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
Sender One Expands With New Aliso Viejo Location
Sender One is celebrating the grand opening of its sixth Southern California location, Sender One Aliso Viejo, on Saturday, April 18.
The daylong celebration includes local vendors, a live DJ, raffles and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Guests can explore the…
Bluewater Grill Celebrates 30 Years With New Seafood Cookbook
Drawing on 30 years of creating original seafood and shellfish dishes, the founders of Bluewater Grill are releasing a new cookbook on April 28. The book features more than 100 recipes inspired by the freshest fish from coastal regions…
SOMBR Brings Fall Arena Tour to Anaheim’s Honda Center in October
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 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 Night at Knife Pleat Paired With South Coast Repertory’s Eat Me
- 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
- 04.06.26 – Spring Menu Arrives at The Park Club California
- 04.06.26 – A Night of Fashion and Giving in Newport Beach
- 04.05.26 – Floral Park Home & Garden Tour Returns April 25–26
- 04.03.26 – Earth Month Eco Challenge Returns to Discovery Cube Orange County
- 04.01.26 – Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: How to Think About the Choice
- 03.31.26 – Newport Beach Goes for a World Record at Balboa Pier
- 03.31.26 – Easter at VEA Newport Beach
- 03.28.26 – Willbo Brings Western-Inspired Style to Lido Marina Village
- 03.28.26 – Burritos for a Cause at Dog Haus
- 03.25.26 – A Desert Escape in Tempe: Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes Debuts Renovation
- 03.25.26 – Turning 65 and Still Working: What to Know About Medicare
- 03.25.26 – Cape Crusaders, Cosplay and Comic-Con Energy Take Over Anaheim
- 03.25.26 – A Fresh Swing and a Perfect Matcha at The CAMP
- 03.19.26 – Two Upcoming Workshops at the Environmental Nature Center
More Daily Doses
- 04.08.26 – A Mother’s Day Gathering with Costa Mesa History
- 04.06.26 – A Coastal Weekend of Wine, Food and Ocean Views
- 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
- 03.19.26 – Highball and Naisho Omakase Debut in Costa Mesa With a First-of-Its-Kind Dual Concept
- 03.16.26 – Bubblefest Returns to Discovery Cube Orange County for Its 30th Anniversary
- 03.16.26 – La La Land Kind Cafe Opens Its First Orange County Location
- 03.10.26 – A Newport Beach Landmark Turns 100: From The Arches to A Restaurant
- 03.10.26 – Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to the Beatles
- 03.08.26 – Top of the V Unveils a Spanish-Inspired Steakhouse Experience
- 03.06.26 – Beyond A Dream Gala Supports Breakthrough T1D Research in Orange County
- 03.05.26 – Orange County Restaurant Week Returns March 8–14
- 02.28.26 – Spring Returns to The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
- 02.26.26 – California Cool Art Auction Returns to Laguna Art Museum
- 02.25.26 – An Elevated Pastry Experience Debuts at Montage Laguna Beach
