{"id":80196,"date":"2023-12-06T15:22:31","date_gmt":"2023-12-06T23:22:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/hi-lo\/?p=80196"},"modified":"2023-12-06T15:25:21","modified_gmt":"2023-12-06T23:25:21","slug":"things-to-do-in-long-beach-this-weekend-including-santacon-hmong-new-year-and-holiday-concerts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/hi-lo\/things-to-do-in-long-beach-this-weekend-including-santacon-hmong-new-year-and-holiday-concerts","title":{"rendered":"Things to do in Long Beach this weekend including… SantaCon, Hmong New Year and holiday concerts"},"content":{"rendered":"

The following list is a curated roundup of weekend events in Long Beach published every Wednesday on the Hi-lo and Long Beach Post. Have an event to share? Email maison@lbpost.com with \u201cThings to Do\u201d in the subject line.<\/i><\/p>\n

As the holiday spirit ramps up in Long Beach, so have the festivities, so we’ve got plenty for you to do this weekend. If you\u2019re hungry, thirsty, or in need of handmade art pieces to brighten your home this weekend, look no further.<\/p>\n

This week, there are holiday house tours, a Santa pub crawl and celebration of tamales. We\u2019ve also got not one, not two, but three different holiday concerts for you to choose from.<\/p>\n

Get to scrollin\u2019!<\/p>\n

Bembridge House Tours (Saturday)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"\"
Bembridge House is one of a dozen homes featured on Long Beach Heritage’s Holiday Lights Cruise.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Holiday tours at the historic Bembridge House have returned this year, and you can catch one this Saturday, Dec. 9 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

Attendees will be able to see the Victorian home decked out with decorations and displays celebrating the spirit of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, as well as enjoy light refreshments.<\/p>\n

Tickets cost $15 per entry, and those interested can RSVP here<\/a>. If you can\u2019t make it this week, there will also be tours Tuesday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 16.<\/p>\n

The Bembridge House is located at 953 North Park Circle<\/i>.<\/p>\n

Hmong New Year Festival (Saturday – Sunday)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"\"
In 2018 Cambodia Town, Inc. was honored at the Arts Council for Long Beach’s annual State of the Arts awards for putting on the Cambodia Town Culture Festival. Here, Nkauj Ci Iad, a traditional Hmong dance group, perform during the 11th Annual Cambodia Town Culture Festival, held outside the Mark Twain Long Beach Public Library. The festival is the kickoff to Cambodian New Year Celebration, featuring Cambodian classical and popular dance performances, food and music. Long Beach California, Sunday, April 7, 2019. Photo by Stephen Carr.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

All are welcome to celebrate Hmong New Year this weekend, Dec. 9 and 10 in Long Beach at the Golden Grove area of El Dorado Park from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.<\/p>\n

The event will kick off at 10 a.m. with a ribbon cutting from an honored elder of the community to open the gate into festival ground.<\/p>\n

The free two-day festival will have traditional music and dance, sports, food, and top-spinning as well as an opening parade. Guests who wear Hmong decorated clothes will have a chance to win a prize.<\/p>\n

The Hmong people are an indigenous group in East and Southeast Asia including Southwest China, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar. This weekend\u2019s celebration will honor their immigrant stories, contributions and those lost in wars in Southeast Asia.<\/p>\n

More information can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Golden Grove section of El Dorado Park is located at 7550 E. Spring Street<\/i>.<\/p>\n

Holiday Concert Performances (Saturday – Sunday)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"\"
Courtesy photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Here\u2019s a roundup of some holiday musical events this weekend:<\/p>\n

Musica Angelica: The Joy of Christmas (Saturday)<\/strong><\/p>\n

What: Musica Angelica will play European holiday traditional music with classical instruments<\/p>\n

When: Saturday, Dec. 9 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

Where: Beverly O\u2019Neill Theater, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.<\/p>\n

Pre-concert interview with music director Martin Haselb\u00f6ck and Austrian recorder player Michael Oman at 6:45 p.m.<\/p>\n

Tickets start at $40 and can be bought here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Long Beach Symphony: Holiday Swing (Saturday)<\/strong><\/p>\n

What: Byron Stripling on the trumpet and Sidney McSweeney on vocals perform favorite seasonal tunes.<\/p>\n

When: Saturday, Dec. 9 at 8 p.m.<\/p>\n

Where: Long Beach Arena, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.<\/p>\n

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for indoor picnicking.\u00a0Tickets range from $30 to $182 depending on seating and can be bought here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Joy to the World Holiday Brass & Percussion (Sunday)<\/strong><\/p>\n

What: Free donation-based holiday concert Featuring 26 musicians from the Southern California Brass Consortium<\/p>\n

When: Sunday, Dec. 10 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

Where: Bay Shore Community Congregational Church, 5100 E. The Toledo<\/p>\n

Attendees can bring peanut butter, breakfast cereal, boxes of mac and cheese and canned fruit to a local food bank, or men\u2019s socks for homeless agencies.<\/p>\n

RSVP here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

International Tamales Festival (Saturday)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"\"
The third annual International Tamales Festival is set for Dec. 9 at Long Beach City College. Logo courtesy of LB Living.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Those craving Latin holiday food can satiate their appetite at the International Tamales Festival on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 1 p.m. at Long Beach City College.<\/p>\n

Attendees can try tamales from different regions of Latin America, Latin-inspired dishes, drinks and tequila from a pavilion with over a dozen brands. Culinary enthusiasts will also showcase their creations in a Best Homemade Tamales Contest.<\/p>\n

There will also be arts and crafts, carnival games, and live music featuring La Nueva Ola de Cumbia, traditional Mariachi, Ballet Folklorico and Spaghetti Cumbia, among others.<\/p>\n

Tickets can be bought here<\/a>, starting at $20 for general admission, $45 for admission plus tequila testing and $70 for a VIP ticket.<\/p>\n

Long Beach City College is located at 1305 E. Pacific Coast Highway.<\/i><\/p>\n

Seaside Santa with Reindeer and Sleigh (Sunday)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"\"
Hotel Maya’s Seaside Santa with “Reindeer and Sleigh” for a Waterfront Winter Wonderland. Image courtesy of the Hotel Maya.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ever wanted to meet a reindeer? Well you can this Sunday, Dec. 10 from 12 to 3 p.m. at Hotel Maya\u2019s Seaside Santa event, part of their December \u201cMayapalooza.\u201d<\/p>\n

Guests can take complimentary photos with Santa and interact with one of his trusty reindeer while enjoying brunch.<\/p>\n

Reservations can be made at 562-481-3910. More information can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Hotel Maya is located at 700 Queensway Drive<\/i>.<\/p>\n

LBMA Maker’s Market (Sunday)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"\"
Courtesy flyer.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If supporting local craftsmanship is your thing, check out the Maker\u2019s Market at the Long Beach Museum of Art\u2019s lawn on Sunday, Dec. 10 from 11 a.m to 3 p.m.<\/p>\n

The market will spotlight local ceramicists, jewelers and more who will be selling and showcasing their art and wares, from which they will receive 100% of sales.<\/p>\n

Entry is free to the public. There will be drinks and pastries available for purchase, and Claire\u2019s at the Museum restaurant will be open for dining from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.<\/p>\n

For more information, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Long Beach Museum of Art is located at 2300 E. Ocean Blvd.<\/i><\/p>\n

SantaCon (Sunday)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"\"
Flyer for SantaCon in Bixby Knolls, from the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association and the BK Community Foundation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There are few better ways to fight the Sunday Scaries than to day-drink, and you can do exactly that at SantaCon on Sunday, Dec. 10 from 1 to 5 p.m. in Bixby Knolls.<\/p>\n

This is a costume-mandatory holiday pub-crawl where you plot your own course to visit various breweries, restaurants, wine bars and shops \u2013 all within walking distance. Between eating and drinking, there will also be sales, music and entertainment to enjoy, as well as photos to snap.<\/p>\n

With a wristband, attendees can get discounted or complementary drinks and eats at establishments like Lola\u2019s Mexican Cuisine and Ambitious Ales, 20% off at Long Beach Clothing Co. and 25% off a paint-a-mug workshop at StudioPick, among others.<\/p>\n

Tickets start at $30 for adults 21 and over who are drinking and $20 for “Santa’s helpers,” also known as kids and designated drivers. Guests must pick up their wristband and event card at EXPO Art Center between noon to 2 p.m before starting their crawl.<\/p>\n

More information can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The EXPO Art Center is located at 4321 Atlantic Ave.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n

SPONSORED BY LONG BEACH SYMPHONY<\/p>\n

Long Beach Symphony’s Holiday Swing Pops Concert – Long Beach Arena (Saturday)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"\"
Graphic courtesy of Long Beach Symphony.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u2018Tis the season for Long Beach Symphony\u2019s annual Holiday Pops concert. Grab your loved ones for a night filled with yuletide carols for Byron Stripling\u2019s Holiday Swing accompanied by Sidney McSweeney. Experience the joy with Byron’s dazzling custom arrangements, amazing trumpet playing, vibrant singing, charismatic stage presence, and an unforgettable audience sing-along.<\/p>\n

The event will light up the Long Beach Arena on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. so make sure to bring your own food, refreshments, and even decor to spread the holiday cheer. Concert tickets start at $30.<\/p>\n

Tickets for this show and others this season\u2014great for gifts this holiday season\u2014are available now online at LongBeachSymphony.org<\/a> or by calling 562-436-3203, ext. 1.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

From a chance to meet live reindeer to a series of holiday concerts, there’s plenty to explore in Long Beach this weekend. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3255,"featured_media":70719,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"newspack_sponsor_sponsorship_scope":"","newspack_sponsor_native_byline_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_native_category_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_style":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_placement":"inherit","inline_featured_image":false,"newspack_ads_suppress_ads":false,"newspack_popups_has_disabled_popups":"","_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"_":"","_author_alias":"","cap-aim":"","cap-description":"","cap-display_name":"","cap-first_name":"","cap-jabber":"","cap-last_name":"","cap-linked_account":"","cap-newspack_employer":"","cap-newspack_job_title":"","cap-newspack_phone_number":"","cap-newspack_role":"","cap-user_email":"","cap-user_login":"","cap-website":"","cap-yahooim":"","newspack_article_summary":"","newspack_email_html":"","newspack_email_type":"","newspack_featured_image_position":"","newspack_hide_page_title":"","newspack_hide_updated_date":false,"newspack_post_subtitle":"","newspack_show_share_buttons":"","newspack_sponsor_byline_prefix":"","newspack_sponsor_disclaimer_override":"","newspack_sponsor_flag_override":"","newspack_sponsor_only_direct":"","newspack_sponsor_url":"","newspack_article_summary_title":"Overview:","newspack_show_updated_date":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,32099],"tags":[166],"newspack_spnsrs_tax":[],"coauthors":[32253],"class_list":["post-80196","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hi-lo","category-things-to-do","tag-things-to-do","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80196","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3255"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=80196"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80196\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":80233,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80196\/revisions\/80233"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/70719"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=80196"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=80196"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=80196"},{"taxonomy":"newspack_spnsrs_tax","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/newspack_spnsrs_tax?post=80196"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=80196"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}