It’s not quite yet December, but the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can already be felt. Holiday decorations are popping up all over neighborhoods and in stores. A slight chill can even be felt in the air.
The holidays can be a magical time, full of excitement, festivals in the community and special time spent with family and friends. But if you’re struggling with a mental health condition or healing from trauma or loss of a loved one, it can be difficult to enjoy the festivities. That’s okay. Know you’re not alone, and know there is help.
If you’re a parent of a child with ADHD, depression or anxiety, be sure to check out these tips from one of our amazing Intensive Services therapists, Ani Nat, LCSW. She shares more than 10 practical tips to help you and your child prepare for and enjoy the upcoming festivities in your community.
If you’re concerned about a child or teen in your life, call us at 562-595-1159. Our staff can connect you and that child with support.
Free December Community Events
COMPTON
Dec. 9, 2017
11 AM
Parade Route Along Compton Blvd. Starting on Bullis Rd and Ending on Alameda St.
The City of Compton invites the community to enjoy the 64th Annual Christmas Parade. “The theme is Peace and Happiness for Every Child at Heart.” The Grand Marshal will be Anthony Anderson.
Dec. 10, 2017
1 PM – 4:30 PM
Homie Love Foundation’s Christmas Toy Drive
1097 N Long Beach Blvd, Compton, CA 90221
“Building Bridges of Hope” is the theme of this year’s Christmas Toy Drive. There will be free clothes, food and toys along with live music.
Dec. 16, 2017
12 PM – 3 PM
Children Striving Together’s 4th Annual Toy Giveaway
Kelly Park, 2319 East Caldwell Street, Compton, California 90220
Children Striving Together is happy to present the 4th Annual Toy Giveaway. This event is not only geared towards giving but also towards having a great time with one another, enjoying Christmas music, eating treats, and having a great time with other families and friends. This event is a first come first serve event.
LONG BEACH
Dec. 2, 2017
5 PM – 7:30 PM
Promenade Square Park, Long Beach, California 90802
The next in our series of Movies in the Park with PARA will be The Santa Clause starring Tim Allen! It’s free! You just bring your lawn chairs and blankets, bring your dog, your kids, your Uncle! There will be popcorn and cotton candy.
Dec. 2, 2017
6 PM – 9 PM
35th Annual Belmont Shore Christmas Parade
200 Nieto Ave Ste B, Long Beach, California 90803
The Belmont Shore Christmas Parade will begin on Livingston and 2nd, and march down East Second Street to the beat of over a dozen local marching bands. Featuring over 100 entries, including floats designed by Long Beach businesses and associations, marching bands, and local personalities and dignitaries. And of course, no Christmas Parade would be complete without an appearance by good ole’ St. Nick!
Dec. 8, 2017
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
PAAL High School’s “Lost in Art” Exhibit
1545 Long Beach Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90813
PAAL’s student council has a fun night planned for art enthusiasts – paintings, graffiti art, sculptures, photography by local students and seasoned artists will be displayed, live music by local bands performed, and a mural created with the help of attendees, plus a food truck! Admission is $3 (funds raised go to support PAAL’s field trips) or for FREE when you bring an unwrapped toy. They’ll donate all toys to the Women’s and Children’s Crisis Center.
Dec. 10, 2017
11 AM – 5 PM
MOLAA’s Community Holiday Festival
Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA), 628 Alamitos Ave, Long Beach, California 90802
Celebrate the holidays at Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)! The whole family can enjoy holiday music, workshops, crafts and traditional food, like tamales, champurrado and pan dulce!
Dec. 12, 2017
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Holiday Play Date: Candy Cane Hunt and Visit with Santa
College Park Estates, 808 Stevely Ave, Long Beach, California 90815
Join us for a Holiday Play Date! Start with play time and sugar cookie decorating. Santa will visit us at 10:30am, and is bringing along a special visitor! Finish your day of fun with a candy cane hunt, around the park (weather permitting). Parents can enjoy connecting and socializing with other local parents, and will go home with a swag bag from local businesses.
Dec. 16, 2017
1 PM – 5 PM
Drake Park, 951 Maine Ave, Long Beach, California 90813
Join Councilwoman Lena Gonzalez and the Willmore City Heritage Association for WINTER IN WILLMORE! There will be 40 tons of snow, you can decorate gingerbread houses, there will be a climbing wall, music and arts & crafts!
SAN PEDRO
Dec. 2, 2017
6 PM – 9 PM
55th Annual Los Angeles Harbor Holiday Afloat Parade
LA Waterfront, 504 S Harbor Blvd, San Pedro, California 90731
The Los Angeles Harbor communities of San Pedro and Wilmington will celebrate the free and festive 55th Annual Los Angeles Harbor Holiday Afloat Parade along the LA Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles. Celebrating this year’s theme of Peace Around the World, LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who represents the 4th District will preside as Grand Marshal of the parade. Sponsored by the Port of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Harbor Holiday Afloat Parade starts in the East Basin near Banning’s Landing Community Center in Wilmington and takes approximately 90 minutes to cover the entire parade route through the Los Angeles Main Channel.
Dec. 3, 2017
1 PM – 3 PM
37th Annual Spirit of San Pedro Holiday Parade
390 W 7th St, San Pedro, California 90731
The San Pedro Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that the annual Spirit of San Pedro Holiday Parade will be celebrating its 37th year on Sunday, December 3, 2017 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm! 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. 15, 2017
5:30 PM – 8 PM
Frozen – North Pole Movie Night
Pacific Battleship Center – Battleship USS Iowa, 250 S Harbor Blvd, Berth 87, San Pedro, California 90731
Come and enjoy the holidays at Battleship IOWA with a Holiday Movie under the Guns Presentation of “Frozen”! The movies will be shown on the fantail 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.