Looking for a change of scenery but don’t want to stray too far from Long Beach? You’re in luck.
This weekend there’s plenty going on right across the Vincent Thomas Bridge. San Pedro’s Holidays by the Sea will bring two days of festivities including parades by sea and land, markets, sledding and much more for adults and children to enjoy.
Here’s what’s going on Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday, Dec. 2
Tree lighting: At 5:30 p.m. people are invited to gather in the Town Square for a tree lighting to kick off the weekend’s events.
Happy Harbor Holiday Afloat Parade: The annual boat parade, which begins at 6 p.m., starts at East Basin near Banning’s Landing Community Center in Wilmington and takes about 90 minutes to cover the parade route up the Port’s Main Channel. Some 50 sailboats, large ships and more vessels will be decked lights and much more holiday decor. There will be multiple viewing points including the Main Channel, the Cruise Ship Promenade at Harbor Boulevard and Swinford Street and more.
Find more information and a full list of places to watch here. No tickets needed for most view points.
Community sail: From 5 to 9 p.m., you’ll have the opportunity to be part of the Happy Harbor Holiday Afloat Parade by hopping aboard the tall ships of the Los Angeles Maritime Institute. Tickets are priced at $75 for adults and $25 for children below the age of 12. Proceeds go toward the institute’s educational programs for local youth. More information here.
Maritime Merriment: Bypass the crowds and watch the parade from the LA Maritime Museum with hot chocolate and cookies in hand from 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and kids get in for free. Proceeds go toward the museum. The museum gift shop will also be open for holiday shopping. Tickets can be found here.
Dec. 3
43rd Annual San Pedro Spirit of the Holidays Parade: The parade will kick off at 13th Street and Pacific Avenue starting at 1 p.m. and head north. The parade’s full route and details can be found here.
Sledding: Children of all ages can enjoy free sledding on real snow from 3 to 8 p.m. Head to the LA Waterfront Town Square, Berth 84, at the foot of Sixth Street.
Santa Sail: Tour the harbor and enjoy a hot cocoa bar, a cookie and gingerbread station and an ornament station from 4 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $40 for adults and $20 for children ages 3 to 11. Find more information here.
All weekend long
Holiday Pop-Up Market: Jumpstart your holiday shopping at this holiday pop-up market along the West Harbor Promenade from 3 to 8 p.m. featuring works from artists, craftspeople and artisans, local entrepreneurs and small businesses. There you’ll find food trucks, music, entertainment and an opportunity to take a photo with Santa.