No city on the coast does the holidays quite like Newport Beach. For five nights in December the harbor fills with lighted boats, and from late November the shopping centers, resorts and village streets of Corona del Mar and Balboa Island each light up in their own way. Here is the 2026 season, in order.
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
The 118th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade circles Newport Harbor for five nights, with decorated yachts, sailboats and harbor boats in a loop that ends near Lido Isle.
- Christmas Boat Parade. December 16 to 20, nightly from about 6:30 PM, Newport Harbor. The parade takes about two and a half hours to make its loop. Opening night begins with fireworks off the Newport Pier.
- Holiday lights cruises. November 27, 2026 to January 2, 2027, Newport Harbor. Narrated harbor cruises past the decorated bayfront homes, from $23 a person, with dinner cruises on parade nights.
Tree Lightings and Lights
- VEA Newport Beach tree lighting. November 19.
- Fashion Island tree lighting. Friday, November 20, from 5 PM. Nights of Coastal Lights follow nightly from November 20 to December 27, 5:30 to 8 PM.
- Pendry Newport Beach tree lighting. November 27.
- Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dunes. November 27, 2026 to January 3, 2027, Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. The 36th Lighting of the Bay, with more than 50 floating light displays, and the Fire & Lights Festival Thursday to Sunday, 4 to 9 PM. Closed December 24, 25 and 31.
- Balboa Bay Resort tree lighting. November 29.
- Crystal Cove tree lighting and holiday bazaar. Saturday, December 5, Crystal Cove State Park Historic District. The Crystal Cove Conservancy’s 30th tree lighting, with a holiday bazaar from 10 AM to 6 PM and Santa from 3:30 PM.
- Merry & Bright Nights. Select evenings in December, starting December 3, Sherman Library & Gardens, Corona del Mar. The gardens lit for the season. Check the dates before you go.
Walks, Markets and Santa
- Mistletoe Market. November 22, Balboa Bay Resort.
- Christmas Boutique. Through December 23, Roger’s Gardens, Corona del Mar.
- Santa at Lido Marina Village. December 5.
- Corona del Mar Christmas Walk. Sunday, December 6, Along Pacific Coast Highway in Corona del Mar. The 47th annual walk, with shops, music and food along the village.
- Balboa Island Holiday Home Walking Tour. December 13, Balboa Island.
Tips for Enjoying the Season
- The boat parade loops the harbor, so the bayfront boardwalks on Balboa Island and the Balboa Peninsula give free views. Arrive early and plan for parking to be tight.
- The parade runs the same route each night, so a weeknight is usually easier than the weekend.
- Dress in layers. Evenings on the water are colder than they feel at dusk.
Living in Newport Beach
Much of the boat parade’s magic comes from the bayfront homes along the route, decorated as brightly as the boats. If you have ever wanted to watch the parade from your own dock, see the guides to Balboa Island, Lido Isle and Harbor Island, or browse homes for sale in Newport Beach.
Dates and times are as announced by the organizers as of November 14, 2026. Plans can change, so check with the organizer before you go.
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