The Best Places to See Newport Beach Christmas Lights
The holidays have officially arrived in Newport Beach, bringing a brilliant wave of coastal cheer to every corner of the city. Twinkling lights, festive décor, and cherished community traditions set the stage for a season filled with wonder. To guide your holiday explorations, we have curated a list of the best Christmas lights in Newport Beach along with the most festive experiences throughout the area, from iconic waterfront home tours to magical illuminated events. Whether you are looking for seasonal inspiration or seeking the most dazzling Christmas lights in Orange County, let the glow of the season lead the way to unforgettable holiday memories.
Best Christmas Lights in Newport Beach
117th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
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!
Price: Free to the public.
35th Annual Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dunes
Come see 40 LED trees and floats illuminate the bay at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina. A 34-year tradition, this event is free to the public and is taking place every evening through Jan. 1. And while you’re there, be sure to enjoy the Fire & Lights Festival, where you can roast s’mores, sip cocktails from the Igloo Bar, take photos with Santa every Saturday evening, see fire dancing Friday & Sunday evening, slide down giant inflatables. The Fire & Lights festival runs Thursday – Sunday, from November 28 – January 3.
Price: Free to the public.
Ring of Lights on Balboa Island
It’s not the holiday season in Newport Beach without a stroll around Balboa Island to admire the annual Ring of Lights (Dec. 17-21)! Bundle up and walk by more than two dozen extravagantly decorated waterfront homes on the charming Ring of Lights route. From themed to animated, these homes compete in an annual competition to showcase their color, creativity and holiday style. Pro tip: Grab a cup of hot cocoa from Dad’s Donut & Bakery Shop to stay warm!
Price: Free to the public.
Photo Credit : Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce
A Very Sherman Holiday
Sherman Library & Gardens is kicking off the holiday season with A Very Sherman Holiday, a festive two-day celebration presented by South Coast Plaza on December 6–7. Guests can browse handcrafted goods from local vendors and garden volunteers, snap photos with Santa, enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and seasonal cocktails, create holiday crafts, listen to live music, and take part in cherished traditions like the Wishing Tree and Letters to Santa. December 6 is reserved for members only, making it the perfect opportunity to join or renew for a bundled membership and ticket deal.
Price: $10-$20 for members and $15-$25 for non-members. Children under 3 are free
Roger’s Gardens Christmas Boutique: The Magic of Christmas
Experience one of Orange County’s most enchanting holiday displays at The Magic of Christmas at Roger’s Gardens, where the boutique transforms into a sparkling wonderland of twinkling lights, festive décor, and storytelling. This year’s theme brings the charm of an old-world toy shop to life with illuminated vignettes, heirloom-quality ornaments, and artfully curated scenes that blend European elegance, holiday grandeur, and the cozy warmth of a winter lodge. Every corner is designed to inspire awe, spark nostalgia, and immerse visitors in the joy of the season, making it the perfect place to soak in the holiday spirit, discover décor inspiration, and celebrate the magic of Christmas.
Price: Free to the public.
