Join Aquarium of the Pacific, Shoreline Village, and The Pike for Christmas by the Bay

By Jennifer Gartland

Long Beach, CA - This December, guests are invited to enjoy a Christmas tree lighting, snow, ice skating, and Christmas carols with an ocean backdrop during Rainbow Harbor Holidays. The Aquarium of the Pacific, Shoreline Village, and The Pike invite the public to come and enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of a white Christmas by the bay.

The Rainbow Harbor Holidays Tree Lighting Ceremony
The lighting of a Christmas Tree is an iconic tradition that’s not to be missed. The Rainbow Harbor Holidays Christmas Tree stands 30 feet tall and has more than 3,000 lights. It takes nearly 12 hours to install and decorate before the magical moment when the tree is lit for the first time. Councilwoman Suja Lowenthal will officially light the Christmas Tree and recognize the Menorah and Kwanzaa displays. Guests will also be treated to the holiday sounds of the Lakewood High School Choir and can see Santa's arrival with the Long Beach Fire Department.

When: Sunday, December 6, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.
Where: The Pike’s Event Park (corner of Shoreline Drive and Pine Ave.)

Ice Skating Rink Opens
What: Together with Crystal Ice Skating, The Pike brings the classic holiday experience of ice staking to the community this season. With the unique outdoor location just steps from Rainbow Harbor on the waterfront in Downtown Long Beach, the rink offers a frozen lake experience in the Southern California Harbor. Skate sessions are 1.5 hours long. The price is $12, which include rental of skates and skating time. Skaters’ parking will be validated in The Pike’s parking structure.
When: November 28, 2009 through January 31, 2010, seven days a week; weekdays 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Where: The Pike

Snow Day
What: The public is invited to a white Christmas in Shoreline Village. There will be 15 tons of man made snow for kids 12 and under to build a snowman with and ride sleds on. They can also play in the two inflatable houses, fee applies. Free hot chocolate and coffee, holiday music, and a trackless train will be available for all ages to enjoy.
When: Saturday, December 12, 2009 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Shoreline Village

Holiday Treats for the Animals
What: In celebration of the holiday season, Scuba Santa will be delivering an ocean of gifts to the Aquarium of the Pacific’s sea otters, seals, sea lions, birds, fish, and other animals. Guests can see Scuba Santa dive with sharks and watch the Aquarium’s animals receive their special treats and enrichment gifts during the Holiday Treats for the Animals weekend. Families can enjoy holiday music, crafts, special presentations, unique photo opportunities, shopping, and more. The Seal and Sea Lion Habitat will be decked out for the “sea”son with frozen “fishmas” treats. Guests can watch the sea otters savor candy cane-shaped ice treats, gourmet lobster tails, and their very own snowman. General admission is $23.95 adult (12+), $20.95 senior (62+), $11.95 child (3-11), and free for children
under age 3 and Aquarium members.
When: Saturday and Sunday, December 5-6, 2009 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Aquarium of the Pacific

Santa & Sons Christmas Tree Sales Lot Opens
What: The Pike, along with Santa & Sons, are making holiday tree shopping a little easier this year. Guests are encouraged to come out and experience the season by grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants, skating at the rink, and picking out a fresh tree, wreath, or garland from Santa & Sons Tree Lot. Anyone who purchases a tree will receive parking validation for The Pike’s parking
structure, and then instructed to move their vehicle to the “tree pick-up” location
where Santa & Sons will load and secure the tree to any car. The Christmas tree lot will have Noble Fir, Douglas Fir, and Grand Fir Christmas trees available from $39.99.
When: The tree lot will be open November 27 through December 24, 2009, Sunday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: The Pike

Roaming Christmas Caroler
What: Ring in the holiday along the waterfront with the songs that epitomize the season.
When: Friday and Saturday evenings from November 27 through December 19, 2009.
Where: Waterfront

Holiday Late Nights at the Aquarium of the Pacific—Everyone Gets in for the Kid’s Price
What: This holiday season the public can treat their loved ones to an evening at the Aquarium of the Pacific while enjoying special savings and the ambiance of the Aquarium at night. During its Holiday Late Nights, admission will be just $10 per person after 5 p.m., and the Aquarium will remain open until 9 p.m. Holiday visitors will have the opportunity to journey through the Pacific Ocean to meet over 11,000 animals, including more than 150 sharks they can touch. Please note: the Lorikeet Forest aviary closes at 4:30 p.m. during the winter.
When: From 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. on: Friday and Saturday, Nov. 27—28, 2009
Saturday, Dec. 26, 2009 through Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010
Where: Aquarium of the Pacific

Harbor Tours with Harbor Breeze Cruises
What: Tour the picturesque Rainbow Harbor and take in the sights and history of Long Beach
When: Daily from 12:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Where: Rainbow Harbor, Dock #2 (next to the Aquarium of the Pacific)

For more information and full schedule of events, visit RainbowHarborHolidays.com

To view Aquarium of the Pacific's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-33-Aquarium_of_the_Pacific