Let Newport Beach Be Your Holiday Headquarters!
Make new family traditions in one of the most festive towns in America: Newport Beach, California. It might not snow in Newport Beach, but there are definitely enough holiday festivities to make up for it. You’ll discover everything you’re looking for to make your season bright. From the iconic Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade to extraordinary holiday displays, soak up all the magic and joy this holiday season at these nine events!
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
We all know why you’re really here—for the 114th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade! This can’t-miss event in Newport Beach will take place December 14-18 and is hosted by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce. The parade gives locals and visitors a chance to celebrate the festive season in the best way possible—on the water with decorated and sparkling boats, of course.
Night of 1000 Lights
Taking place over 11 days this December starting on the 9th, Night of 1000 Lights is a dazzling display of lights and live entertainment at local favorite Sherman Library and Gardens. Stroll through light tunnels, visit with Santa and snuggle up with s’mores at the firepits with the whole family.
Ring of Lights
If you’re looking for the most over-the-top decorated homes, head to Balboa Island for the annual Ring of Lights home competition. Homeowners are definitely in the holiday spirit in this charming neighborhood with their glittering lights, dancing Christmas trees and animated roof-top scenes! Grab a cup of hot cocoa from Huskins Coffee Co., then get your steps in with a self-guided lights tour.
Fashion Island’s Annual Tree Lighting
For the 2022 holiday season, Fashion Island is expanding its Holiday Tree experience and seasonal festivities. Each evening through Jan. 2, a holiday celebration will be held, including the lighting of the iconic 90-foot holiday tree, with a magical choreographed light display, holiday music and snow on the hour every evening. Santa’s House and Santa himself will be back in-person this year!
Opening Night Holiday Market
On opening night of the boat parade, Marina Park will host a holiday pop-up market featuring local makers, food vendors, entertainment and kids activities! Full of holiday cheer and unique gifts from talented artisans, the market is the perfect place to find an unforgettable gift for someone special.
Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dunes
On Nov. 26, Newport Dunes will kick off the holiday season with its 32nd annual Lighting of the Bay. More than 40 holiday light displays and Christmas trees will light up the calm waters of the Back Bay—this is a free event everyone will love! And don’t forget to pick out your tree this year at Newport Dunes’ Christmas Tree Lot, which opens on Nov. 22.
Europe for the Holidays
Gather all December long at Lido Marina Village to experience the holiday traditions of Newport Beach. Santa will be trading in his traditional sleigh for an electric boat! Don’t miss his epic arrival by boat Saturday, Dec 3. Along with a meet and greet with St. Nick, select days will feature a Drummer Boy & Ballerina, a Sugarplum Fairy and a Strolling Brass Quartet. Additional festive events this year include a Female Maker Holiday Market on Dec. 10.
Christmas Boutique at Roger’s Gardens
The Roger’s Gardens “Bright & Beautiful” Christmas Boutique offers a selection of sparkling treasures for your home and festive, unique gifts. Discover curated collections of hand-painted glass ornaments from Europe, charming nutcrackers and whimsical Santas that sit alongside the beautifully designed signature garlands and wreaths.
Opening Night + Closing Night Fireworks
On opening night of the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade (Dec. 14), there will be a fireworks display off the Newport Pier at approximately 6:15 p.m. And on closing night, Dec. 18, a special fireworks display will take place from the Balboa Pier at 9:00 p.m. Don’t miss these dazzling displays as they light up the night!
This article is brought to you by one of the many talented writers associated with Locale Magazine! We are a group of locals (whether born and raised or transplanted) who love this county we now call home!
