With the show being directed by LBCC’s Andrea Calderwood, director of vocal jazz studies, and Patrick Sheng, director of instrumental jazz studies, guests are sure to feel the Christmas warmth surrounding them.
Admission tickets remain the same costs as the other campus performances, with $15 for general admissions and $10 for students, staff, and seniors.
4. Most importantly: LBCC Winter Break
The fall 2022 semester officially ends on Dec. 17 for Long Beach City College students.
The spring 2023 semester begins Feb. 6, so until then students are encouraged to soak up any time they can spend with family, friends, pets, or traveling during the time away from classes.
Congratulations to all who survived a semester back at school and are working toward their academic goals. For those taking winter classes, the six-week long semester will begin Jan. 6 and end on Feb. 4.