12th annual Christmas Tree Lighting 2026
FREE TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ENTRY. WEEKLY TICKET DROPS START MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, AT VISITLONGBEACH.COM.
Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Long Beach at the 12th annual Visit Long Beach Christmas Tree Lighting, a free evening on the Terrace Theater Plaza on Monday, December 7, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Mayor Rex Richardson flips the switch on a 67-foot Christmas tree and more than 500,000 lights, then fireworks and falling snow close out the night.
HOW TO GET FREE TICKETS
Tickets are free and required for entry. Visit Long Beach releases tickets in batches once a week, starting Monday, November 9, and continuing up to the tree lighting.
- WHERE: visitlongbeach.com
- LIMIT: 4 tickets per person.
- DROP ALERTS: Visit Long Beach announces each ticket drop by email and on @VisitLB (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn).
FESTIVE ACTIVITIES
- FIREWORKS & FALLING SNOW: The tree lighting ends with a fireworks finale and falling snow on the plaza.
- LIVE MUSIC & PERFORMANCES: Enjoy live music and holiday performances, including dancers from Long Beach Ballet's The Nutcracker. Catch the full production of The Long Beach Nutcracker at the Terrace Theater, December 12-20.
- PHOTOS WITH SANTA & MRS. CLAUS: Bring Santa your holiday wish list and pose for a keepsake photo.
- LARGER-THAN-LIFE PHOTO OPS: Step inside a walk-in snow globe and take photos with giant Christmas ornaments.
- FREE TRAIN RIDES: Take a free ride on the holiday train.
- FOOD TRUCKS & HOLIDAY TREATS: Grab a bite and something sweet from the food trucks on the plaza.
SPARK OF LOVE TOY DRIVE
As part of the Long Beach Fire Department's annual Spark of Love Toy Drive, firefighters collect new, unwrapped toys and gifts at the tree lighting for local children and families in need. The program began in 1955 and ends each year with Code 3 Delivery Day, when Santa trades his usual sleigh for a fire-engine sleigh to deliver the gifts.
- DATE: Monday, December 7
- LOCATION: In front of the Terrace Theater, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802
- WHAT TO BRING: New, unwrapped toys and gifts to be donated to local children and families in need.
Didn't get a ticket? You can still give. For other ways to donate, visit the Spark of Love Toy Drive website.
AFTER THE TREE LIGHTING
The Terrace Theater Plaza stays decorated through New Year's, so the lights are up for holiday photos all season. The plaza is a short walk from Downtown Long Beach restaurants, shops, and attractions. To plan the rest of your evening, see the Visit Long Beach holiday walking tour map, with stops at The Pike, Shoreline Village, the Promenade, Pine Avenue, and more.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- MAIN ENTRANCE: East side of the Terrace Plaza (NOT Ocean Blvd). All attendees will pass through a security checkpoint. Please review the prohibited items list below to ensure a smooth entry.
- ARRIVE EARLY: Per the Long Beach Fire Department, capacity is limited to 6,500 people. Gates will close when capacity is reached.
- PARKING: Free parking is available for this event in the Arena (400) Parking Garage. Visit our Parking & Directions page for detailed information on parking locations and accessibility.
- ADA ACCESS: ADA seating is located on the East side of the Terrace Plaza.
- RESTROOMS: Public restrooms will be available inside the Terrace Theater Lobby.
- BAG POLICY: Personal bags larger than 12" H X 12" W X 6" D are not allowed. Please plan accordingly to avoid delays at security.
- PETS: We kindly request that you leave your pets at home for this event. While we love our furry friends, only service animals are allowed at this celebration.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, the following items are not allowed at this event:
- Weapons of any kind, including firearms, ammunition, tasers, or explosives
- Outside food or beverages (including candy)
- Alcohol or controlled substances
- Smoking or vaping (including e-cigarettes)
- Glass bottles, metal cans, or coolers
- Noise-making devices such as horns, cowbells, or whistles
- Recreational equipment like skateboards, roller skates, or drones
- Flyers, posters, or spray paint