5 November Events in Newport Beach to Add to Your Calendar
November in Newport Beach brings a crisp energy and unmistakable holiday spirit to the California coast. As the calendar flips to a new month, locals and visitors alike can look forward to a lineup of extraordinary events celebrating art, culture and festive gatherings. From silver anniversaries to holiday speakeasies, here’s your guide to the most exciting November events in Newport Beach. Savor everything from fine dining to holiday light shows, and come discover why our coastal town is one of the best places to visit in California in November!
VEA Newport Beach’s Holiday Hideout + Tree Lighting
Usher in the holiday season in style at VEA Newport Beach’s highly anticipated annual Tree Lighting on Nov. 21! This enchanting event kicks off with the lighting of a grand pine in the resort’s picturesque courtyard, complemented by steaming cups of hot cocoa, festive treats and heartwarming carols. As night falls, families can gather to enjoy live entertainment and a special visit from Santa himself.
The festivities don’t stop there: just days before, on Nov. 15, VEA’s Holiday Hideout will open for the season. This exclusive speakeasy will transform the property’s lounge into a winter wonderland with cozy decor, twinkling lights and a crafty cocktail menu. Open on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the season, as well as the evening of the tree lighting event, the Holiday Hideout is the perfect place to toast the season!
Thanksgiving in Newport Beach offers culinary experiences that range from classic holiday feasts to unique coastal dining twists. For those seeking an indulgent brunch, Balboa Bay Resort delivers an extraordinary Thanksgiving buffet in their Lighthouse Room, where diners can savor a spread that includes everything from herb-marinated ribeye and winter squash ravioli to seafood, crepes and decadent desserts. For a celebratory experience on the water, City Cruises invites you aboard a Thanksgiving Premier Brunch Cruise through Newport’s scenic harbor. With live entertainment, free-flowing mimosas and an elaborate brunch spread, this two-hour cruise is an elegant alternative to the traditional holiday table. For more local restaurants with Thanksgiving dinner, visit www.visitnewportbeach.com/events.
For an international flair, Starfish serves an Asian fusion Thanksgiving dinner featuring seasonal dishes and specialty cocktails, while Newport Landing Restaurant offers a classic three-course plated dinner with holiday staples and coastal flavors.
Newport Cocktails & Spirits Event at Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
On Nov. 9, the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach invites cocktail connoisseurs to an immersive afternoon of libations and spirit tastings at its Newport Cocktails & Spirits Event. Held from 2-6 p.m., this vibrant gathering offers an extensive selection of tastings from both rising and established spirit brands, showcasing a variety of flavors and techniques to satisfy every palate.
Brand representatives will be on hand to share the stories behind each spirit, from their brand heritage to the finer details of the craft. Paired with gourmet bites, the event’s tastings are complemented by a lively DJ, setting the scene for an afternoon of fun and mingling. A 360-degree photo booth provides the perfect keepsake, while ticket proceeds support the ONELOVE Foundation. This is a November event in Newport Beach that lets you drink well and do good!
Friendsgiving at SET Steak & Sushi
Friendsgiving at SET—this is where Newport Beach comes to play. On November 27th, dig into JT’s KFT ‘Korean Fried Turkey’ bucket, enjoy DJ Mike Soltani dropping beats, and sip on $5 shots alongside our exclusive menu specials. It’s the perfect spot to gather your crew, eat, drink, and keep the party going. Book your table, and let’s make this Friendsgiving one for the books. Get your tickets here.
34th Annual Lighting of the Bay + Opening Night Celebration
Ready to celebrate the holiday in Newport Beach? Newport Dunes’ Lighting of the Bay returns on Nov. 29 for its 34th year! This annual tradition transforms the Back Bay into a sparkling spectacle with more than 50 floating holiday lights and electric Christmas trees, illuminating the waters at dusk each night through Jan. 6, 2025. Opening night celebrations include family-friendly activities such as holiday crafts, food concessions and a beachside holiday movie screening. Guests can snap photos with Santa and marvel at a mesmerizing fire dance performance before the lighting ceremony.
At 6 p.m., Santa himself will flip the switch, and the bay will radiate with festive displays. For those looking to bring a piece of this holiday magic home, Newport Dunes’ holiday tree lot offers a carefully curated selection of fresh-cut Christmas trees from Oregon, along with wreaths and garlands to complete your seasonal decor. The Lighting of the Bay is a breathtaking kickoff to Newport Beach’s holiday season and a must-visit for visitors and locals alike!
