Newport Beach has a long-standing reputation as a charming holiday destination near the coast. Both locals and visitors alike count the days each year until the nation’s longest-running lighted holiday boat parade illuminates the Newport Harbor, and where they get a chance to lay their eyes on handsomely decorated yachts, kayaks, canoes and other types of boats for five fun-filled nights. If you’re in town to attend the 107th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade annual celebration, you already know you’re in for an amazing holiday experience.

With plenty of holiday activities happening all around town, why not consider staying an extra day or more to check out some of these enjoyable wintertime events and attractions? Indulge your senses this holiday season as you create lasting memories with your family and friends in Newport Beach.

The Hotel Scene
With hotel options to fit each individual style, many Newport Beach properties offer holiday events and special packages during this time of year.

Balboa Bay Resort celebrates the season with their annual Tree Lighting and Resort Lighting Ceremony on December 1 from 6-7 p.m., complete with a visit from Santa and live orchestra. If you’re planning to stay with us for Christmas or New Year’s, you can enjoy specially designed menus, entertainment and festivities sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Find out about all the special events in store during December here.

The Resort at Pelican Hill also heartily embraces the spirit of the season with everything from Holiday Tea Moderno Nov. 27-Dec. 27 in the Great Room Social Lounge — featuring classic and emerging tea blends and tea-based cocktails paired with Italian-inspired savory and sweet small bites (along with an appearance by St. Nick) — to Hanukkah Feasts Dec. 6-14 at the Coliseum Pool & Grill — complete with lunch and dinner specials including braised brisket, crispy latkes and baked kugel. Find out more about all the Holiday happenings here.

At Newport Center’s Island Hotel Newport Beach, four overnight packages are available during the holiday season between November 30 and December 1:
• “Deck Out the Halls” shopping package starting at $259/night and includes a $50 Fashion Island gift certificate.
• “Savor the Holidays” starting at $289 and includes a $100 food and beverage credit for use at Oak Grill, Aqua Lounge or toward any of the hotel’s holiday brunches.

During your stay you’ll find a Coastal Cottage Gingerbread Display; Children’s Gingerbread House Decorating with Pastry Chef Andy De La Cruz (Dec. 12 at 1 p.m.); and Spa-liday treatments including a 60-minute customized facial, 30-minute head, neck and shoulder massage, seasonal peppermint body polish and even complimentary gift wrapping for Fashion Island purchases.

The holidays truly come alive throughout the Fairmont Newport Beach with more than 15 uniquely decorated trees on display starting Nov. 19 as part of the Festival of Trees (to benefit South County Outreach to prevent hunger and homelessness in South Orange County). But that’s not all … there’s also seasonal entertainment, roasted chestnuts and hot apple cider with Chestnuts and Carolers at the hotel during Dec. 1 from 4-5 p.m.; wine, hors d’ oeuvres and seasonal entertainment at the Silver and Gold reception Dec. 3; the whimsical Candy Land-themed Tree of Hope and Gingerbread house display Nov. 19- Dec. 17; and much more.

Newport Beach is certainly is the place to spend your holiday season! Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa, Newport Beach Marriott Bayview, Carlton Hotel Newport Beach, Hyatt Regency Newport Beach and Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina are all fabulous getaway hotels and unique locations to make your season merry and bright! All Newport Beach hotel information can be found here.