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Can’t-Miss Holiday Events & Things to Do in Newport Beach


The holiday season is in full swing and Newport Beach is ready to celebrate! This December the city comes alive with twinkling lights, festive markets, and joyful traditions that make the season bright. From sparkling tree lightings and holiday performances to the famous Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade there is no shortage of holiday and Christmas things to do in Newport Beach. We have rounded up our must-see holiday events in Orange County that capture the magic of Christmas in Newport Beach, making our city the most festive coastal destination in America! 

50 Days of Festive Fun 

  • When: November 14-January 2  

Step into the magic of the season with 50 Days of Festive Fun in Newport Beach, the longest-running holiday extravaganza in the entire nation! Every day from November 14 – January 2, experience a flurry of festive experiences just waiting for you! From our Christmas Boat Parade to dazzling lights displays to Santa sightings, this holiday season will be full of festive fun! Oh, what fun it is to Visit Newport Beach! Experience the wonder, feel the excitement, and be part of the most festive coastal destination in America! Let the 50 Days of Festive Fun Begin and explore more holiday happenings!

50 Days of Festive Fun banner, bordered by a photo of Santa Claus on the right and a photo of a yacht on the water on the left.

VEA Holiday Hideout 

  • When: November 19–December 25; 6pm–11:45pm

Kick off the holiday season at the VEA Holiday Hideout, a winter wonderland-themed lounge at VEA Newport Beach where you can toast to the season with festive cocktails and delight in its cheerful atmosphere! Perfect for friends and family alike, hit up this exclusive speakeasy to enjoy cozy decor and twinkling lights all season long. Open Fridays and Saturdays throughout the holidays!

Santa Claus-themed mug of hot cocoa and whipped cream.

Tree Lighting at Pendry 

  • When: November 27; 5pm–8pm  

Pendry Newport Beach is a sophisticated and stylish urban resort, just steps from Fashion Island and moments away from the sprawling ocean, harbor, and bay views. On November 27, Pendry Newport Beach hosts its first-ever tree lighting ceremony. Head to the Pendry lobby and soak up the stunning spruce, festive decor, and Dickens-style carolers for a magical evening with your friends and family that marks the start of the holiday season.

Pendry Newport Beach

Tree Lighting at Balboa Bay Resort 

  • When: November 29; 5pm–10pm  

Ring in the holidays at Balboa Bay Resort’s tree lighting for a magical evening beneath the lights! Live vocalists, dancers, and the iconic Frosty, Rudolph, Santa, and more take the stage for an extraordinary musical spectacular on November 29. It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with fun for the whole family!

Complimentary seasonal treats and beverages will be provided. Reservations not required. Open seating available after 5pm.

Holiday musical performance with singers and dancers performing on stage in red and white costumes.

12 Days of Spalidays at Balboa Bay Resort 

  • When: December 1–12; All Day

Indulge in Balboa Bay Resort’s 12 Days of Spalidays for a thoughtfully-curated spa experience designed to restore, replenish, and inspire. Enjoy special discounts from 10% off loungewear, spa facials, and skincare products to 10% off holiday candles, facial and massage bundles, and complimentary LED enhancements! Bask in the season of relaxation and renewal this December during the 12 Days of Spalidays!

Offers are valid while supplies last and cannot be combined with other promotions unless otherwise noted. Exclusions may apply. Secure your treatment now by booking over the phone or reserving via email!

Balboa Bay Resort

Carols by Candlelight 

  • Where: Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church
  • When: December 5 & 9; 8pm–9:30pm

Step into the candlelit sanctuary of Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Newport Beach for an intimate evening with the Pacific Chorale’s chamber singers. Their voices fill the historic space with timeless carols and seasonal favorites, capturing the quiet wonder of the holidays. It’s a serene, beautiful way to welcome the season with friends or family!

Pacific Chorale singing a holiday song at the front of a church.

47th Annual Corona del Mar Christmas Walk 

  • When: December 6; 11am–5pm 

For over 40 years, the Corona del Mar Christmas Walk has proudly celebrated the local shops and restaurants of Corona del Mar with a spectacular holiday celebration. This special event is fun for all ages and draws thousands of friends, neighbors, and business owners into the neighborhood of Corona del Mar. The day draws thousands of locals and visitors to enjoy multiple stages of live entertainment, visits, and photos with Santa, beer and wine gardens, street performers, unique vendor gifts, children’s activities, merchant and restaurant promotions, and much more!

A group of young men and women wearing red and green Christmas-themed clothing, smiling and holding their arms out wide.

The Stories of the Season | Christmas Boutique 

  • When: Open daily from 9am-6pm 

All season long, The Stories of the Season at Roger’s Gardens invites you into a world of wonder and timeless tradition. This year’s boutique captures the spirit of the season with enchanting displays that blend European elegance, festive grandeur, and artisanal craftsmanship. Inspired by the charm of an old-world toy shop, this year’s boutique is filled with heirloom-quality décor, artisanal gifts, and sparkling trees. From the opulent elegance of holiday soirées to the cozy warmth of a winter lodge, each vignette is designed to enchant, inspire, and evoke timeless memories. Discover new ways to celebrate, gather, and create lasting traditions.

An open-face book with a Christmas tree on the left page and "The Stories of the Season Christmas Boutique, opening Friday, October 2 from 9AM to 6PM daily" on the right page.

118th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade & Ring of Lights 

  •  Where: Newport Harbor 
  • When: December 16-20; 6:30pm–9pm

Experience the magic of the holidays with the 118th anniversary of the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade! This festive celebration will take place from Dec. 16–20 at 6:30 p.m. nightly and will showcase a dazzling array of decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes. Cozy up and enjoy the boats as they bring this year’s theme, Magical Nights of Lights, to life in true Newport Beach style. This is one holiday event you won’t want to miss! 

A boat on the water adorned in festive Christmas lights.

Christmas Day Champagne Brunch at Balboa Bay Resort  

  • When: December 25; 10am–2pm

Join Chef Diego Bernal on December 25 from 10am to 2pm for an extravagant, curated spread of delicious food at Balboa Bay Resort’s waterfront Lighthouse event space. From carving stations and a renowned chilled seafood display to classic holiday sides and seasonal desserts, the Christmas Day Champagne Brunch is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays and indulge in an unforgettable festive brunch with friends and family. Email Balboa Bay Resort to reserve your spot!

A cut-up piece of ham surrounded by side dishes, including mac and cheese and potatoes.

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