Christmas Lights rides, December 1 to January 5
Christmas lights in Long Beach, from the water.
Pedal your own LED-lit hydrobike into the Naples Island canals and see the Christmas lights up close. 75 minutes, free hot cocoa.
A holiday night out on Alamitos Bay
Every December the homes along the Naples Island canals light up for the Naples Island Christmas lights contest, and the best seat in the house is on the water. You pedal out from our dock on Alamitos Bay, glide past the lit-up homes of the Naples Island canals, and come back to the dock with cold cheeks and a warm cup of cocoa. It is one of the most memorable holiday things to do in Long Beach, for a date night, a family with older kids, or a group of friends.
75 minutes on the water
Christmas Lights rides run 1 hour 15 minutes, enough time to reach the Naples Island canals, take in the lights and pedal back without rushing.
Every bike is lit up
Every hydrobike glows with its own LED lights, so you are part of the show while you watch it.
Hot cocoa, every ride
Hot cocoa is included with every Christmas Lights ride. It is December on the water, so dress warm.
How the night works
- 1Pick your nightBooking opens soon. Reservations are strongly encouraged, because walking up is a gamble in the busiest month of the year.
- 2Check in at the dockArrive 30 minutes before your departure. Our dock is in front of Ballast Point Brewery, 110 N Marina Dr, Long Beach. Parking is free at Alamitos Bay Landing and along Marina Drive.
- 3Pedal to the lightsEvery rider pedals their own hydrobike. Our crew chase boat stays on the water, shows you the entrance to the Naples Island canals and makes sure everyone gets back safely.
- 4Warm upYour hot cocoa is included. Then Alamitos Bay Landing, Naples and Belmont Shore are right there if you want to keep the night going.
Where you will ride
From our dock you pedal across Alamitos Bay to the entrance of the Naples Island canals, where our crew chase boat shows you the way in, then loop past the lit-up homes and pedal back to the dock.
Everything stays inside the bay: no ocean and no harbor. Warm layers, a hat and gloves make the ride more fun.
Who it is for
- Date nights and holiday nights out in Long Beach.
- Families with older kids who can reach the pedals and ride their own hydrobike, usually around age 10.
- Friends and visitors looking for holiday things to do in Long Beach.
- Groups: up to 20 guests per departure, and back to back departures for larger groups. Call 562.546.2493 and we will set it up. Hotels, tour operators and companies can also see our partner program.
Price
$35 per person, hot cocoa included. The booking calendar shows the price for your night before you pay.
Good to know before you book
- Every rider pedals their own hydrobike and needs to reach the pedals. That is usually around age 10, and leg length matters more than age (about 28 inches, see the FAQ).
- No ride-along child passengers on night rides, Christmas Lights included.
- Anyone under 18 rides with an adult 18 or older.
- 250 pounds per hydrobike, including anything you bring.
- Life jackets are provided and required.
- Nightly December 1 to January 5. Closed Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and Saturday, December 12 (Naples boat parade night).
- We close now and then for wind, rain or fog. If you booked ahead, our crew contacts you and we sort out a new time.
Christmas Lights questions
When do Christmas Lights rides run?
Nightly, December 1 to January 5, except Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and December 12. The booking calendar shows every departure and what is still open. There are no Christmas Lights rides on December 12, 2026 (the Naples boat parade night), Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve.
How long is the ride?
1 hour 15 minutes on the water. Check in 30 minutes before your departure.
How much does it cost?
$35 per person, with hot cocoa included.
Do I ride on my own?
Yes. Every rider pedals their own hydrobike at their own pace. Our crew chase boat stays on the water, shows riders the entrance to the Naples Island canals and makes sure everyone gets back safely.
Can kids come?
Yes, if they can reach the pedals and ride their own hydrobike, which is usually around age 10. There are no ride-along child passengers on night rides, and anyone under 18 rides with an adult 18 or older.
Can we see the Naples boat parade from a hydrobike?
No. We do not run rides on the boat parade night, December 12, 2026. Every other Christmas Lights night is a great way to see the Naples Island lights from the water.
Where do we meet, and is parking free?
At our dock in front of Ballast Point Brewery on Alamitos Bay, 110 N Marina Dr, Long Beach, CA 90803. Parking is free at Alamitos Bay Landing and along Marina Drive. Avoid the red-curbed boater parking.
Will I get wet or cold?
Most people stay dry, but wear shoes you would not mind getting a few drops of saltwater on. December nights on the water are chilly, so bring a warm layer, a hat and gloves. The hot cocoa helps.
Can we book for a group?
Yes. We take up to 20 guests per departure, and back to back departures for larger groups. Call 562.546.2493 and we will set it up. Hotels, tour operators and companies can also see our partner program.
More ways to ride
Same bay, same crew, same dock at 110 N Marina Dr.
Day rides
One hour from $29. Any time it is light.
See the ride
Sunset rides
From $29. Golden hour on the bay.
See the ride
Glow rides
From $29. LED-lit hydrobikes after dark.
See the ride
2-Hour rides
$50. Two hours, no clock to watch.
See the ride
Giving a ride instead? Gift cards arrive by email in minutes. Riding often? See ride packs and passes. Hotels, tour operators and companies: see our partner program.
Questions? Call 562.546.2493 or email hello@lbwaterbikes.com. More answers are in our FAQ.