4 Reasons We Can’t Wait for Balboa Bay Resort’s Great Holiday Feast in Newport Beach
If you’re like us, you don’t just love the world of Harry Potter—on a scale of one to 10, you’re 9 ¾ obsessed. So why not get into the winter spirit by attending Balboa Bay Resort’s fantastical Great Holiday Feast? Happening on Nov. 27 from 6:30-9 p.m. and Nov. 28 from 5:30-8 p.m., Harry Potter fans of all ages can gather in the resort’s Grand Ballroom for a riddikulus-ly good time that’ll bring your favorite wizarding world to life. Here’s a sneak peek of what to expect, and why the whole family will adore this event during Thanksgiving weekend! Harry Potter-Themed Event
Slytherin to Your House Table
If you’ve ever wondered what a legendary feast at Hogwarts would be like, be prepared to find out! Upon arrival, honorary wizards of all ages will be greeted in the Great Hall, where they and their families will be organized by the Sorting Hat into their house tables for the evening. Then, after being granted access into the Grand Ballroom by the castle guards and lions with flame-filled bowls, guests will make their way to their house’s color-coordinated table—and this is just the beginning of your magical evening.
Harry Potter-Themed Event
Don’t Get Confundus, There Are Wizards Among Us!
Once all the Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs and Slytherins are seated, you’ll be transfixed by the incredible decor. From mirrored walls and floating candles to Christmas trees and dazzling night skies, the Grand Ballroom looks like it jumped straight off the page! With its mystifying setting, spellbinding menu and mysterious surprises, you’ll feel so enveloped by the fantasy, you may start questioning your muggle upbringing by the end of the night.
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Expecto…Pies and Potions!
There are so many incredible food and beverage offerings at this event, you may need a Marauder’s Map for the menu! “For our magical menu, the thought was to procure local ingredients as much as possible and have a seasonal influence on our dishes. We also keep in mind to provide variety to our guests, so everyone has something that they would enjoy and remember,” explains Executive Chef Prabeen Prathapan. At the potions stations, guests will find kid-friendly butterbeer and adult cocktails like the Love Potion, Fool’s Reflection and Eternal Slumber. For appetizers, make your way to a dazzling Secret Chamber antipasto display of charcuterie, cheese and grilled vegetables or peruse Black Cauldron soup and salad offerings that are chock-full of wintry, seasonal flavors. Ready for an entree? The Fire and Magic menu offers seasonal dishes like butternut squash ravioli, roasted scallops and forbidden rice, which can be accompanied by the Bristles & Brooms carving stations and fresh vegetables from the savory side dishes. Wizards in Training can also enjoy mac and cheese, mini pizzas, veggie sticks and more. But, the magic doesn’t stop there! After your incredible meal, make room for dessert and head to the Decadent Dessert display for the perfect ending to an unbelievable feast.
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Harry Potter-Themed Event
Straight Outta Hogsmeade
When wands are down and we’re in muggle-mode, Balboa Bay Resort is a luxurious Newport Beach getaway with brilliant views of the harbor that let you soak up all the enchanting, natural beauty of the city. But during this event, you’ll fall in love with their take on the HP world—Hogwarts and all! “Our creative events team along with our reputation for providing first class cuisine and service is the perfect combination for a memorable evening to help kick off the holiday season with friends and family,” says Prathapan.
Fantastic Feasts + Where to Find Them
When: Nov. 27 (6:30-9 p.m.) and Nov. 28 (5:30-8 p.m.)
Price: $95++ per person and $45++ for wizards 12 and under, plus taxes and gratuity
Where: Balboa Bay Resort
Purchase your tickets HERE and don’t miss out on their special guest room package for an overnight stay.
Harry Potter-Themed Event
Balboa Bay Resort
1221 West Coast Hwy
Newport Beach, CA 92663
949.645.5000
Born and raised near the Pacific Coast, Jordan Nishkian is a California girl through and through. She graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a BA in Creative Writing and a BA in Anthropology, and her favorite place to be is curled up in a comfy chair with a book in her hand and a pen in her hair.
