Fashion Island Christmas
The Fashion Island Christmas Tree will come to life every 30 minutes from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Nov. 21st through Dec. 28. Featuring holiday music, snowfall, and lights, the Neiman Marcus-Bloomingdale’s Courtyard will turn into a festive wonderland for the whole family.
Capture a holiday photo with Santa at his Coastal Cottage Nov. 21 through Dec. 23.
Additionally, student performers from the Orange County School of Arts will hold musical serenades under Christmas lights on Dec. 6 and 13 at both 4 and 5 p.m. at Fashion Island’s Iris Courtyard. This free event allows attendees the chance to enjoy live music, as well as support talented students.
Irvine Spectrum Holiday Happenings
Now through Jan. 5, skaters can glide on the ice rink at Irvine Spectrum’s Giant Wheel Court. A local favorite, the rink will also hold various themed Thursday events, such as a Ugly Sweater Night and UCI Night. Fun for the whole family, the ice rink will also host Santa Claus on Dec. 6 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Each night from Nov. 14 through Jan. 4, catch the free music and choreographed light show displayed at the Palm Court in Irvine Spectrum. Running every 30 minutes, beginning at 5:15 p.m., watch as palm trees glow and transform throughout the holiday season.
Beginning Nov. 29, watch as Irvine Spectrum’s iconic 75-foot tree lights up the sky at the Giant Wheel Court. Starting at 5 p.m., the nightly show will light up every 30 minutes for visitors. Santa will also be at the tree for pictures every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
Merry Market Pop-Up
Nov. 4 through 30, Irvine Company Retail presents its Merry Market Pop-Up, a traveling double decker bus filled with gifts for the holidays. Traveling throughout Irvine Company Retail Properties such as Irvine Spectrum and Fashion Island, the first half of the bus will hold exclusive gifts you can add to a digital wishlist, while the second will offer festive drinks.
Happy Harbor Days
Displaying over 700,000 LED lights, the annual harbor lights display returns to Dana Point Harbor from Nov. 12 through Jan. 4. This free experience holds a wide array of festive themed light constructions from palm trees to a giant whale to a “Merry Kiss Me” sign and much more, perfect for photos.
VEA Newport Beach Resort and Spa Tree Lighting
Nov. 20 at 5:30 p.m., the annual lighting of the VEA Newport Beach Resort holiday tree will take place. Offering both resort guests and O.C. residents a free and enjoyable experience, the lighting will include live entertainment, coastal views, holiday delights, and a meeting with Santa Claus. The resort’s Reveal Lodge will also be transformed to “The Holiday Hangout,” offering a free holiday cocktail and photo ops.
50th Annual Boat Parade of Lights
The classic Dana Point Harbor boat parade returns for its 50th anniversary, from Dec. 12 through 14. Beginning nightly at 6:30 p.m., participants will showcase their boats decked in Christmas decor for a chance at a $10,000 prize. Attendees are welcomed to view the show for free at the boardwalk and other designated areas.
117th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, the longtime tradition will take place Dec. 17 through 21 this year. Watch beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes sail along the harbor. Opening night will feature a fireworks show and there will also be drone shows each night near Balboa Bay Club and Peninsula Park.
35th Annual Lighting of the Bay and Fire & Lights Festival
Thursdays through Sundays from Nov. 28 through Jan. 4, Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is once again hosting its holiday lighting at dusk. Enjoy spectacular fire performances by The Wild Fire Arts Entertainment, photos with Santa, festive beverages from the Igloo Bar, holiday inflatables, and fire pits with s’mores by the waterfront.
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