See how Long Beach lit up with holiday spirit

Residents and visitors united in the festive celebration as the City of Long Beach and the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce illuminated the West End with the 10th annual Electric Light Parade on Dec. 9.

Crowds gathered along the streets, excitedly awaiting the holiday spirit as antique cars, fire trucks, floats, and more, all decked out in Christmas lights, paraded through.

The official start of the parade was at 6 p.m., stepping off from Ohio Avenue.

Long Beach resident John Ashmead fully embraced the festive atmosphere, attending the parade for the fourth time on Saturday, surrounded by family and friends.

“I now wish I had been going to it earlier, because it’s fantastic,” Ashmead said. “It gets me into the spirit of the season, in a way, heretofore nothing has.”

Ashmead pointed out the enjoyable weather, which was a contrast to the cold conditions experienced last year. The comfortable temperatures added to the overall positive experience, making it a more pleasant and memorable evening for everyone.

Ashmead’s experience at this year’s parade echoed a sentiment of shared joy, extending beyond individual families to the entire community.

He observed the parade’s growth, noting its increasing size each year, featuring more participants, including marching bands and creatively-themed floats

“One of these days, I’m hoping to participate and build a float with some friends,” Ashmead said. “We’ve been talking about it for a few years, and I think that’s great. It builds that sort of community spirit. And it’s awesome.”

The festivities extended beyond the parade, with local restaurants contributing to the celebration by offering specials and organizing activities for children.

Ashmead went to Speakeasy before and after the parade. Inside, he not only appreciated the festive decor but also observed fellow attendees embracing the spirit of the event through their costumes.

“Before the parade are like five or six guys in Santa outfits,” Ashmead said. “That’s sort of occupying what you’re looking at, right? And then afterward when we were eating after the parade, there was a guy dressed up as Elf.”

Long Beach continued to embrace this tradition, marking its tenth year, and once again, the community united in the spirit of the season.

The Electric Light Parade not only brightened the streets but also filled the hearts of residents with holiday joy.