Published November 8, 2026
NEWPORT BEACH | GO DO STUFF | NOVEMBER 8, 2026
Only in Newport do you get a toboggan tunnel in a town that considers a hoodie winter gear. It’s back, along with fire dancers and fire pits, at Newport Dunes on the Back Bay.
Opening night: Friday, Nov. 27
The 36th Lighting of the Bay kicks off the Fire & Lights Festival from 4 to 9 p.m. The Dunes lists holiday crafts, festive food, photos with Santa and a holiday movie on the beach. Around 6 p.m., Santa flips the switch.
The rest of the season
The festival runs from Nov. 27 through Jan. 3. The lineup includes fire dancer performances, inflatables, the toboggan tunnel, fire pits and photos with Santa. Basically a backyard party the size of a beach, with better lighting.
Know before you go
- The Dunes hasn’t posted ticket or parking prices on its events page. Call 949-729-3863 or check the resort’s booking link before you load up the kids.
- Nightly schedules weren’t posted yet. Check which nights the fire dancers perform.
- It’s at 1131 Back Bay Drive, right where the bay meets the Dunes.
Fire, lights and a fake snow slide on the Back Bay. Somewhere in Minnesota, a guy shoveling his driveway is very jealous.
Sources
Help us out, Newport.
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