Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Long Beach, CA

This year, we've decided to dial back the holiday stress by staying close to home, instead of travelling to visit family the way we have in past years. But even though Christmas will be small and cozy this time, I still want the season to be full of fun traditions that my daughter will remember for years to come. I'm sure we'll find ourselves at a few of these holiday events happening around town over the next couple of weeks:

On Saturday, December 6^th and Sunday December 7^th, kids can watch animals at The Aquarium of the Pacific receive special holiday treats, including candy-cane shaped ice treats and lobster tails.

The Belmont Shore Christmas Parade this weekend will feature marching bands playing Christmas carols, colorful floats, and the Big Man himself. The parade will take place on Saturday December 6th, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. As with all big Belmont Shore events, arrive early to avoid circling for parking.

East Coast kids have their ice skates and sleds, but around here the highlight of the Christmas season is when the boats get all decked out for the holidays at the Naples Boat Parade. This year, it will take place on December 13 at 6:00 PM.

For Southern California kids, snow is something we see on TV and in books. If your kid is begging to play in the snow and you don't feel like driving to Big Bear or Tahoe, you can have a white Christmas in Long Beach. Head to Shoreline Village on December 13, when the parking lot will be transformed into a winter wonderland, and kids can build snowmen. There will be a second snow day on the Esplanade on the 20th. Children can take pictures with Santa for free, with a receipt from a Shoreline Village store.