How to Start a Holiday Lights Tour in Long Beach

Long Beach, California, is a vibrant coastal city known for its scenic waterfront, historic neighborhoods, and thriving community spirit. As the holiday season approaches, the city transforms into a dazzling wonderland of twinkling lights, animated displays, and festive cheer. What began as small neighborhood decorations has evolved into a beloved regional tradition—holiday lights tours that draw thousands of visitors each year. Starting your own holiday lights tour in Long Beach isn’t just about stringing up lights; it’s about creating a shared experience that builds community, boosts local economies, and preserves seasonal joy in a meaningful way.

Whether you’re a resident looking to organize a neighborhood event, a small business owner seeking to attract foot traffic, or an entrepreneur aiming to launch a seasonal tourism venture, launching a holiday lights tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with locals and visitors alike. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to help you plan, promote, and sustain a successful holiday lights tour in Long Beach—backed by real-world insights, best practices, and practical tools.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research Local Traditions and Neighborhood Patterns

Before you begin organizing, immerse yourself in what’s already happening in Long Beach. Visit popular areas known for holiday displays—such as the Pine Avenue corridor, the Naples neighborhood, the Bixby Knolls area, and the Bluff Park region. Observe which streets have the highest concentration of lights, which homes go all-out with themed displays, and how residents interact with visitors.

Many Long Beach neighborhoods have informal traditions—like the annual “Lights of Naples” or “Holiday Lights on 2nd Street”—that have developed organically over decades. These aren’t always advertised, but locals know them well. Talk to neighborhood associations, attend community meetings, and browse local Facebook groups like “Long Beach Holiday Lights” or “Naples Community Association.” Understanding existing patterns helps you avoid redundancy and identify gaps you can fill.

Pay attention to traffic flow, parking availability, and pedestrian safety. Some areas are narrow and winding, making them ideal for walking tours, while others are better suited for car-based routes. Document these observations in a simple spreadsheet or map—this will be your foundation for route planning.

2. Define Your Tour’s Purpose and Audience

Every successful tour has a clear identity. Ask yourself: Who is this for? Why are you doing it?

Are you aiming to:

• Bring neighbors together through a community-driven event?
• Attract tourists to support local businesses?
• Create a family-friendly outing with added activities like hot cocoa stations or carolers?
• Generate revenue through ticketed experiences or sponsorships?

Each goal requires a different structure. A community tour might be free, self-guided, and promoted via flyers and word-of-mouth. A commercial tour might require reservations, guided narrators, themed buses, or timed entry slots. Be intentional. A vague mission leads to scattered execution.

Define your target audience with specificity: “Families with children under 12,” “Instagram-savvy millennials,” or “Out-of-town visitors staying at Long Beach hotels.” Tailor your messaging, route selection, and amenities to their preferences.

3. Secure Permissions and Navigate Regulations

Long Beach has specific ordinances governing public events, street closures, amplified sound, and temporary lighting installations. Even if your tour is on private property, you may need permits if you plan to:

• Block or close public streets for pedestrian access
• Use amplified music or speakers in public spaces
• Set up ticket booths or vendor kiosks on sidewalks
• Use commercial-grade lighting that exceeds residential electrical limits

Start by contacting the City of Long Beach Community Services Department and the Department of Public Works. Request information on Special Event Permits (Form 10-100) and Temporary Use Permits. Some neighborhoods may also have Homeowners Associations (HOAs) with rules about holiday displays—ensure you’re compliant with all local covenants.

If your tour involves multiple private properties, consider drafting a simple participation agreement. This document outlines expectations for homeowners: lighting hours, safety standards, liability waivers, and decor guidelines. It protects you and the participants.

4. Design the Tour Route

Your route is the backbone of your tour. It must be safe, scenic, and logistically feasible. Use Google Maps or a physical map to plot a loop or linear path that connects 10–20 standout displays. Aim for a total distance of 3–5 miles—long enough to feel immersive, short enough to be manageable in under two hours.

Key considerations:

• Accessibility: Are sidewalks wide? Are there curb cuts? Is the route stroller- and wheelchair-friendly?
• Parking: Identify public lots, street parking zones, and nearby paid garages. Include clear signage for parking instructions.
• Lighting: Avoid routes with poor street lighting. Visitors should feel safe walking between displays.
• Flow: Avoid sharp turns or dead ends. A circular route prevents bottlenecks.
• Rest Stops: Plan for 2–3 designated areas where visitors can pause, warm up, or use portable restrooms.

Consider dividing your tour into themed sections: “Nautical Lights” near the Queen Mary, “Vintage Christmas” in the historic Belmont Heights neighborhood, or “Modern Light Art” along the Shoreline Village corridor. Themed zones add narrative depth and encourage social media sharing.

5. Recruit and Engage Participating Homes and Businesses

Success hinges on participation. Reach out to homeowners, landlords, and small businesses with a compelling pitch. Emphasize community pride, visibility, and the joy of giving back.

Create a simple sign-up form using Google Forms or Typeform. Ask for:

• Address and contact information
• Estimated lighting start/end times
• Display theme or story (e.g., “Our display honors my grandfather’s WWII service”)
• Any special needs (e.g., “We need volunteers to help with traffic flow”)

Offer incentives: free promotional materials, a “Top Display” award, or inclusion in a printed tour map. Recognize participants publicly—feature them on your website, social media, and event signage. A little appreciation goes a long way.

For businesses, propose cross-promotions: “Visit our lights tour and receive 15% off at The Coffee House on 2nd Street.” This creates mutual benefit and expands your reach.

6. Develop a Marketing and Promotion Strategy

Without promotion, even the most beautiful tour will go unnoticed. Build your campaign around three pillars: digital, local, and experiential.

Digital Presence

Create a dedicated website or landing page with:

• Interactive map of the tour route
• Participant profiles and photos
• Event dates and hours
• FAQs and parking instructions
• Newsletter signup for updates

Use SEO best practices: include keywords like “Long Beach holiday lights 2024,” “best Christmas lights in Long Beach,” and “family-friendly holiday tour.” Add alt text to all images and ensure the site loads quickly on mobile devices.

Social Media

Launch a branded hashtag like

LongBeachLightsTour or #LBHolidayGlow. Encourage participants and visitors to post photos. Run weekly countdown posts, behind-the-scenes reels of display setups, and live Q&As with homeowners.

Partner with local influencers who focus on family life, travel, or food in Long Beach. Offer them a complimentary tour experience in exchange for content.

Local Outreach

Submit your event to:

• Long Beach Post and Press-Telegram event calendars
• Visit Long Beach’s official tourism website
• Local radio stations (KSPC, KLOS, KIIS-FM)
• Community centers, libraries, and schools

Design eye-catching posters and distribute them at coffee shops, grocery stores, and laundromats. Include QR codes that link directly to your website.

7. Plan Logistics and Volunteer Coordination

On event nights, your tour needs structure. Recruit 15–25 volunteers for roles such as:

• Route greeters at key intersections
• Information booth attendants
• Parking assistants
• First-aid and safety monitors
• Photographers and social media liaisons

Provide volunteers with:

• Clear shift schedules
• Reflective vests and flashlights
• A printed route map and emergency contact list
• Training on crowd management and basic first aid

Set up a central command center—perhaps at a local community center or business—where volunteers can check in, report issues, and get supplies. Use a group messaging app like WhatsApp or Signal for real-time communication.

8. Add Value-Added Experiences

Stand out by offering more than just lights. Consider:

• Hot cocoa and cookie stations: Partner with local bakeries or coffee shops to provide complimentary treats at designated stops.
• Live entertainment: Arrange for carolers, a mariachi band, or a children’s choir to perform at key points.
• Photo ops: Install a themed backdrop—like a giant snow globe or a vintage sleigh—for Instagram-worthy moments.
• Storytelling: Create audio guides or QR codes that play short stories about each display’s inspiration. Many Long Beach residents have deep personal connections to their decorations.
• Charity component: Invite visitors to donate non-perishable food items or toys for local shelters. Display a “Giving Tree” at your info booth.

These touches elevate your tour from a simple light walk to a memorable holiday ritual.

9. Launch and Monitor the Event

On the first night of your tour, arrive early. Test all signage, lighting, and digital links. Have a backup plan for rain or power outages. Assign someone to monitor social media for real-time questions.

Track metrics:

• Number of participants (estimate via foot traffic or ticket scans)
• Social media reach and engagement
• Feedback collected via comment cards or QR code surveys
• Business partner feedback

Take photos and videos throughout the night. These become valuable content for next year’s promotion.

10. Follow Up and Plan for Next Year

Within 48 hours of the event, send thank-you emails to participants, volunteers, and sponsors. Share a highlight reel and post-event stats: “Over 8,000 visitors enjoyed 120+ displays across 5 neighborhoods!”

Conduct a post-event survey. Ask: What worked? What didn’t? What would you add next year?

Use this feedback to refine your route, improve communication, and expand partnerships. Many successful tours grow by 30–50% year-over-year through iteration and community trust.

Best Practices

1. Prioritize Safety Above All

Electrical safety, pedestrian flow, and visibility are non-negotiable. Ensure all wiring is rated for outdoor use, grounded properly, and protected from moisture. Avoid extension cords running across walkways. Use LED lights—they’re cooler, more energy-efficient, and reduce fire risk.

Coordinate with the Long Beach Fire Department for a safety walkthrough if your tour involves high-density crowds. Have clearly marked emergency exits and first-aid stations.

2. Keep It Inclusive

Not everyone celebrates Christmas. Avoid overt religious iconography unless your audience specifically requests it. Focus on universal themes: joy, warmth, togetherness, and wonder. Include diverse cultural traditions—like Dia de los Muertos lights or Hanukkah menorah displays—to reflect Long Beach’s multicultural fabric.

3. Embrace Sustainability

Encourage participants to use solar-powered lights or timers that turn displays off after midnight. Provide recycling bins at rest stops. Offer digital maps instead of printed ones to reduce waste.

4. Build Relationships, Not Just Events

Don’t treat your tour as a one-off. Stay in touch with participants year-round. Send holiday greetings, share neighborhood news, and invite them to other community events. This builds loyalty and ensures higher participation next year.

5. Be Transparent About Costs

If you charge for the tour, be upfront about where the money goes. If funds support local charities, say so. If they cover event costs, explain how. Transparency builds trust.

6. Leverage Local History

Long Beach has rich architectural and cultural heritage. Highlight homes with historic significance. Share stories of families who’ve decorated the same house for 40+ years. This adds emotional depth and turns your tour into a living archive.

7. Avoid Over-Commercialization

While sponsorships are helpful, don’t turn your tour into a billboard. Limit branded signage. Let the lights—and the community—be the stars.

Tools and Resources

Mapping and Planning

• Google My Maps – Create custom, shareable route maps with pins for each display.
• Mapbox – For advanced users, build interactive web maps with custom styling.
• Canva – Design printable maps, flyers, and social graphics.

Registration and Communication

• Google Forms – Free, easy sign-up for participants.
• Mailchimp – Email newsletters for updates and reminders.
• WhatsApp Business – Group messaging for volunteers and partners.

Marketing and SEO

• Ubersuggest – Keyword research for your website content.
• Canva – Design Instagram stories, Facebook posts, and YouTube thumbnails.
• Google Analytics – Track website traffic and user behavior.

Event Management

• Eventbrite – For ticketed tours (optional).
• VolunteerMatch – Recruit local volunteers.
• Slack – Organize team communication with channels for logistics, media, and safety.

Local Resources in Long Beach

• Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau – Offers tourism promotion support.
• Long Beach Public Library – Hosts community bulletin boards and event listings.
• Long Beach Neighborhood Associations – Connect with groups like Naples Community Association or Bixby Knolls Neighborhood Council.
• Long Beach Police Department Community Outreach – Request safety tips or presence on event nights.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Naples Holiday Lights Walk

Started in 2012 by a retired schoolteacher, the Naples Holiday Lights Walk began as a simple idea: “Let’s show our street some love.” Now, over 50 homes participate annually. The event is free, self-guided, and runs from 5–9 p.m. on three weekends in December.

Key success factors:

• Each home includes a small card with the family’s story behind their display.
• Local coffee shop provides free hot cocoa at two stops.
• Volunteers hand out printed maps at the Naples Library.
• Residents decorate in a “Winter Wonderland” theme, creating visual cohesion.

Attendance has grown from 300 to over 5,000 visitors annually. The event is now featured in the Long Beach Post’s “Top 10 Holiday Events” list every year.

Example 2: The Shoreline Village Lights & Lattes Tour

This commercial tour, launched in 2020 by a local marketing consultant, combines a scenic walk around Shoreline Village with timed entry tickets ($10 per person). Visitors receive a reusable cup and a map with QR codes that play audio stories from local artists.

Partnerships include:

• Shoreline Village businesses offering 10% discounts to ticket holders
• A local theater donating a live piano performance
• A nonprofit collecting toys for children in foster care

Revenue from tickets funds the toy drive and maintains the tour’s website. Attendance hit 7,200 in 2023, with 89% of visitors saying they’d return.

Example 3: The Bixby Knolls Lights Parade

This unique hybrid event features a 1-mile walking route followed by a short parade of decorated cars. Residents decorate their vehicles and drive slowly through the neighborhood while playing holiday music.

Organizers use a simple app called “LightUpLB” to coordinate car entry times and avoid congestion. The parade ends at a community center with hot cider and caroling.

What makes it work: The parade isn’t a spectacle—it’s participatory. Every car is a volunteer. Every child is invited to decorate a cardboard box and ride in a “float.” It’s community-driven, low-cost, and deeply emotional.

FAQs

Can I start a holiday lights tour if I don’t own a home in Long Beach?

Absolutely. Many successful tours are organized by renters, business owners, or community advocates. What matters is your ability to mobilize others, not your property ownership. Partner with a neighborhood association or local nonprofit to lend credibility and access to resources.

Do I need insurance for a holiday lights tour?

If your tour involves more than 50 people or public spaces, it’s strongly recommended. Check with your homeowner’s or business insurance provider for event liability coverage. Some local nonprofits or chambers of commerce offer group policies for community events at low cost.

How do I handle noise complaints from neighbors?

Set clear guidelines: no amplified music after 8 p.m., no speakers facing residential windows. Encourage participants to use battery-operated, low-volume music boxes instead of external speakers. Respond promptly to concerns with empathy—most complaints come from a place of wanting peace, not opposition.

What if it rains or there’s bad weather?

Have a rain date. Communicate it early via email and social media. Consider offering a “virtual tour” option with photos and videos for those who can’t attend. Many families still enjoy browsing online displays from home.

Can I charge admission?

Yes, but be transparent. Charge only if you’re offering added value—guided tours, exclusive access, or charitable donations. Free tours often attract larger crowds and generate more goodwill. If you charge, consider offering sliding-scale or free tickets for low-income families.

How do I get media coverage?

Send a press release to local outlets at least two weeks before the event. Include high-res photos, a compelling quote from a participant, and the event’s community impact. Pitch it as a feel-good story—media loves heartwarming holiday content.

Is there a best time to launch the tour?

Start in early December and run through the weekend before Christmas. Avoid the week of Christmas Eve—many families are traveling or preparing for dinner. Weekend evenings (5–9 p.m.) are ideal for maximum attendance.

Can I make this an annual tradition?

Definitely. The most successful tours become cherished rituals. Document your journey, archive photos, and create a “Tour History” page on your website. Future participants will be inspired by the legacy you build.

Conclusion

Starting a holiday lights tour in Long Beach is more than an event—it’s an act of community building. In a world that often feels fragmented, a simple walk under twinkling lights can restore a sense of belonging. Whether you’re a homeowner lighting your front yard for the first time or an entrepreneur launching a citywide experience, your effort ripples outward. You’re not just organizing lights—you’re creating memories, supporting local businesses, and giving people a reason to slow down, connect, and feel joy.

The tools, regulations, and logistics may seem daunting at first, but every great tour began with one person saying, “Let’s try this.” Use this guide as your compass, not your cage. Adapt it. Personalize it. Let your neighborhood’s spirit guide you.

Long Beach doesn’t need another generic holiday display. It needs your voice, your creativity, and your heart. So gather your neighbors. Map your route. Turn on the lights. And watch as your small act becomes a beacon—for your block, your city, and the season.