10 Can’t-Miss Holiday Events in Newport Beach
December is almost here, which means it’s time to spread some holiday cheer! This month, Newport Beach is all things merry and is eager to make your season bright with a sleighful of festive activities. From dazzling light displays and tree lightings to holiday markets and the iconic Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, we’ve rounded up 10 Newport Beach Christmas events to enjoy this winter. We may not have snow, but we sure have spirit!
116th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Dates: December 18-22 at 6:30 p.m.
Experience the magic of the holidays with the 116th anniversary of the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade! This merry celebration will take place from Dec. 18-22 at 6:30 p.m. nightly and will showcase a variety of beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes. Cozy up and watch as the boats “jingle on the waves” this year in true Newport Beach fashion. This is one you won’t want to miss!
Dates: December 18-22
In addition to beautiful boats sailing the harbor, all waterfront homes, businesses and yacht clubs are encouraged to participate in the Ring of Lights Competition. This annual decorating competition adds to the festive feel of the boat parade and gives locals and visitors of Newport Beach a chance to explore the beautiful and festive displays. Take a Newport holiday stroll around Balboa Island and see the lights, then enjoy a meal at one of the city’s many bayside restaurants to watch the decorated boats cruise by.
Fashion Island’s Annual Tree Lighting
Dates: Nov 22-Dec. 29 every half hour from 5:30-8 p.m.
A 90-foot-tall, white fir tree has made its way to Fashion Island to officially kick off the 2024 holiday season. The Fashion Island Tree Lighting will take place every evening, but you’ll want to stay to witness the center transform into a magical winter wonderland with snowfall, choreographed music and light displays, Santa sightings and sparkling red and green decor. Get some gifting done and enjoy the festive atmosphere of this outdoor shopping center in Orange County.
Santa’s Arrival Celebration at Lido Marina Village
Date: Dec. 7 at 11:30 a.m.
This year, Santa will be trading in his sleigh for an electric boat! Don’t miss his epic arrival in a Vision Electric Boat at Lido Marina Village. Gather by the water on the Lido Deck to greet jolly old St. Nick and stay to sip gourmet hot chocolate and enjoy a live performance by the Holly Belles! There will also be visits from the Little Drummer Boy and Winter Ballerina and snow flurries every Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the Lido Deck. To see what other festivities are taking place this season at Lido Marina Village, click here!
45th Annual Corona del Mar Christmas Walk
Date: December 8 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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. This year’s festivities will include live entertainment from over 17 local bands, photos with Santa, beer and wine gardens, unique vendors, activities for the kids and more.
Roger’s Gardens’ “Sparkle, Shimmer & Shine” Christmas Boutique
Dates: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Experience the spirit of Christmas in Newport at Roger’s Gardens’ “Sparkle, Shimmer & Shine” Christmas Boutique! In the fall and winter, Roger’s Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland filled with festive decor. Take a stroll through the lush gardens, then wander through the dazzling dreamland to shop a vast collection of cherished gifts and home decor, including shimmering ornaments, wreaths, garlands and more.
Fire & Lights Festival at Newport Dunes
Dates: November 29 through January 5
The magic of the holiday season will come alive at Newport Dunes’ enchanting Fire & Lights Festival. Come watch as the resort’s bayside oasis transforms into a winter wonderland featuring an igloo-themed bar, fire dancing shows and marshmallow roasting. Visitors can bask in the glow of festive lights and enjoy sweeping views of the 34th Annual Lighting of the Bay, where over 50 lighted Christmas trees float on the serene, waveless bay. Don’t miss other attractions like a holiday-themed “Elf Yourself” photo booth, giant inflatables and Snowzilla slides! Visitors of this Newport Beach Christmas party can also pick out the perfect tree at the tree lot.
Strolling Victorian Carolers at Five Crowns
Date: Dec. 1-30
From Dec. 1-30, handbell carolers will perform nightly at Five Crowns in Corona del Mar, serenading diners with classic holiday jingles. The restaurant’s charming dining and private rooms will be enhanced with twinkling lights, festive decor and crackling fireplaces, setting the scene for a festive holiday meal. You also won’t want to miss the restaurant’s Dickens’ Dinner on Nov. 29 and 30!
Holiday Hideout Speakeasy at VEA Newport Beach
Date: Starting November 15
VEA’s Holiday Hideout invites guests to revel in festive refreshments, live entertainment and Santa sightings. Open every Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to midnight, this cozy lounge area transforms into a festive winter wonderland retreat—perfect for sipping on holiday-themed cocktails and capturing memorable photos. No reservations are required to experience this festive lounge, and it is open to both resort guests and the public!
Nights of 1,000 Lights at Sherman Library and Gardens
Dates: Dec. 5-22
Celebrate the season at Sherman Library and Gardens as Nights of 1,000 Lights celebrates its 10th anniversary! This year’s event combines cherished displays from years past with exciting new features. Guests can wander through the illuminated gardens, taking in iconic attractions like the towering Christmas tree, the mesmerizing light tunnel and the ethereal Moon Goddess. Fresh additions include an immersive 3D experience in the conservatory, a Scandinavian-inspired Christmas in the sun garden and a vibrant Crystal Disco Christmas featuring a magical wishing tree. Visitors can roast s’mores by the fire pit, meet Santa in his cozy adobe and shop for one-of-a-kind holiday treasures.
