Home for The Holidays

Keeping the spirit during the holidays can be a bit of a doozy, but somehow, you’ve pulled it off. You wined and dined those gathered at your table with patience and panache. You’ve even managed to masterfully convince your relatives to ditch your inflatable bed in lieu of a hotel room (thanks mainly to this USA Today article through which you made your case and avoided chaos). But now, to pass the time between meals, you’ve got some entertaining to do. So the question is: where do you take your folks when they’re in town? We asked five Newport Beach locals who do holidays in the city best.

Kate Casey

Creator and host of “Reality Life with Kate Casey,” a podcast that focuses on recaps of popular reality shows and interviews with reality stars.

 If I had to describe my perfect day in Newport Beach during the holidays it would have to start with a morning walk for hot tea and cocoa. Then, a football game at home, a walk in the afternoon with the kids around Balboa Island to see the decorations, and dinner with my husband.

 When I want to impress out-of-town guests, I take them to The Beachcomber. As someone who grew up on the east coast, I never get past the beauty of palm trees. The Beachcomber is both charming and relaxing, and you can’t really beat one of their campfires at sunset.

 To really show off Newport Beach’s local culinary offerings, I take guests to breakfast at The Galley. It is the tiniest restaurant, and you have to get there really early to get a spot, but the simple menu and cheerful staff are worth the visit.

 I never let a guest leave without eating a frozen banana on Balboa Island, especially if they love the show Arrested Development.

 The thing guests are always wowed by when they visit is Crystal Cove.

 The thing I always look forward to during the holidays is Christmas Eve dinner with my entire family at Gulfstream.

Michelle St. Amour

General manager at Lido Marina Village—one of Newport Beach’s premier shopping and dining destinations.

 When I want to impress out-of-town guests, I take them to Lido Marina Village. There are so many incredible shops and waterfront dining options. After shopping and lunch at Malibu Farm, renting an electric boat is a must! Guests love to see the spectacular homes from the water. After a cruise around the harbor, it’s off to Topside, Lido House Hotel’s rooftop bar. It’s a great place to enjoy a glass of champagne as the sunsets.

 To really show off Newport Beach’s local culinary offerings, I take guests to either Lido Bottle Works or A Restaurant. My favorite spot to grab a post-Christmas Boat Parade dinner with friends is at Side Door, which has incredible food and a festive holiday vibe.

 I never let a guest leave without taking the Balboa Island Ferry.

 When guests want to go holiday shopping, I always take them to Fashion Island and Lido Marina Village.

The thing guests are always wowed by when they visit is the beautiful weather and the ability to “dock and dine” at waterfront restaurants.

 The things I always look forward to during the holidays are the Corona del Mar Christmas Walk, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and strolling around Balboa Island – but most importantly, I look forward to sharing these experiences with family and friends.

Shannon Barbadian

Owner and instructor at Defy Gravity Studio, which boasts pilates, suspension training and cycling classes.

If I had to describe my perfect day in Newport Beach during the holidays it would include a sunset Duffy boat ride in the harbor to take in the beautiful views and houses decorated for the holidays.

When I want to impress out-of-town guests, I take them to Bear Flag at Crystal Cove for some fish tacos. After that, we go to Corona Del Mar for a walk on the beach.

To really show off Newport Beach’s local culinary offerings, I take guests to Bayside Restaurant. They have great entrees and festive cocktails for the holidays. I also take guests to Zinc Cafe for the best lattes in town.

The thing guests are always wowed by when they visit is the Christmas Boat Parade. It’s unlike any other parade they’ve ever seen!

Newport Beach is magical during the holidays because there’s so much to do. There are one-of-a-kind experiences here, like the Christmas Boat Parade and Roger’s Gardens. And because we live in a beautiful climate, we spend a lot of time outdoors. One of my favorite things to do on Christmas morning is taking our dog on an early-morning walk on the beach!

 Shirley Pepys

President of the Balboa Island Museum, which houses a collection of exhibits that educate locals and tourists on the history of Newport Beach and Balboa Island.

When I want to impress out-of-town guests, I take them to Roger’s Gardens.

To really show off Newport Beach’s local culinary offerings, I take guests to the Farmhouse or and the new CdM Restaurant.

I never let a guest leave without visiting the Balboa Island Museum Newport Beach and drinking the hot chocolate that my grandkids have made for many years during the boat parade.

When guests want to go holiday shopping, I always take them to Fashion Island and the Museum Store on Balboa Island.

The thing guests want to keep coming back to is the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights.

Newport Beach is magical during the holidays because of the fabulous holiday decorations.

Written By: Mariam Makatsaria