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Newport Dunes Lighting of the Bay

The Newport Dunes Lighting of the Bay starts with an opening night celebration on Friday, November 24, 2023 and goes through Monday, January 1, 2024. Each evening for the duration of the event, the Back Bay will glow from sunset until 11:30 pm with festive floating holiday lights.

Each night the calm, waveless bay is lit up with more than fifty lighted holiday displays and Christmas trees. Guests can also roast s’mores around Newport Dunes’ public fire pits which are available on a first-come basis and s’mores kits can be purchased from the onsite market.

This winter there is an exciting addition: an Ice Skating Rink! Experience the joy of gliding on ice as you usher in the holiday season, surrounded by festive concessions and picturesque waterfront views. Stay tuned for more details to come.

Newport Dunes Lighting Of The Bay

Newport Dunes Lighting of the Bay

Newport Dunes Lighting of the Bay Website

Where: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
Address: 1131 Back Bay Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: 949-729-3863
Dates: 2024 To Be Announced
Lighting Time: 6:00 PM

Admission: The Lighting of the Bay is free for the public to enjoy.

Parking: On-site parking is available at the following rates: 0 to 30 minutes: FREE, 30 minutes to 2 hours: $10, 2 to 5 hours: $15, 5 to 8 hours: $20, 8 to 24 hours: $25.

Moe B’s walk-up beachfront grill and bar is open for cocktails and food available from 9:00 am-5:00 pm.

Opening Night Celebration

Friday, November 24, 2023

The fun starts at 4:30 p.m.

The 33rd annual Lighting of the Bay Celebration will feature live entertainment including the OC Song & Dance and the Southern California Holiday Brass. Watch as Santa magically turns on the lights at dusk. Children can get their picture taken with Santa at the Grand Gazebo.

Family activities include the start of Lighting of the Bay, photos with Santa, ice skating rink, holiday crafts, musical performances and a beach screening of Elf (PG). Festive food and drink available for purchase.

Holiday Movie

Bring your chairs and blankets to see TBA on an outdoor movie screen. The movie starts at 6 pm.

Holiday refreshments will be available for purchase.

Christmas Tree Lot

November 24 – December 26, 2023

(Closed Thanksgiving Day)

Hours are 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., while supplies last

The holiday tree lot will feature fragrant trees handpicked and delivered straight from Salem, Oregon. Varieties include Noble, Nordmann, Natural and Douglas.

Fire & Ice Festival with Ice Skating

November 24, 2023 – January 1, 2024

Hours are 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Enjoy ice skating on the bay with views of the water and Lighting of the Bay, with one of the areas largest outdoor skating rinks in SoCal. Skate rentals and skate aids available, with an igloo bar serving drinks and cocktails. Fire tables and s’mores kits, fire dancer performances, inflatable garden, and appearances by Santa.


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Monique McArthur
Monique McArthur is a mother of two, writer, and creator of delicious recipes. In her spare time she enjoys exploring all that Orange County has to offer, traveling, shopping, running with her dogs and spending time with family.