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Long Beach Is Lighting Up November! Here's What's Happening
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Long Beach Is Lighting Up November! Here's What's Happening
Christmas arrives early, Veterans Day celebrations, local festivals and more events you won't want to miss.
Robert Brennan

Robert Brennan

Long Beach Isn’t Waiting Until December to Light Up Christmas

The 4th Annual Merry Little Village Tree Lighting Ceremony brings Santa, holiday characters and an early start to the season to Long Beach Exchange

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Still working through the Halloween candy? Long Beach Exchange is ready to move on to Christmas.

 

Its Merry Little Village celebration returns with holiday music, crafts, seasonal characters and a tree lighting to bring everyone together. Santa will be stopping by, too.

 

There is something appealing about getting a little holiday time before December fills up. Before the competing invitations, the shopping lists and the realization that the month somehow has fewer available weekends than you thought.

 

This one offers a chance to ease into it.

 

A Little Gingerbread, a Little Sugarplum

 

Gingerbread Characters and Sugarplum Fairy performances will help set the scene, with holiday crafts giving children something to make along the way. Sweet Photo Pop cookie photos are also planned for the first 150 children, while supplies last.

 

For families, those little stops can become the afternoon’s biggest moments. A character who gets a shy smile. A craft carefully carried home. A picture that earns a place on the refrigerator long after the decorations come down.

 

And for the grown-ups, it is an opportunity to put the phone to work taking pictures instead of checking another thing off a list.

 

Come for the Lights, Browse a Little Longer

 

Artisan vendors will give visitors a chance to browse, while the Merry Little Village Holiday Photo-Op offers a spot for a seasonal picture.

 

Maybe you find a gift and get to feel unusually ahead of schedule. Maybe you simply wander, take a few photos and enjoy being out together.

 

There is no requirement to have your own decorations out yet. Enjoying someone else’s holiday preparations is a perfectly reasonable place to start.

 

A Little Christmas Before the December Rush

 

The tree lighting gives the celebration its gathering moment. With Santa visiting and holiday music playing, the evening offers an early opportunity to settle into the season.

 

November 7 might feel early. But an evening together does not need to wait for December.

 

Event Details

 

4th Annual Merry Little Village Tree Lighting Ceremony
• Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
• Time: 4–8 p.m.; tree lighting at 6:15 p.m.
• Location: The Hangar at Long Beach Exchange, 4150 McGowen Street, Long Beach
• More information: Visit the official event page for activity schedules and details.

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Women entrepreneurs take center stage in Long Beach on November 11! The 2026 Women's Leadership Symposium brings inspiring speakers, business leaders, and a $5,000 pitch competition together for an afternoon of opportunity. Featuring keynote speaker Kat Taylor, this free event celebrates women turning bold ideas into successful businesses.

 

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Popcorn, pickles, a red carpet and a little Hollywood magic! The Long Beach Jewish Film & Arts Festival returns November 12 through 19 with international films, live jazz, family activities and a celebration of Jewish culture. Everyone is welcome to experience the fun at the Alpert JCC.

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First Fridays: Bixby Knolls celebrates Día de los Muertos with live music, local artists, a community ofrenda and exhibits at the Expo Arts Center.

 

Friday, November 6, 2026 | 6:30–9:30 p.m. | Atlantic Avenue business district, Bixby Knolls | Free to explore; purchases extra. Event details

 

 

2026 Veterans Day Celebration: Honor veterans and current service members with live entertainment, community resources, food trucks, a beer garden and children’s activities at Houghton Park.

 

Saturday, November 7, 2026 | Noon–4 p.m. | Houghton Park, 6301 Myrtle Avenue, Long Beach | Free admission; purchases extra. Event details

 

 

4th Annual Merry Little Village Tree Lighting Ceremony: Welcome the holiday season at Long Beach Exchange during its annual community tree-lighting celebration on The Hangar lawn.

 

Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 4–8 p.m. | Long Beach Exchange, 4150 McGowen Street, Long Beach | Free admission; purchases extra. Event details

 

 

Entangled in Passion: Pianist Michelle Cann joins Long Beach Symphony for an evening of Ravel, Strauss and Rachmaninoff, with lobby music and a pre-concert talk before the performance.

 

Saturday, November 14, 2026 | Concert at 7:30 p.m.; doors at 6 p.m.; talk at 6:30 p.m. | Terrace Theater, 300 E. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach | Paid tickets.

Event details

 

 

Dreamstate SoCal 2026: The Queen Mary Waterfront hosts two nights of trance and techno, with a lineup including Above & Beyond, Paul van Dyk and Infected Mushroom.

 

November 20–21, 2026 | 4 p.m.–1 a.m. each day | Queen Mary Waterfront, 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach | Paid passes; general admission ages 18+, VIP ages 21+.

Event details

 

 

Seal Beach Christmas Tree Lighting: Celebrate beside the pier with carolers, children’s crafts, sledding, seasonal treats and a visit from Santa.

 

Saturday, November 21, 2026 | 4–7 p.m. | Base of the Seal Beach Pier, Seal Beach | Admission and activity charges are not specified. Event details

 

 

42nd Annual Belmont Shore Christmas Parade: Celebrate the holiday season along 2nd Street with marching bands, festive floats and community groups.

 

Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026. Time: 6 to 9 p.m. Location: 2nd Street, Belmont Shore, Long Beach.

Event page

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