Christmas Lights rides, December 1 to January 5
Get merry on the water.
Some of the best Christmas lights near Los Angeles and Orange County, seen from your own LED-lit hydrobike in the Naples Island canals. 75 minutes, free hot cocoa.
The best way to see the Naples Christmas lights
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. Of all the Long Beach Christmas lights, these are the ones to see from the water. 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. Check the weather to decide what to wear, and bring layers if you are unsure. If you warm up while you pedal, your sweater or jacket fits in your cubby.
Our buddy boat rides along
Our crew's buddy boat is out on the water every ride. It shows you the entrance to the Naples Island canals, is there if you have a question, stays in constant contact with the dock and makes sure everyone gets back out OK.
How the night works
- 1Pick your nightReservations are strongly encouraged, because walking up is a gamble in the busiest month of the year.
- 2Convenient dock check-inArrive 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 buddy boat shows you the entrance to the Naples Island canals and makes sure everyone gets back out OK. It is an escort, not a guided tour, so you ride at your own pace.
- 4Warm upYour hot cocoa is included. Ballast Point, Boathouse on the Bay, Marina Wine & Craft Beer Bar and the Crab Pot are a 2 to 5 minute walk from the dock, and Naples and Belmont Shore are close by. See Plan your visit for where to eat and drink.
Where you will ride
From our dock you pedal across Alamitos Bay to the entrance of the Naples Island canals, where our buddy 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. How warm you get depends on how hard you pedal, and you will be wearing a life jacket, so layers you can take off work best.
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 and holiday parties: book online for up to 10; groups larger than 10, call 562.546.2493.
Price
Early bird: $25 per person (normally $35) when you book by Oct 31. 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. Only bring what fits in the storage cubby.
- 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 we ever cancel for weather, we call you to reschedule or give you store credit for your booking.
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?
$25 per person (normally $35) when you book by Oct 31.
Do I ride on my own?
Yes. Every rider pedals their own hydrobike at their own pace. It is not a guided tour, but our buddy boat rides along as an escort: it shows riders the entrance to the Naples Island canals, answers questions, stays in constant contact with the dock and makes sure everyone gets back out OK.
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 Long Beach Christmas boat parade from a hydrobike?
No. We do not run rides on the boat parade night, December 12, 2026. But the boats along the canals are well decorated every night: many residents decorate early for the parade and leave the lights on all month.
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?
Hydrobiking is a dry sport, but wear shoes you would not mind getting a few drops of saltwater on. Check the weather to decide what to wear, and bring layers if you are unsure: you can put a sweater or jacket in your cubby if you warm up. How warm you get depends on how hard you pedal, and you will be wearing a life jacket too. The hot cocoa helps.
Can we book for a group?
Yes. Book online for up to 10; groups larger than 10, call 562.546.2493.
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, into the Naples Island canals.
See the ride
Giving a ride instead? Gift cards arrive by email in minutes. Riding often? See ticket packs. 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.
Wondering what to bring? Shop our bay day picks.