Terrace Theater Plaza and Fountains
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Terrace Theater Plaza and Fountains

4.6
·2k reviews·Long Beach, United States

Elegant theater and picturesque plaza with fountains, a serene escape and vibrant event venue in downtown Long Beach.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early December evenings

Festive tree lighting magic

CrowdHigh
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Terrace Theater Plaza and Fountains

Terrace Theater Plaza and Fountains

Best Time

Early December evenings

Festive tree lighting magic

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Elegant theater and picturesque plaza with fountains, a serene escape and vibrant event venue in downtown Long Beach.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"A gem that truly enhances the charm of the area, perfect for relaxation and enjoyment."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Holiday Shows Early

The Long Beach Nutcracker and Tree Lighting are popular; book tickets well in advance to avoid disappointment!

⛲️ Relax by the Fountains

Enjoy the serene plaza and fountains for a peaceful break, especially with food truck finds.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.6 · 1,724 reviews

Type

Event Venue

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Terrace Theater Plaza

A free, festive annual event with activities, snow, Santa, and a magnificent tree.

The Fountains and Plaza

The Fountains and Plaza

Terrace Theater Plaza

A tranquil oasis perfect for relaxation, people-watching, and enjoying soothing water sounds.

Long Beach Ballet's Nutcracker

Long Beach Ballet's Nutcracker

Terrace Theater

A highly-rated holiday tradition featuring a full orchestra and over 200 performers.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Festive Magic

The Terrace Theater Plaza truly shines during the holiday season, especially for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. This free event draws crowds, so arrive early for the best spots and to enjoy all the festive activities. Beyond the holidays, check the venue's schedule for concerts and performances.

Beyond the Performance: Plaza & Fountains

Even without attending a show, the Terrace Theater Plaza and its fountains offer a serene escape. It's a popular spot for a relaxing lunch, people-watching, or a quiet conversation. Consider grabbing food from a local truck and enjoying the tranquil ambiance.

Best Times

When
Early December evenings
Why
Festive tree lighting magic
Crowd
High
When
Holiday season afternoons
Why
Beautiful decorations
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Peaceful fountain ambiance
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

MUST-SEE Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Long Beach! 🎄🥹🌟 #visitlbpartner On Wednesday, December 4, 2024 is the 10th annual Christmas Tree Lighting in downtown LB! Every year @VisitLB hosts the most incredible party at the Terrace Theater! They pack in so many festive activities all for FREE! 🤩 Details: 🎄Date: Wednesday, December 4th, 2024 🎄Time: Starts at 5pm-8pm, but get there early to get a...
@thesocalgal
11.7K likes • 224.5K views

🎯 Book Holiday Shows Early

The Long Beach Nutcracker and Tree Lighting are popular; book tickets well in advance to avoid disappointment! TikTok

⛲️ Relax by the Fountains

Enjoy the serene plaza and fountains for a peaceful break, especially with food truck finds. Reddit

#SaveTheDate: Long Beach’s 10th Annual Tree Lighting at the Terrace Theater Plaza returns Wednesday, December 4! 🎄 🎅 Learn more via the link in our bio ✨ #visitlb #longbeach #longbeachcalifornia #longbeachstuff #dtlb #treelighting #longbeachevents #christmastree #familyfun
@visitlb
55 likes • 2.6K views
Christmas Lights in Long Beach #longbeachterracetheater #christmas2023🎄🎁
@meaden1979
39 likes • 2.8K views

🎶 Check Event Schedule

The theater hosts diverse events from concerts to comedy; check their calendar for upcoming performances. TikTok+2

📸 Capture the Holiday Spirit

During the holidays, the plaza is beautifully decorated, making it a perfect spot for photos. TikTok+1

From December 14th at the stunning Terrace Theater, the Long Beach Ballet brings this holiday classic to life. By attending, you're not only immersing yourself in an unforgettable show, but you're also supporting local arts. This isn't your average Nutcracker—think a full symphony orchestra, a flying sleigh, a real horse, over 200 performers, and jaw-dropping special effects, including on-stage py...
@explorelongbeach
23 likes • 1.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Holiday Shows Early

The Long Beach Nutcracker and Tree Lighting are popular; book tickets well in advance to avoid disappointment! TikTok

⛲️ Relax by the Fountains

Enjoy the serene plaza and fountains for a peaceful break, especially with food truck finds. Reddit

🎶 Check Event Schedule

The theater hosts diverse events from concerts to comedy; check their calendar for upcoming performances. TikTok+2

📸 Capture the Holiday Spirit

During the holidays, the plaza is beautifully decorated, making it a perfect spot for photos. TikTok+1

🚗 Convenient Parking Available

Parking is generally accessible, adding to the ease of visiting for shows or the plaza. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Terrace Theater Plaza for its tranquil ambiance, beautiful fountains, and role as a community gathering space. It's particularly lauded during the holiday season for its festive decorations and the popular Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. While the theater itself offers a pleasant viewing experience with comfortable seating and good acoustics, some minor maintenance issues on the floor have been noted.

"During a recent trip to Long Beach, I discovered the Long Beach Terrace Theater, and it quickly became one of my favorite spots. Over two days, we found ourselves visiting three or four times, each time enjoying the tranquil ambiance created by the beautiful fountains.

It’s a fantastic place to relax, people-watch, or simply have a conversation with friends. One memorable visit was when we grabbed lunch from a local food truck and sat right in front of the terrace, soaking in the serene atmosphere while enjoying the soothing sounds of the water.

The combination of great food, lovely views, and a peaceful setting made for a perfect lunch experience. If you’re looking for a calming spot to unwind in Long Beach, I highly recommend the Long Beach Terrace Theater. It’s a gem that truly enhances the charm of the area!"

Joe

"The Long Beach Terrace Theater, located in the heart of downtown Long Beach, is a stunning venue that perfectly blends elegance with modern design. Its striking exterior, complete with beautiful fountains and spacious plaza, creates an inviting atmosphere even before you step inside. The theater’s interior is equally impressive, featuring comfortable seating, excellent acoustics, and a warm, welcoming ambiance that enhances any performance.
This venue hosts a wide variety of events, including concerts, musicals, comedy shows, and cultural performances, making it a vibrant part of the city’s arts scene. The location is highly convenient, surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and hotels, allowing visitors to enjoy a complete night out. Parking is also easily accessible, adding to the overall convenience.
Whether attending a world-class performance or simply admiring its architectural beauty, the Long Beach Terrace Theater offers an unforgettable experience. Its combination of aesthetic charm, prime location, and outstanding event quality makes it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists exploring downtown Long Beach."

Thủy Thanh

"Good times at terrace theatre, Aziz Ansari was great. Plush seating and friendly staff. Only regret is I didn’t take a photo of the white giraffe, maybe next time.
Also grabbed pre show dinner at Saint and Second which was a short drive from my his venue."

rose kim

What People Like

Tranquil fountain ambiance
Festive holiday decorations
Community event hub

What People Dislike

Minor floor repairs needed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Terrace Theater is located in the heart of downtown Long Beach, part of the Convention & Entertainment Center. It's easily accessible by car, with nearby parking options. Public transportation, including bus routes, also serves the downtown area. TikTokReddit

Yes, parking is generally convenient and accessible near the Terrace Theater. Several parking structures and lots are available, making it easy for visitors attending events or simply enjoying the plaza. Reddit

Absolutely! The Terrace Theater Plaza is centrally located downtown, making it walkable from many hotels, restaurants, and other attractions in the area. Reddit

Several Long Beach Transit bus routes stop in the downtown area, providing good access to the Terrace Theater. Check the Long Beach Transit website for specific routes and schedules. TikTok

The plaza and theater are generally designed to be accessible. It's always a good idea to contact the venue directly for specific accessibility needs or accommodations. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets for performances at the Terrace Theater can typically be purchased through the venue's official website, authorized ticket retailers, or at the box office. Popular shows, like the Nutcracker, often sell out, so booking in advance is recommended. TikTok

Yes, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is a popular free event held at the Terrace Theater Plaza, featuring festive activities for the whole family. TikTok+1

The theater's operating hours are dependent on scheduled performances. The plaza and fountains are generally accessible during daylight hours, offering a pleasant space to visit even when no events are scheduled. Reddit

Yes, the Terrace Theater Plaza and its fountains are a public space and can be enjoyed by visitors at any time, offering a tranquil atmosphere for relaxation and people-watching. Reddit

Refund and exchange policies vary by event and ticket vendor. It's best to check the specific terms and conditions at the time of purchase or contact the ticket provider directly. TikTok

🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience

The Terrace Theater hosts a diverse range of events, including concerts (like R&B, funk, and jazz), ballet performances (such as The Nutcracker), comedy shows, and other cultural performances. TikTok+6

The theater features plush seating, which is generally comfortable for attendees. Some reviews mention that certain floor sections might need repair, but overall, the seating enhances the viewing experience. Reddit

Absolutely! The plaza, with its fountains and during the holiday season, the magnificent Christmas tree and decorations, offers beautiful backdrops for photos. TikTok+2

The venue is known for its elegant design, warm ambiance, and excellent acoustics, creating an inviting atmosphere for any performance. The plaza offers a tranquil and serene environment. Reddit+1

Recent upgrades have focused on tech and smart infrastructure, aiming to enhance the entertainment experience. There's also mention of a new outdoor amphitheater as part of the Civic Center transformation. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the Terrace Theater itself may have limited concessions, the surrounding downtown Long Beach area offers a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and bars. Many visitors enjoy pre-show dinners at nearby establishments. Reddit

The area around the Terrace Theater is bustling with dining options. Popular choices include Saint and Second, and many other eateries catering to various tastes and budgets. Reddit

Typically, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the theater. It's best to check the venue's specific policy regarding concessions and outside items. Reddit

Yes, food trucks are sometimes present near the Terrace Theater Plaza, offering a casual and convenient option for a meal, especially if you're enjoying the outdoor space. Reddit

During the Christmas Tree Lighting, expect festive treats and snacks available for purchase, in addition to the general dining options in the surrounding downtown area. TikTok+1

📸 📸 Photography

The fountains and the plaza itself offer beautiful architectural and water features for photos. During the holiday season, the Christmas tree and decorations are prime photo opportunities. TikTok+2

Photography and videography are usually restricted during performances to avoid disrupting the show and other audience members. Check the venue's policy or signage for specific rules. Reddit

The late afternoon or early evening, especially during the golden hour, can provide beautiful lighting for exterior shots of the theater and plaza. The plaza is also lovely when illuminated at night. TikTok

While general photography of the exterior and plaza is usually fine, flash photography and professional equipment might be restricted, especially during events. Always be mindful of others and venue rules. Reddit

Yes, the Christmas decorations, including the large tree, are a major attraction during the holiday season and are perfect for capturing festive photos. TikTok+2

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