Celebrate the Holidays in Bellflower, California
It’s hard to believe that another season of lights, music, and cheer is here already. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can feel overwhelming at times—there are so many things to fit into the schedule.
We want to make your life easy, so we’ve built a list of some of the best ways to celebrate the holidays here in Bellflower, CA. From shows and performances to shopping and more, take a look at these ideas and add a few to your calendar.
Activities
Shows and Performances
Shopping
Opportunities to Share
Safe Celebration
Activities
This year, we are getting outside for the holiday season. Here are a few fun activities away from home that will light up your holiday season.
Bellflower Tree Lighting: You’ll want to make sure that the first Friday of December is open this year. On December 2, the city’s annual tree-lighting ceremony will take place at Friendship Square. Bring your family and friends to enjoy an evening of carolers, crafts, and treats. It’s been said that Santa Clause will be making an appearance to hear what’s on the kids’ wish lists for Christmas. To top off the night, real snow and sledding will be provided to enjoy. It doesn’t get more festive than this fun event.
Aquarium Holidays: The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is hosting Holiday festivities this year, which include a variety of holiday fun. The decor, shopping, and snowfall in the Great Hall are just the beginning: If you can make it on the weekends, there will be photo opportunities with Santa, Hanukkah storytelling, and a Kwanzaa celebration. No matter how you celebrate the holiday season, you’ll want to make a stop at the aquarium.
International Tamales Festival: Are you a fan of authentic Latin American cuisine? If so, make sure to check out the Long Beach International Tamales Festival. Tamales from various regions of Latin America will take center stage in this all-day holiday fair. The festival will also include other Latin-inspired food and drinks, live music, tequila tastings, art workshops for kids, and shopping. Finally, take the opportunity to show off your skills in the Piñata Making and Homemade Tamales contests.
Shows and Performances
It is a holiday essential to watch at least one show or live performance. Each of these local options is sure to bring the joy that only comes from listening to classic holiday songs or reminiscing over classic holiday stories.
Coffee Break – Special Edition: Whether you are looking for a virtual event or an in-person show, you can join in on this inspirational holiday message presented by guest speaker Krista Harvey. This holiday event will celebrate through worship dance and a gospel choir. If you can’t make it in person, simply mark the live stream option when registering.
Holiday Pops Concert: December 3 at 8:00 PM, come enjoy a performance from Synesthesia Sinfonietta at the International Pentecostal Church in Bellflower. They will be playing a variety of holiday favorites such as Deck the Halls, The Nutcracker, The Polar Express, and more. With several special guests, this performance is sure to be as sweet as a holiday treat.
The Hollywood Christmas Parade: Without leaving the comfort of your home, you can help bring in the holiday cheer this year by watching the annual Christmas parade. Because this event is televised, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy special performances from your favorite performers. Hollywood knows how to put on a show, and this 90th-anniversary parade will surely be a holiday performance for the books.
Shopping
It wouldn’t be the holidays without shopping. Knowing there are always more items on the shopping list, we have provided quick local suggestions for shopping that won’t disappoint in Bellflower.
Big Lots Christmas Shop: It’s never too late (or too early) to decorate for the season. Inside or outside decor, Big Lots is a great place to find what you’re looking for. They also have more than just holiday decorations. Head down to the Bellflower location to browse trees, decor, and gifts.
The Bellflower Community Christmas Store: Kingdom Causes Bellflower teams up with Caring Connections and several local churches to provide a holiday shopping experience for parents and families who might be struggling to buy their kids gifts to open Christmas morning. If you or someone you know could use a little extra help shopping this year, send them to the Christmas community store on December 12. We know that this is a special time of year, and we want to help everyone have a joyful celebration.
Bixby Knolls Flowers: Bixby Knolls Flowers in Long Beach proves that there are flowers for every occasion, with a wide variety of holiday bouquets to choose from. If you are looking for a party gift or a way to add some holiday spirit to your home, consider stopping by Bixby Knolls Flowers.
Opportunities to Share
Of course, the season of giving is about more than gifts: It’s the perfect time to give one’s time and attention to those in need.
Annual Christmas Together Toy Drive: On December 18, Families Together anticipates one of the largest toy giveaways in its history of annual toy giveaways. Since 2015, FTOC has been gathering toys and hosting a fun-filled festival for residents in Orange County at no cost to those who register. With the help of volunteers just like you, Families Together plans to give away 20,000 toys to families in need this year. The organization takes toy donations year-round leading up to this event, monetary donations, and hands-on volunteer work. Visit their website to learn how you can help give local families the Christmas they are missing.
Heart of Christmas: The Aaron Community Cultural Centers is hosting this year’s Heart of Christmas toy, book, and food donation drive with a goal to create a positive holiday atmosphere for struggling youth in the community. There will be games, music, toys, and more. The ACCC could really use the help of donations and volunteers to make this special event happen. If you are looking for ways to give back this holiday season, consider donating books or toys, or sign up for in-person volunteer work that can count toward community service or internship hours.
Safe Celebration
With all these fun activities, there are also opportunities for danger. First, be aware of open flames. Candles and stovetops pose a high risk of starting apartment fires. Keep an eye on your festive atmosphere, and keep your candles in a safe location. You may even want to consider battery-powered candles for small spaces.
If you are planning to have a real tree in your home this year, be sure to keep it hydrated throughout the season. Everyone loves the real deal for the wonderful pine smell and festivity, but after you are done, make sure you dispose of your tree properly.
We hope this list is useful in helping you plan out your holiday fun in Bellflower this year. Nothing beats time with those close to us and cherishing the moments that bring us together. Especially this holiday season, we hope you are able to cherish these moments and recognize the joy that comes from meaningful celebrations.
We’d love to see your holiday fun! If you decorate for the holidays or try out one of the activities above, post a photo on social media, tag us, and use #TisTheSeasonAtAMC.
From all of us at Sherwood Apartments in Bellflower, CA,
Happy Holidays!
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