NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (September 12, 2022) – No one celebrates the holidays quite like Newport Beach. Newport Beach commemorates the winter season with brilliant light displays, festive holiday markets, celebrated traditions, and more! It is truly a magical time of the year to visit the beloved beach town. Get in the merriest of moods and celebrate this year in one of the most festive towns in America. Here are some of the best things to do in Newport Beach this year to celebrate the holidays!
114th NEWPORT BEACH CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE
One of America’s most iconic Christmas events is back for its 114th year featuring more over-the-top lights and décor than ever. Taking place in Newport Beach, California on five nights between December 14-18 at 6:30pm, the city comes together to watch beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes sail along the harbor in celebration of the upcoming holiday season. The 14-mile parade route features 100 boats of all sizes with carious pyrotechnics, synchronized light shows, jumbotrons, moving displays, singers and dancers.
Viewing options abound — set sail on a chartered boat, book a table at a waterfront restaurant or cozy up along the shore to see up to 100 boats, from kayaks to superyachts.
The festivities also feature the Ring of Lights, where homes along the boat parade route participate in a decorating contest showcasing their extravagantly themed decorations. From lights on every façade to roof-top animated scenes and dancing Christmas trees, the Ring of Lights has become as celebrated as the boat parade itself.
As one of the longest running boat parades in America, parade participants will start from the east end of Lido Island following the celebrated route, with the largest public viewing destination at the 10.5-acre Marina Park. The park offers ample parking, a nautical-themed playground, picnic area and sailing center, creating an optimal location to gather and enjoy the festivities. For all five nights of the parade (December 14-18), Marina Park will host a premier holiday pop-up market featuring local Newport Beach makers, food vendors, entertainment, photo ops, and kids activities! Full of holiday cheer and the most unique gifts out there, the pop-up market is the perfect place to find an unforgettable gift for someone special this season.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Winter celebrations kick off in Newport Beach with the arrival of holiday trees that sparkle and twinkle all season long.
- Fashion Island’s Annual Tree Lighting
- A freshly lit tree at Fashion Island in Newport Beach always signals the official launch of the holiday season. The tree will be lit every night at 5 p.m., and families can enjoy the coastal location and one-stop destination as Fashion Island is transformed into a holiday winter wonderland! Official opening date to be announced soon.
- Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina
- Newport Dunes kicks off the holiday season with its 32nd annual Lighting of the Bay. More than 40 holiday light displays and Christmas trees will light up the bay, offering a free event everyone will love. The dazzling display lasts through New Year’s Day. Official opening date to be announced soon.
The annual Corona del Mar Christmas Walk is a free event that offers fun for the entire family. From beer and wine gardens to children’s activities, take a stroll down PCH to take part in this festive community event. Mark your calendars for December 4 from 11am-5pm.
ROGER’S GARDEN CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE
Experience the enchanted spirit of the season at Roger’s Gardens Christmas Boutique! In December, Roger’s Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland filled with festive decor. Take a stroll through the lush gardens, then wander through the boutique to shop their collection of wreaths, garlands, whimsical ornaments and cherished gifts for all ages.
STAY
Whether seeking the suite life or a family-friendly beachfront cottage this holiday season, Newport Beach’s most talked-about hotels and resorts are decorated to the nines during the holidays and are the perfect places to stay during your festive escape.
- Balboa Bay Resort
- Lido House
- Renaissance Newport Beach
- Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
- VEA Newport Beach
- Newport Beach Marriott Bayview
- The Resort at Pelican Hill
- Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina
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ABOUT NEWPORT BEACH & COMPANY/VISIT NEWPORT BEACH:
Founded in January 2013, Newport Beach & Company is a non-profit organization established to serve as the official marketing agency for the city of Newport Beach. The agency brings together all of the marketing entities connected to the Newport Beach brand, and is designed to oversee separate business units that include Visit Newport Beach, Celebrate Newport Beach, Enterprise Newport Beach and Newport Beach TV. For more information, please go to VisitNewportBeach.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Megan Johns
Communications Manager, Visit Newport Beach
megan@newportbeachandco.com | (714) 353-5026