Fire & Lights Festival Returns to Newport Dunes

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina is celebrating the holiday season with the return of its Fire & Lights Festival, held Thursday through Sunday evenings from 4 to 9 p.m. through January 4, 2026. The annual Lighting of the Bay glows nightly at dusk with more than 50 floating trees and festive waterfront displays.

Festival Highlights
• Fire Dancing: Free fire performances by The Wild Fire Arts Entertainment every Friday and Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Photos with Santa: Complimentary photos with Santa every Saturday through Christmas from 5 to 8 p.m.
• Igloo Bar: Seasonal sips and snacks including hot chocolate, cider, hot toddies, and soup du jour.
• Fire Pits and S’mores: Marshmallow roasting by the bay under sparkling lights.
• Giant Inflatables: Toboggan Tunnel, Giant Snowzilla slide, and Gingerbread Slide with unlimited wristbands or single-ride tickets. Height, weight, and sock requirements apply.

Admission to the Fire and Lights Festival is free. Fees apply for parking, inflatables, and concessions. The Lighting of the Bay runs nightly from November 28, 2025, through January 4, 2026.

Santa’s Garden Holiday Tree Lot
Fresh Noble, Nordman, Grand, and Douglas trees, plus wreaths and garlands from northern Oregon. Custom flocking, trimming, loading, and home or business delivery available. Open daily November 24 to December 21. Sunday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Make It a Stay
Guests can enjoy the views from RV campsites or Beach Cottages. RV rentals can be delivered directly to campsites. Back Bay Bistro offers waterfront settings for holiday parties and private events. Visit NewportDunes.com or call 949-729-3800.

Parking and Location
1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach
Parking: 0–30 minutes free; 30 minutes–2 hours $15; 2–4 hours $20; 4–8 hours $25; 8–24 hours $30.

For festival updates and details, visit NewportDunes.com/fire-and-lights-festival. Book resort stays at NewportDunes.com or call 949-729-3863.

Holiday Cheer at North Italia

North Italia is lifting holiday spirits this season with special menus and festive promotions through the end of the year.

Bar North Pole: Nov. 28 through Dec. 31
Participating restaurants are offering a limited-time Bar North Pole experience with a lineup of eight new seasonal drinks, including six cocktails and two zero-proof options. Each beverage will be available for $10 during launch weekend from Nov. 28 through Nov. 30.

• Naughty List Cocktails: Sweater Weather with Pinot Grigio; Jingle Bell Rock with Aperol; Sleigh Ride with vodka; Santa’s Nightcap with rye; Rudolph’s Replacement with tequila; The Naughty List with vanilla vodka
• Nice List Zero-Proofs: White Elephant Gift with Seedlip non-alcoholic; Cocoa Claus with dark chocolate crème

$25 Holiday Lunch Prix Fixe: Now through Dec. 23
Enjoy North Italia’s Holiday Lunch Prix Fixe at all locations nationwide. Guests can order a small plate and entrée duo for $25, available daily from open until 4 p.m. for dine-in or online ordering. Highlights include seasonal favorites such as Sunday Night Lasagna and Arancini, along with exclusive dishes including Chicken Parmigiana Verde, Bruschetta Duo, and Brussels Sprout and Medjool Pizza.

North Italia is located at 2957 Michelson Drive, Irvine. 949.629.7060

Family Holiday Celebration This Saturday at The District

The District at Tustin Legacy will host its Holiday Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 6, from noon to 2 p.m. inviting the community to enjoy an afternoon of family-friendly festivities. Guests can take photos with Santa and friends, take part in crafts, and visit face painters and balloon twisters.

New this year, kids and families can hop aboard a magical Holiday Train ride through The Promenade and around the fountain. Cheerful holiday decor will fill the shopping center, and guests are encouraged to stay and shop for the season.

The Promenade at The District at Tustin Legacy
2437 Park Ave., Tustin.