Published November 8, 2026
NEWPORT BEACH | GO DO STUFF | NOVEMBER 8, 2026
Newport doesn’t get snow. It gets four tree lightings in ten days. Pace yourself.
Thursday, Nov. 20: Fashion Island
Dazzling Displays kicks off at Fashion Island, 5:30 to 8 p.m., and the lights stay up into late December. Good opener. Free parking, lots of hot drinks within walking distance.
Friday, Nov. 27: the double-header
The day after Thanksgiving is the big night. At Newport Dunes on the Back Bay, the 36th Lighting of the Bay runs 4 to 9 p.m., with Santa flipping the switch around 6. Over in Newport Center, Pendry Newport Beach does its tree lighting from 5 to 8. Do the Dunes first, then Pendry for a cocktail. You’ve earned it after the turkey.
Sunday, Nov. 29: Balboa Bay Resort
Close it out on the water at Balboa Bay Resort, 1221 W. Coast Highway, with its tree lighting from 5 to 10 p.m. Harbor views, boats, string lights. Very Newport.
Crawl tips
- Times can change, so check each venue’s page that week.
- Bring a jacket. It’s not cold, but it’s Newport cold, which means somebody will complain.
- Leftovers in the car are allowed. Encouraged, even.
Four trees. Ten days. Not one snowflake. Merry Newport.
Sources
- Visit Newport Beach: Dazzling Displays at Fashion Island
- Newport Dunes: Lighting of the Bay and Fire & Lights Festival
- Visit Newport Beach: Tree Lighting at Pendry (family events calendar)
- Visit Newport Beach: Tree Lighting at Balboa Bay Resort
Help us out, Newport.
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