10 Can’t-Miss Holiday Events 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 events in Newport Beach and Christmas events to enjoy. We have rounded up 10 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
- Where: Various locations in Newport Beach
- 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!
Annual Tree Lighting at VEA Newport Beach
- Where: VEA Newport Beach
- When: November 20; 5:30pm-7:30pm
- Ring in the holidays with VEA Newport Beach’s annual tree lighting celebration featuring hot cocoa, sweet treats, live entertainment, and Santa sightings! It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with fun for the whole family. This event is open to both resort guests and the community. No reservations required. Complimentary valet parking will be provided (woo!).
Moonlight Market at Balboa Bay Resort
- Where: Balboa Bay Resort
- When: November 22
- Get ready to join us under the stars for a festive evening of shopping, sipping, and celebrating the season at the Holiday Moonlight Market. Set against the sparkling backdrop of the resort pool, this event will feature a curated selection of local vendors and unique finds, perfect for gifting or treating yourself before the holidays. Each ticket includes a welcome beverage to enjoy while you browse, mingle, and soak in the magic of the evening. Seasonal bites and sips will be available for purchase, and the cozy, chic atmosphere by the pool sets the perfect scene to shop small, support local, and celebrate the holiday spirit in style. Tickets will become available soon!
117th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
- Where: Newport Harbor
- When: December 17-21
- Experience the magic of the holidays with the 117th anniversary of the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade! This festive celebration will take place from Dec. 17–21 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!
Ring of Lights Home Decorating Competition
- Where: Newport Harbor
- When: December 17-21
- 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.
Night of Coastal Lights
- Where: Fashion Island
- When: Nov 21 – Dec 28; 5:30-8pm
- The iconic Christmas tree sparkles to life with magical snowfall, festive music, and dazzling lights in the Neiman Marcus-Bloomingdale’s Courtyard, every 30 minutes beginning at 5:30 p.m through 8 p.m. Kick off the season with the first Christmas Tree Lighting Event on November 21st.
Santa’s Arrival Celebration at Lido Marina Village
- Where: Lido Marina Village
- When: Thursday-Friday 4-8pm; Saturday-Sunday 12-4pm
- 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. You’ll find Santa strolling around the village every Thursday and Friday from 4 – 8 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12 – 4 pm.
46th Annual Corona del Mar Christmas Walk
- Where: Corona del Mar
- When: December 7; 11am-4pm
- 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 & visitors to enjoy multiple stages of live entertainment, visits and photos with Santa, beer & wine gardens, street performers, unique vendor gifts, children’s activities, merchant and restaurant promotions and much more!
Roger’s Gardens’ The Magic of Christmas | Christmas Boutique
- Where: Roger’s Gardens
- When: Open daily from 9am-8pm
- The Magic of Christmas 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.
Newport Dunes Fire & Light Festival
- Where: Newport Dunes
- When: November 28 – January 3
- Celebrate the season on the bay with the return of Newport Dunes Fire & Lights Festival, featuring captivating fire dancing performances, family-friendly holiday inflatables, festive food and drinks, and photos with Santa on Saturdays through Christmas. Enjoy cozy waterfront fire pits perfect for roasting s’mores, and stroll beneath the glow of over fifty illuminated holiday displays along the bay. Free entry, food, beverages, and select activities available for purchase. Onsite parking rates apply.
