The Best Places to See Newport Beach Christmas Lights
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Newport Beach has transformed into a coastal winter wonderland with twinkling lights, festive displays and seasonal sips around every corner. To get you in a jolly mood, we’ve rounded up the best dazzling Newport Beach Christmas light displays. From Sherman Library & Gardens’ Night of 1000 Lights event to the cheerful Ring of Lights home decorating competition on Balboa Island, there are so many ways to light up your season.
Best Christmas Lights in Newport Beach
Nights of 1000 Lights at Sherman Library & Gardens
Step into the magic of the holiday season at Sherman Library and Gardens as Nights of 1,000 Lights celebrates its 10th anniversary! This beloved holiday event in Newport Beach brings together treasured displays from previous years alongside exciting new attractions.
Stroll through the radiant gardens and enjoy classic highlights like the towering Christmas tree, the dazzling light tunnel and the enchanting Moon Goddess. New this year, visitors can explore a 3D interactive experience in the conservatory, discover a Scandinavian-style Christmas in the sun garden and dance through a sparkling Crystal Disco Christmas featuring a whimsical wishing tree. Gather around the fire pit to toast s’mores and visit Santa in his cozy adobe as you enjoy this dazzling display of Christmas lights in Newport Beach!
Price: $30 for members and $50 for non-members. Children under 3 are free
116th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
The always enchanting Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade will feature a festive fleet of decked-out boats, yachts and more! Happening from Dec. 18 to 22 this year at 6:30 p.m., this is a magical holiday spectacle that you won’t want to miss! Cozy up at one of Newport Beach’s bayside restaurants, on the shore or aboard a boat, and enjoy the festive ambiance as the harbor lights up in classic Newport Beach style.
Price: Free to the public.
34th 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 29 – January 5. Pick out the perfect pine tree at Santa’s Garden!
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. 18-22)! 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
