Whether you enjoy relaxing with your family or escaping to experience new traditions during the holiday season, most will agree on one thing: this winter season is full of magic! You’ll discover a handful of fantastic Newport Beach Christmas traditions and celebrations on your trip to our beautiful Orange County retreat. From boat parades to tree lightings, there is a fun and festive showcase for all ages!
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The Best Newport Beach Christmas Traditions
Newport Beach is home to an incredible collection of holiday activities, events, and traditions. Here are some of our favorites that you must see during your winter visit!
1. Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is one of the most beloved annual events in our Southern California community. Every year, dozens of residents and visitors decorate their vessels with festive lights, ornaments, and inflatables before parading them around the Newport Bay for all to see. The result is an unparalleled sight that will get everyone in the holiday spirit! This classic Newport Beach Christmas event takes place on five consecutive nights in December. There are several great viewing spots along the bay, but the best place to watch the parade is from your Burr White bayside rental deck!
2. Balboa Island Christmas Lights 
Balboa Island is transformed during Christmas with awe-inspiring displays of Christmas lights! The entire community comes together for a friendly competition, and you won’t want to miss it! Bundle up and walk around the island to see the residents’ impressive light displays. While you’re here, grab dinner and a drink at one of the great restaurants on the island and around Newport Beach!
3. The Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dunes
The Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dunes is another fantastic free event that kicks off the holiday season! Head to the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina the weekend after Thanksgiving for Christmas celebration full of live chorale performances, holiday crafts, cooking decorating, and train rides! Once the sun begins to set, you can expect to see Santa Claus cruise up on a paddleboard to flip a switch and light up more than 50 lights in the bay. Adults and kids will love this Newport Beach Christmas event!
4. Fashion Island’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Party
Fashion Island’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Party officially kicks off the Christmas Season in Newport Beach! This celebration takes place in the heart of one of Orange County’s largest outdoor shopping and entertainment complexes. It includes a half-hour performance from a chorale group, followed by a magic snowfall and a visit from Santa before the tree lighting! This Newport Beach Christmas event takes place the weekend before Thanksgiving, and admission is free for the public.
Plan Your Newport Beach Holiday Getaway
Burr White Realty offers the ultimate holiday experience for Newport Beach visitors. We have an extensive collection of homes, cottages, and bungalows that are perfect fits for all family sizes and budgets. Are you searching for a large house for a family Christmas getaway? What about a bayside property with a deck for watching the boat parade? Trust us; we have the perfect rental for you. And with over 50 years of experience serving our area, you can rest assured that you are working with the most trusted rental company in Newport Beach. Don’t forget to check out our Things to Do page and events blog for more ways to enjoy your trip!
Start planning your holiday trip today by booking one of our properties. We look forward to welcoming you to the Burr White family.