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The Best Places to See Newport Beach Christmas Lights

December 12, 2023

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Newport Beach has transformed into a coastal winter wonderland with twinkling lights, festive displays and seasonal sips around every corner. To get you in a jolly mood, we’ve rounded up the best dazzling Newport Beach Christmas light displays. From Sherman Library & Gardens’ amazing Night of 1000 Lights event to the cheerful Ring of Lights home decorating competition on Balboa Island, there are so many ways to light up your season.

Best Christmas Lights in Newport Beach

Night of 1000 Lights at Sherman Library & Gardens

Enjoy a variety of spectacular light displays and entertainment during Night of 1000 Lights at Sherman Library and Gardens! Ooh and ahh your way along the Rainbow Trail, past the Lollypop Woods and the Gumdrop Mountains. Then, meander through the Peppermint Stick Forest and the glistening light tunnel on your way to the Candy Heart Carnival, where you’ll find carnival games for kiddos of all ages! This annual spectacular is taking place on December 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22, from 6-9 p.m. Don’t miss out!

1000 Lights Sherman Gardens
Newport Beach Christmas lights walkway

115th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

The always enchanting Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade will feature a festive fleet of decked-out boats, yachts and more! Happening from Dec. 13 to 17 this year at 6:30 p.m., this is a magical holiday spectacle that you won’t want to miss! Cozy up at one of Newport Beach’s bayside restaurants, on the shore or on a boat, and enjoy the festive ambiance as the harbor lights up in classic Newport Beach style.

Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dunes

Come see 40 LED trees and floats illuminate the bay at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina. A 30-year tradition, this event is free to the public and is taking place every evening through Jan. 1. And while you’re there, be sure to enjoy the first annual Fire & Ice Festival, where you can roast s’mores, write letters to Santa, and pick out the perfect pine tree and glide the evening away on the bayside ice skating rink!

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
Water holiday lights in Newport Beach

Ring of Lights on Balboa Island

It’s not the holiday season in Newport Beach without a stroll around Balboa Island to admire the Ring of Lights! Bundle up and walk by more than two dozen extravagantly decorated waterfront homes on the charming Ring of Lights. From themed to animated, these homes compete in an annual competition to showcase their color, creativity and holiday style.

Best Christmas lights in Newport Beach!
Photo Credit : Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce

Written by: Kaylin Waizinger

Written by Visit Newport Beach

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