Experience the magic of the season with Newport Dunes' 34th Annual Lighting of the Bay and the Fire & Lights Festival, starting Friday, November 29, 2024. Enjoy nightly illuminated displays and weekend holiday fun through January 5, 2025.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Lighting of the Bay (Nightly, Nov. 29, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025)
- Over 50 floating holiday displays and Christmas trees illuminate the bay from dusk to midnight.
Fire & Lights Festival (Thursdays – Sundays)
- Igloo Bar: Cozy up with seasonal cocktails.
- Fire Dancers: Performances every Friday and Sunday evening.
- Holiday Activities: Giant inflatables, snow maze, and more.
- Santa Photos: Available festival weekends, including opening night.
OPENING NIGHT CELEBRATION
Friday, November 29, 2024
- Holiday Food & Drinks | 4–8 p.m.
- Train Rides & Ornament Making | 4–7 p.m.
- Performances by Southern California Brass Consortium (4:30 p.m.) & OC Song & Dance (5:30 p.m.)
- Santa’s Arrival & Bay Lighting Ceremony | 6 p.m.
- Photos with Santa | 6:15–8:30 p.m.
- Holiday Movie Screening | 6:30 p.m.
ADDITIONAL OFFERINGS
- Santa’s Garden Holiday Tree Lot: Open daily Nov. 25–Dec. 22 with free parking.
- Weekend Duffy Boat Rentals: Explore the bay in holiday style.
- Overnight Accommodations: Stay in Beach Cottages or RV sites near the festivities.
Dates & Times
- Lighting of the Bay: Nightly at dusk, Nov. 29, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025.
- Fire & Lights Festival: Thursdays–Sundays, 4–9 p.m.
Start your holiday season with the charm and festivities of Newport Dunes!
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is at 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach.
The Latest from greer's oc
A Thoughtful Holiday Gift for OC Locals
Born in OC: The Artists, Entrepreneurs, and Visionaries of Orange County, California makes a meaningful holiday gift for anyone who loves Orange County stories, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
This 404-page book features 50 extraordinary individuals whose journeys reflect…
A Coastal Take on Christmas at Huntington Holiday House
The Huntington Beach House has transformed its oceanfront venue into The Huntington Holiday House, bringing a coastal spin to Christmas cheer in Southern California. Now through January 4, the seasonal pop-up blends holiday magic with Surf City culture. Guests can…
Katsuya Century City Debuts Festive Holiday Menu for December Dining
Katsuya Century City is stepping into the holiday season with a limited-time menu that feels tailor-made for festive nights out, from post-shopping dinners to Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Fresh off its July 2025 reimagining, the iconic Japanese…
Cozy Earth Is a Holiday Gifting Favorite in Corona del Mar
Cozy Earth in Corona del Mar is a go-to destination for holiday gifts, especially for anyone who loves pajamas, loungewear, and elevated everyday comfort. The store is known for its ultra-soft bamboo fabrics and thoughtfully designed essentials that make…
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 12.22.25 – A Thoughtful Holiday Gift for OC Locals
- 12.21.25 – A Coastal Take on Christmas at Huntington Holiday House
- 12.18.25 – Katsuya Century City Debuts Festive Holiday Menu for December Dining
- 12.15.25 – Cozy Earth Is a Holiday Gifting Favorite in Corona del Mar
- 12.12.25 – il Girasole Turns Thanksgiving Into a Day of Giving Back
- 12.09.25 – Holiday Lights Boat Cruise Aboard Pendry Newport Beach’s Private Yacht
- 12.09.25 – Celebrate the Holidays at CasaDami on the Waterfront
- 12.06.25 – Pete’s Christmas Vacation Returns to Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach
- 12.03.25 – Wrap Yourself in Luxury at Oats Cashmere’s Annual Event
- 12.02.25 – French Florist Opens New Boutique in Mission Viejo
- 12.01.25 – Holiday Cheer at North Italia
- 12.01.25 – Coastal Holiday Magic at Paséa
- 11.30.25 – Pouring Joy: Blue Hummingbird Welcomes Its Newest Café
- 11.28.25 – Puesto Goes Seed-Oil Free and Launches New Winter Menu
- 11.27.25 – American Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’ Returns to Segerstrom Hall
- 11.26.25 – A New Chapter for Lido House in Newport Beach
- 11.25.25 – The Nutcracker Returns to Irvine Barclay Theatre
- 11.24.25 – HAVEN Honors Taco Asylum with New Taco Tuesday Menu
- 11.23.25 – Musco Center Welcomes Soweto Gospel Choir: Peace
- 11.22.25 – A Luxurious Thanksgiving at The Mayor’s Table
More Daily Doses
- 12.21.25 – Phantom: A Perfect Gift Idea
- 12.18.25 – Celebrate the Season at Pendry Newport Beach
- 12.18.25 – Inside Poppy’s, Anaheim’s New Go-To for California Cuisine
- 12.14.25 – Fire & Lights Festival Returns to Newport Dunes
- 12.11.25 – Butcher’s House Marks Four Years With New Fromage Menu
- 12.09.25 – Manolo Blahnik Opens First West Coast Boutique at South Coast Plaza
- 12.09.25 – ClubSport Debuts New High-End Recovery Amenities in Time for the Holiday Season
- 12.04.25 – Festive Holiday Dining at Paseo, Céntrico and Naples in the Downtown Disney District
- 12.03.25 – Celebrate the Holidays at Discovery Cube Orange County
- 12.02.25 – Chef Charbel Hayek to Open ILYA in San Clemente
- 12.01.25 – Family Holiday Celebration This Saturday at The District
- 11.27.25 – QUA Brings Contemporary Chinese Cuisine to Fountain Valley
- 11.25.25 – Holiday Packages to Help You Look and Feel Your Best
- 11.23.25 – Winter Fest OC Returns November 28 With Expanded Experiences
- 11.21.25 – Wellness That Works: Vida by VTL Boutique Spas + Wellness
- 11.17.25 – Santa Maria Novella Brings Centuries of Craft to South Coast Plaza
- 11.16.25 – HOTWORX Costa Mesa Courtyards Offers 24-Hour Infrared Sauna Workouts
- 11.13.25 – Prairie Opens in Mariners Square: A New Home for Refined, Relaxed Interiors
- 11.11.25 – Mother-Daughter Duo Launch Eugénie Boutique in Newport Beach
- 11.09.25 – You’re Invited to South Coast Plaza’s Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
