The Christmas Parade Returns to Belmont Shore and so will Holiday Spirit!

By John Grossi

You better not pout and I’m telling you why… the Belmont Shore Christmas Parade is coming back to town!

And yes, so you don’t have to skip to the end of the article, that means Santa Claus will be here too. Anchoring the parade on that shiny red #13 firetruck from the Belmont Shore fire station just like in days of yore (a word that now refers to pre-Covid times) and spreading joy and cheer to the children and families of Long Beach.

The 38th iteration of the parade is set for Saturday, December 3rd with the theme “Christmas at the Movies.” Sure to bring a plethora of fun, funny, and creative entries, this year’s parade will be jam-packed with community favorites including floats, marching bands, scouts, lots of local organizations, and of course, everyone’s favorites… the corgis!

There’s no doubt this parade will be one to remember with two years of pent-up holiday spirit ready to explode all over 2nd street in the Shore. If you’re new to Long Beach and/or have never been, the Belmont Shore Christmas Parade is an iconic community event. Thousands attend, making it the 2nd largest holiday parade in Southern California! Stroll around enjoying the restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, and bars while catching each float as it rolls along.

Whether you’re enjoying the evening with family and friends, or strolling the street to run into old acquaintances, one thing is for sure, you can’t beat the holiday atmosphere of the Belmont Shore Christmas Parade.

“Something we all love to do during the holidays is to stroll, shop and dine,” says new Executive Director of the Belmont Shore Business Association, Heather Kern. “Your holidays start on 2nd Street, with 15 blocks of holiday lights, seasonal window displays, unique gift shops, restaurants for family gatherings, work parties and date nights, the best sweet shops, coffee… And salons and fitness to have you looking your best ... we have it all!”

Heather is new to her role, but not new to the block. In fact, she grew up on 2nd Street and has lived in or near the Shore her entire life. As for her favorite part of the parade? “The drums! Seriously though, I absolutely love the holidays, and the Belmont Shore Christmas Parade has always been a holiday tradition in our house,” says Kern.

A Personal, Fun Touch

Heather is introducing something new and exciting this year! It’s a live stream of the event for those who cannot attend but would like to watch the festivities from home. Viewers from home will not only be able to see the parade, but to hear the same live commentary that viewers in the grandstands hear!

And how do I know that it will be exciting? Well, because I, John Grossi am the one who will be doing commentary, in partnership with my long-time friend and co-host Paul Slater (you may know us from “Shoot Your Shot,” Long Beach’s top-rated podcast, or from one of our frequent social media videos). We will be in the company of this year’s emcee, long-time owner of La Strada Italian restaurant, and Belmont Shore legend, Lisa Ramelow. Paul and I will provide a running commentary on the parade for this year’s judges, special guests, and anyone at home who wants to watch.

More Belmont Shore Fun

Besides the Christmas Parade, it’s safe to say that 2nd Street in Belmont Shore will be bustling with energy throughout the entire holiday season. Starting on Small-Business Saturday, their “Shop Small” campaign on November 26th, Belmont Shore remains one of the best place in town where you can find such a dense collection of small businesses offering a myriad of holiday wares.

Be sure to save the date for “Deck the Halls” on Saturday, December 17th. Shoppers and diners can expect carolers, strolling music, photos with Santa, and more! With over 30 small retailers and 50 plus unique eateries, Belmont Shore is the perfect place to catch a bite, shop for presents, and bask in this year’s holiday spirit!

Learn more or watch the parade at www.belmontshore.org

Instagram: @belmontshorelb