Happy December! The holidays are just around the corner, and here at The Guidance Center, we’re getting excited to celebrate with our communities.
Whether you live in Compton, San Pedro or Long Beach, there’s so many fun ways to connect and celebrate. We put together a list of free, family-friendly events in each city just for you – check it out below!
And don’t forget, the last day to participate in our Adopt-a-Family Program is Monday, Dec. 5! Contact Lorraine Lyou at llyou@tgclb.org or (562) 485-2276 to help make the holidays a joyous, hopeful time for our families.
Local December Professional Workshop + Training
Dec. 7, 2016
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Legal LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency: Focus on Best Practices with Gender Diverse Children and Youth
The Guidance Center’s Long Beach HQ, 1301 Pine Ave, Long Beach 90813
This workshop provides mental health clinicians with an understanding of and clinical skills to work with children and youth with gender expansive and sexual orientation identities and development. Participants will learn about the best clinical practices in therapeutic treatment as well as best LGBTQ + affirmative trauma informed practices that protect against gender and sexual identity discrimination and provide safe spaces.
Cost to attend the training is $45. The Guidance Center staff, trainees and interns: Free. Please email training_rsvp@tgclb.org to register with your name, discipline, and license number (if applicable).
Free December Community Events
COMPTON
Dec. 17, 2016
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Tucker Park, 560 West Laurel St, Compton 90220
Councilwoman Tana L. McCoy District 3 invites you to enjoy a free Breakfast with Santa.
This event is for Compton residents only. Must show CA DMV picture ID. For more information, contact Venita Alsenat at (310) 605-5612.
Dec. 17, 2016
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Children Striving Together’s 3rd Annual Toy Giveaway
Kelly Park, 2319 E Caldwell St, Compton 90221
CST presents its 3rd Annual Toy Giveaway. The event will features games, prizes, raffles, food, and the best thing TOYS! This is a first come first served basis. Kids/teens must be present to receive a toy. RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/csts-3rd-annual-toy-giveaway-tickets-29861825524?aff=es2
LONG BEACH
Dec. 11, 2016
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
The Pike Outlets, 95 S Pine, Long Beach 90802
Decorate holiday cookies with Santa Claus at The Pike Outlets in the Main Plaza. While you’re there, you can also get a photo with Santa Claus at his winter village next to Gap Factory. He’ll be there between 12pm-7pm.
Dec. 11, 2016
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
“Joy to the World” Christmas concert
Bay Shore Church, 5100 E. The Toledo, Long Beach 90803
Justin Rudd and his nonprofit Community Action Team (CAT) invite the public to a free, 90-minute “Joy to the World” Christmas concert. Doors open at 4:30pm, and all seats are general admission (tickets required). All ages and all sizes of groups are welcome. The professional talent is provided by the Southern California Brass Consortium. Click here to reserve your free ticket.
Dec. 17, 2016
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Green Jean Kids, 1090 E Pacific Coast Hwy, F, Long Beach 90806
Green Jean Kids is hosting their annual clothing giveaway for families in need. For more information, call (424) 247-3962.
Dec. 17, 2016
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Drake Park, 951 Maine Ave, Long Beach 90813
Enjoy a day filled with snow sledding, climbing wall, Santa and his elves, music, arts & crafts, gingerbread and more! The Willmore City Heritage Association created the Winter in Willmore event to bring joy to all and unite the community during the holiday season. This year’s festivities are sponsored by Councilwoman Lena Gonzalez, The Port of Long Beach, Molina Healthcare, Walmart and others.
Dec. 17, 2016
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Self-Defense and Personal Safety for People of Color
Groundwork Fitness, 333 Pine Ave, Long Beach 90802
As a result of demand from the community, The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach, Groundwork Fitness, and Instructor Gisele Fong will be hosting a free self-defense course specifically for people of color in partnership with Building Healthy Communities: Long Beach and The California Conference for Equality and Justice. This class, a closed space for those who identify as people of color, will cover self-care, de-escalation techniques and hands on instruction to safely defend yourself from potential attacks and grabs. All equipment, as well as snacks and water, will be provided.
RSVP: https://self-defense3.eventbrite.com/. For more information, contact info@centerlb.org.
Dec. 18, 2016
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
4th Annual Toy Giveaway Presented by the Port of Long Beach
The Bembridge House, 953 N Park Circle Drive Long Beach 90813
Love in the Mirror is looking forward to hosting more than 700 children in need at this fun, annual event! Thank you to the Port of Long Beach for sponsoring this event, the Long Beach PD for helping out and to the Bembridge House for hosting us. Each child will receive one toy while supplies last, free books, and a photo with Santa! Contact info@loveinthemirror.org for more information.
Dec. 20, 2016
7:30 PM – 10:00PM
Movie Night: Elf Presented by Long Beach Creamery
Long Beach Creamery, 4141 Long Beach Blvd, Long Beach 90807
Long Beach Creamery presents Movie Night: Elf with Will Ferrell. Enjoy sweet treats, Buddy’s favorite ice cream flavors and toppings amongst the winter wonderland. Movie will be played on the outside wall of the creamery and starts at 7:30pm. Bring your chairs and blankets!
SAN PEDRO
Dec. 4, 2016
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
36th Annual Spirit of San Pedro Holiday Parade
Parade Kick-Off: 11th & Pacific in San Pedro
The San Pedro Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that the annual Spirit of San Pedro Holiday Parade will be celebrating its 35th year. Each year, this festive tradition brings families, little leagues, scouts, students, high school bands, equestrian units, and volunteers to downtown San Pedro to celebrate the holiday season and our community.
Dec. 9, 2016
6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Pacific Battleship Center, Battleship USS Iowa, 250 S Harbor Blvd, Berth 87, San Pedro 90731
Come and enjoy the holidays with the Battleship IOWA! North Pole Movie Nights Presents “Elf”. The movies will be shown on the pier in front of the historic Battleship IOWA, as you sit under the stars, next to the beautiful LA Waterfront. Seating is first come first serve, please arrive with ample time to reserve your spot. Personal chairs and blankets are highly recommended.
Dec. 16, 2016
6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
North Pole Movie Nights: Frozen
Pacific Battleship Center, Battleship USS Iowa, 250 S Harbor Blvd, Berth 87, San Pedro 90731
Come and enjoy the holidays with the Battleship IOWA! North Pole Movie Nights Presents “Frozen”. The movies will be shown on the pier in front of the historic Battleship IOWA, as you sit under the stars, next to the beautiful LA Waterfront. Seating is first come first serve, please arrive with ample time to reserve your spot. Personal chairs and blankets are highly recommended.