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 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 through 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.
The Latest from greer's oc
Free Summer Dance Nights and Concerts Return to Segerstrom Center
Segerstrom Center for the Arts is bringing back its popular summer programming on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza with free Tuesday Night Dance classes through August and Summer Sounds outdoor concerts starting June 12.
The all-ages dance series runs…
Bluewater Grill Celebrates 30 Years With Seafood Tastings and Holiday Specials
Outpost Kitchen at South Coast Plaza Debuts Mother’s Day Menu
This Mother’s Day, Outpost Kitchen is offering a special menu created to celebrate moms with a mix of sweet and savory dishes, along with festive drinks made for the occasion.
Highlights include Honey Vanilla Gluten Free…
Alabaster International Debuts in OC with ‘Her Light & Legacy’
Alabaster International is making its Orange County debut with a community event on Thursday, May 15, 2026, at Deli Nerds in Costa Mesa. The nonprofit supports the health, nutrition and empowerment of indigenous women and families in East…
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 05.08.26 – Free Summer Dance Nights and Concerts Return to Segerstrom Center
- 05.08.26 – Bluewater Grill Celebrates 30 Years With Seafood Tastings and Holiday Specials
- 05.08.26 – Outpost Kitchen at South Coast Plaza Debuts Mother’s Day Menu
- 05.05.26 – Alabaster International Debuts in OC with ‘Her Light & Legacy’
- 04.29.26 – ILYA Welcomes Sunday Brunch to San Clemente
- 04.28.26 – Mastro’s Plans Mother’s Day Brunch in Irvine and Costa Mesa
- 04.28.26 – Mother’s Day Style: Matching Moments for Moms and Minis at Famous Footwear
- 04.28.26 – Riverdance 30 Brings a New Generation to Segerstrom Center
- 04.27.26 – March for Babies Returns to Irvine May 2
- 04.25.26 – Classic Packards Take Center Stage in Newport Beach
- 04.23.26 – Spring Menu Arrives at The Park Club California
- 04.23.26 – SpiceQuest Brings the Heat Home
- 04.20.26 – Honda Center Serves Up Playoff-Ready Menu for Ducks Fans
- 04.17.26 – A Night of Fashion and Giving in Newport Beach
- 04.13.26 – A Night at Knife Pleat Paired With South Coast Repertory’s Eat Me
- 04.13.26 – Sender One Expands With New Aliso Viejo Location
- 04.13.26 – Bluewater Grill Celebrates 30 Years With New Seafood Cookbook
- 04.13.26 – SOMBR Brings Fall Arena Tour to Anaheim’s Honda Center in October
- 04.12.26 – A Film Festival Putting Neurodivergent Talent Front and Center
- 04.08.26 – Rove Costa Mesa Now Open With Fast Charging and Lounge
More Daily Doses
- 05.07.26 – Sweetgreen Opens at Irvine’s University Center
- 04.29.26 – Mother’s Day Dining Across Orange County
- 04.29.26 – La La Land Kind Cafe Grand Opening at Irvine Spectrum
- 04.29.26 – J Ruby: A Colorful Creative Find in South Laguna
- 04.28.26 – A New Chapter for Zov’s in San Clemente
- 04.23.26 – A Coastal Spa Experience Arrives at Surf & Sand Laguna Beach
- 04.23.26 – David Spade Takes The Lido Theater Stage
- 04.20.26 – Arrive in Style. Leave the Driving to Us.
- 04.19.26 – Candace Bushnell Brings One-Woman Show to South Coast Repertory
- 04.18.26 – A Coastal Weekend of Wine, Food and Ocean Views
- 04.16.26 – Icons of Napa Valley Wine Dinner Returns to Henry’s Coastal Cuisine
- 04.13.26 – An Evening of Connection and Compassion in Aliso Viejo
- 04.08.26 – A Mother’s Day Gathering with Costa Mesa History
- 04.06.26 – Spring in Full Bloom at South Coast Plaza
- 04.05.26 – Taste of Napa Comes to Huntington Beach and Returns to Napa Valley
- 04.01.26 – A Taste of Italy Arrives in Corona del Mar
- 03.30.26 – STAUD Arrives at South Coast Plaza
- 03.27.26 – South Coast Plaza Easter Dining Picks
- 03.26.26 – Easter Brunch and Dining in Orange County
- 03.26.26 – OC Fashion Week Arrives at My Sister’s Closet With Designer Adolfo Sánchez
