Have Yourself a White (Sand) Christmas! Newport Beach is one of the most festive places on the West Coast! And with so many holiday events happening, there is so much to see and do! It’s time to trade those snowshoes and snowmen for sandals and sand by the sea.

If you are looking to get into the holiday spirit this year, beach style, come to Newport Beach and enjoy one (or more) of our signature holiday events. Here are our top 5 holiday events of the season!

The 105th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
The 105th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is the longest and oldest boat parade in the Nation. This five-day parade spreads holiday cheer for five days and features nearly 100 decorated and lighted boats under the theme “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”

The Parade runs December 18-22, 2013, sparking the holiday spirit each evening from 6:30pm to 9pm. It’s free to watch from boardwalks and beaches around Newport Harbor, or consider booking a Harbor cruise or a table at a waterfront restaurant. Don’t miss fireworks on the first and last nights of the parade.
Visit www.ChristmasBoatParade.com for more information.

Celebrate Christmas at the Beach
Come one, come all to Charming Balboa Village in Newport Beach, California to start off the holiday season at Christmas at the Beach on December 7th from 2:00p.m. – 6:00p.m. This very merry and complimentary holiday event takes place at the Balboa Village (Home of the Fun Zone) and serves as the perfect quaint seaside setting to kick off Christmas.

Festivities include:
• Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5:30p.m.
• Cookie Decorating
• Free Wagon Rides
• Wooden Boat Building
• Tree Lighting Ceremony
• Live Music
• Christmas Carolers
• Visit with Santa
• Holiday Movies

For more information, click here.

Corona del Mar Christmas Walk
On Sunday, December 8, 2013, from 11am – 4pm, the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce will present a can’t-miss special event filled with holiday festivities for revelers of all ages. The 35th Annual Corona del Mar Christmas Walk will feature live entertainment, food, prizes and games in true holiday spirit, including the popular Fireman’s Grill BBQ provided by the Newport Beach Fire Department, restaurant tastings, 12 live musical acts, children’s entertainment, unique vendor exhibits and more. For more information, please visit www.cdmchamber.com.

Decked Halls – and Homes – on Balboa Island
Newport Beach locals love strolling the boardwalk around Balboa Island, often with a hot cocoa or spiced cider in hand, to gaze at the beautifully decorated homes. And if you’ve ever wanted to get a peek inside one of these magnificently decorated homes; don’t miss the 17th Annual Balboa Island Holiday Home Walking tour on Sunday, December 8, 2013 from 11am – 4pm.

Tickets are $25 and sold at Even Sisters, Island Home, Martha’s Bookstore, Persimmon Tree, and the Gift Box. For more information, click here. To add to the fun, consider enjoying dinner at one of Balboa Island’s wonderful restaurants, and get a little shopping done on Marine Avenue.

Make it a Getaway
With so many festive and fun ways to get into the holiday spirit, you’ll want to make your visit to Newport Beach longer than just a day. That’s why Newport Beach’s fine hotels are offering appealing holiday packages, giving you and yours a warm welcome to the most spirited and special destination on the West Coast!