From Santa Visits to Holiday Markets, Here’s How to Celebrate the Season
If you think heading to the snow is the only way to celebrate the holiday season, think again! The holiday season is pure magic at Newport Beach’s Lido Marina Village, where twinkling lights reflect off the marina and boutique shops are adorned with festive decor. At this seaside center, you can go gift hunting at the stylish boutiques, pop into harborside restaurants for a seasonal cocktail, snap photos with Santa and more! Whether you’re a local who loves this time of year or you’re swapping your skis for seas this season, here’s how to make the most of the holidays at Lido Marina Village.
Festive Happenings
Visits From Santa
Santa’s comin’ in hot on a Vision Electric Boat this year! Bring the kiddos to Lido Marina Village for this festive celebration featuring gourmet hot chocolate, a live performance by the Holly Belles, visits from characters like the Little Drummer Boy and Winter Ballerina and more! After his grand arrival, you’ll find Santa strolling about in the village spreading holiday cheer every Thursday and Friday from 4-8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12-4 p.m. through Dec. 22. Say ho, ho, ho to Santa before shopping, dining and getting in the jolly spirit of the season.
Female Maker Market + Vintage Holiday Market
Get your holiday shopping done while supporting female artisans at the Female Maker Market on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Explore over 30 talented artists on the Lido Deck while soaking up live music and enjoying surprise visits from Santa and other holiday characters. Can’t get enough retail therapy? Don’t miss the Vintage Holiday Market on Saturday, Dec. 21, from 12-5 p.m. It’s the perfect place to find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts that your friends and family will cherish. Plus, shoppers can enjoy live music and sweet treats as they shop and stroll!
Live Tunes
Nothing captures the spirit of the season quite like festive tunes, and Lido Marina Village offers plenty of opportunities to listen to live holiday music. Start with the enchanting Brass Quartet performing throughout the season. On Saturday, Dec. 7, don’t miss The Holly Belles from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. as they fill the Lido Deck with classic and contemporary holiday sounds. And on Thursday, Dec. 19, get into the spirit with Jingle 5, a contemporary a cappella group performing Christmas carols from 6-8 p.m. just before the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade lights up the harbor.
Waterfront Dining
Malibu Farm
Nobody nails the California Christmas vibe quite like Malibu Farm at Lido Marina Village. Known for its farm-to-table fare and rustic seaside atmosphere, this Newport Beach restaurant is the perfect spot for a cozy meal. Indulge in seasonal bites and sips, like the Swedish mini pancakes and pumpkin spice latte slushie, and enjoy falling snow and hot chocolate for the little ones from 5-6 p.m. all December long! Bringing the kiddos along? Join Santa for breakfast on Sunday, Dec. 22, for a memorable holiday experience! With its stunning marina views and sustainable, organic dishes, Malibu Farm is the perfect place to celebrate the season.
Lido Bottle Works
Looking for dinner with a view of the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade or a festive holiday event venue? Lido Bottle Works delivers with marina views, seasonal dishes and curated event catering. Known for its sustainable, locally sourced ingredients, the menu changes with the seasons, offering shareable plates—try the all-new burrata and focaccia with squash, apple, candied hazelnuts and brown butter! Pair your meal with a craft beer, California wine or seasonal mocktail from their extensive selection, or grab a bottle to-go. With prime harborside views, you can indulge during brunch or cozy up for dinner while soaking in the festive atmosphere of Lido Marina Village.
Holiday Shopping
Sugar Paper
Lido Marina Village is your one-stop shop to knock out all your holiday gift-buying this year, starting at Sugar Paper. Festive wrapping paper, gift bags, 2025 planners, notebooks, and the most adorable cards fill the shop. You’re guaranteed to have the cutest gifts under the tree! You’ll also find last-minute stocking stuffers like candles, mugs and desk essentials. If you go early enough, the team will help you create custom holiday cards to send out to all of your family and friends. Signed, sealed, delivered!
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Eberjey
Everyone loves getting new loungewear or a cozy PJ set, and there’s no better place to shop than Eberjey. For your mom, grandma, bestie or sister, make a stop at Eberjey for the softest pajama sets and cozy season essentials. For those matching Christmas morning jammies, choose among plaid, stripes and solid holiday colors. In need of some inspo? Click here to see their curated gift guides to make shopping a breeze.
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The Great
The holiday collection at The Great reimagines classic silhouettes in this season’s best colors, patterns and fabrics. Stepping into The Great, you’ll immediately feel the nostalgic magic of the holiday season, where beautiful dresses and cozy flannels fill the store. It’ll be hard to resist not shopping for yourself here, so go ahead and treat your wardrobe to a new outfit for this year’s holiday party! This Newport Beach shop is the ideal place to grab something for just about anyone on your list (yes, even Dad!).
Lido Marina Village
3434 Via Lido
Newport Beach, CA 92663
@lidomarinavillage
Taylor is a graduate from the University of Southern California with a degree in journalism. She is our Los Angeles and Orange County editor. You can find her dining at a new restaurant, in the ocean or planning her next adventure. Say hello!
