Some people are ready for the holidays as soon as the last piece of Halloween candy has been passed out. For others, the holidays can’t truly begin until after the Thanksgiving turkey has been carved. Regardless of when your holiday season starts, it’s undeniable that it’s the most wonderful time of year. One of the most loved holiday traditions is taking in the lights! Newport Beach is home to many fun celebrations of lights, including several Christmas tree lighting ceremonies. Here’s where and when to celebrate the holidays in Newport Beach.

Fashion Island | November 16-17, 6PM
Hosted by Stephen “tWitch” Boss and Allison Holker, the Fashion Island Tree Lighting Ceremony will be a great show. Enjoy a 25-minute live performance by The Young Americans, the group credited as the first show choir in America.

Fashion Island | December 2, 3:30-4:30 PM
Enjoy Fashion Island’s Menorah Lighting Ceremony with the children’s choir, Chanukah crafts, dreidels and doughnuts, gifts for the kids and other festivities. If you’d like to spread the joy of Chanukah, bring an unwrapped toy for the toy drive.

Newport Dunes | November 23, 3-8PM
The Lighting of the Bay is a wonderful day with lots of fun for the family. Performances by children’s and high school choirs, train rides, cookie decorating, crafts, hot cocoa, a full bar, and the list of fun goes on! Santa lights the bay at 5:30pm and the movie Elf is projected under the gazebo at 6PM

Crystal Cove | December 1, 10:30AM – 5:30PM
You have got to check out the 22nd annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Bazaar at Crystal Cove State Park Historic District. This all-day event features complimentary hot chocolate, apple cider, and home-baked goodies from Beachcomber Cafe. There will be plenty of arts and crafts for the kids, wonderful items from vendors at the bazaar, strolling carolers, and a visit from Santa. A lifeguard vehicle will bring Santa around 4PM for the tree lighting around 5:15pm.

Balboa Island | December 2, 4-6PM
The Balboa Island Tree Lighting and Snow Day is one you’ll never forget here in Southern California. Head to the Balboa Island Fire Station for cider, cookies and even snow for the kids to play in! Enjoy a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus while you’re there. There is also a holiday open house walking tour where 8 homeowners on the island open their homes to view their decorations.

Balboa Bay Resort | December 2, 6PM
The lovely Balboa Bay Resort will be celebrating the lighting of their 20-foot tree with live singing, dancing, and a new musical review from OCSA’s Montage called “Holiday Hullabaloo!” Frosty, Rudolph, and Santa will also be part of the festivities. Seating is on a first come basis so come a little early. Enjoy food and drinks before or after at Waterline Restaurant or A & O Kitchen + Bar.

Sherman Gardens | December 7-8, 6-9PM
Enjoy the Nights of 1000 Lights at the beautiful Sherman Gardens in Corona Del Mar. It’s an inclusive holiday celebration of lights, live music, Santa, complimentary hot chocolate and s’mores. Tickets are $10 for members, $20 for non-members, and children under 3 are free. The celebrations continue December 14-22 with the Christmas Light Walk. Tickets are available at the door, but there is Groupon for tickets so hurry to get yours!

Balboa Peninsula | December 19 – December 23, 6:30pm Parade begins
The widely popular 110th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is a must-see. Vessels of all sizes and types are welcome and decked out in decor as they float through the parade. When you’re not enjoying the boat parade, you can take a cruise through the harbor and enjoy the homes of the Bayfront Estates as they compete for the best light display.

Written By: Laura TerKeurst