What to Do in South LA County & Long Beach This Weekend

🎄 December 12–14, 2025 | Best Holiday Events Near You

Looking for fun things to do this weekend in South Los Angeles County — from Long Beach to Inglewood, Carson, and Torrance? December 12–14 brings festive energy, family-friendly events, and holiday traditions you won’t want to miss. Here’s your curated roundup of the top events happening locally so you can enjoy the season without driving across the city.

🎭 The Nutcracker with Long Beach Ballet

📍 Location: Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center
🗓 Days: Saturday, Dec 13 & Sunday, Dec 14
⏰ Time: Multiple showtimes throughout the day
🎟 Tickets: Available through the theater website
✨ Why Go: One of Southern California’s most beloved holiday performances — full orchestra, enchanting sets, and magical stage effects. A perfect holiday tradition for families, date night, or a festive group outing.

🎅 Daisy Lane Christmas Parade – Long Beach

📍 Location: Daisy Avenue at West Burnett Street
🗓 Day: Saturday, Dec 13
⏰ Time: Evening parade start time 5:00 PM — arrive early!
🎟 Cost: Free community event
✨ Why Go: Celebrate a Long Beach tradition featuring community groups, holiday floats, music, lights, and a fun neighborhood atmosphere. Great for kids and holiday-loving adults alike.

🌿 Native Plant Wreath Workshop – Rancho Los Alamitos

📍 Location: Rancho Los Alamitos, Long Beach
🗓 Day: Sunday, Dec 14
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🎟 Tickets: Purchase through Rancho Los Alamitos website
✨ Why Go: Create a one-of-a-kind winter wreath using native plants — a hands-on craft experience celebrating local ecology. Ideal for DIY lovers and those wanting unique, sustainable holiday décor.

🌟 More Weekend Events: Inglewood · Carson · Gardena

Santa's Workshop at the Crenshaw‑Imperial Branch — Inglewood

📍 Where: Crenshaw-Imperial Branch (Inglewood) 
🗓 When: Saturday, December 13, 2025 — 1:00 PM 
🎟 Tickets / Cost: Free / community-library event 
✨ Why Go: Fun, family-friendly holiday activity — customize and stuff stockings, enjoy a holiday-themed book giveaway, and get cozy with a festive vibe in your neighborhood. A nice low-key outing if you’re in Inglewood and want a simple, community-centered holiday treat.

Carson Christmas Craft Fair 2025

📍 Where: City of Carson (multiple community-organized venues) 
🗓 When: Saturday, December 13, 2025 — 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM 
🎟 Tickets / Cost: Free or low-cost (community craft-fair pricing) 
✨ Why Go: Great chance to shop local, grab holiday gifts or handmade crafts, support community vendors—and enjoy that small-town feel without leaving the South LA area. Good for families, gift-shopping, and local pride.

Ugly Sweater vs Christmas Pajamas Party — Gardena

📍 Where: Bruddahs Hawaiian Foods, Gardena 
🗓 When: Friday, December 12, 2025 — 7:00 PM – 2:00 AM
🎟 Tickets / Cost: Free (or minimal) — community holiday party vibe
✨ Why Go: Fun, laid-back local party — perfect for friends, holiday hangouts, or just a casual kick-off to the weekend. Expect holiday music, festive spirit, and a chance to mingle locally without heading downtown or to major venues.

✅ Why These Are Worth Your Time

• They’re local, easy to reach if you’re based in Inglewood, Carson, or Gardena — no long drives needed.

• Variety: from cozy community library events to craft fairs to holiday parties — something for families, friends, or anyone just wanting to enjoy the season.

• Community vibe + holiday spirit: these aren’t massive productions — often they’re intimate, warm, and neighborly, a nice contrast to big-ticket concerts or big venue events.

🌟 Make the Most of the Weekend

✔ Book show tickets early — holiday performances sell out
✔ Arrive early for parades and outdoor events (parking + best views)
✔ Check official event info the morning of in case times change

💌 Want More Local Weekend Guides Like This?

South LA County and Long Beach are filled with amazing events every week — from food festivals to live music, cultural celebrations, and real estate–friendly neighborhood spotlights.

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