Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina is thrilled to announce the return of the 34th Annual Lighting of the Bay, beginning at dusk on Friday, November 29, and continuing through Sunday, January 5, 2025. In celebration of the holiday season, the serene, waveless bay will transform into a vibrant winter wonderland featuring over fifty lighted holiday decorations and festive displays. This year, guests can also enjoy the Fire & Lights Festival, which runs every Thursday through Sunday during the holiday season.
“The Lighting of the Bay has always been a magical time for our community, and this year, we’re taking the celebration to the next level with our Fire & Lights Festival,” said Phil Ravenna, General Manager of Newport Dunes. “These events symbolize our commitment to creating unforgettable holiday experiences and continue a long-standing tradition that brings joy to all who attend.”
Opening Night Celebration
The festivities kick off on Friday, November 29 from 4 to 9 p.m., with holiday crafts, festive food and concessions, photos with Santa and an outdoor screening of a holiday movie on the beach. At 6 p.m., Santa will flip the switch to officially light the bay, marking the start of the holiday season. Our fire dancer will be performing two shows that night. The Lighting of the Bay will continue each evening at dusk through January 5, 2025.
Fire & Lights Festival
Every Thursday through Sunday, the Fire & Lights festival will feature captivating fire dancing performances, a cozy Igloo Bar serving festive snacks and drinks, and fire pit tables for roasting marshmallows for s’mores while relaxing in the picturesque waterfront setting. Families will find plenty of fun activities for children, allowing parents to unwind and enjoy the holiday spirit. Select evenings will also feature exciting live performances:
- Fridays & Sundays: Fire dancing shows
- Saturdays: Photos with Santa
- Thursdays-Sundays: “Elf Yourself” photo booth with themed props
Giant Inflatables will provide endless fun for all ages, starting with a Snow Maze and gingerbread-themed slide. Beginning December 12, the Snowzilla slide will be added, followed by the Bouncing Gingerbread inflatable the next week. Attendees can purchase single rides or wristbands for access to all inflatables.
Event Details & Admission
The Lighting of the Bay is free for the public to enjoy throughout the season, and the Fire & Lights Festival offers free entry through January 5, 2025, with some concessions and activities available at an additional cost. Families can also savor seasonal beverages and food from Moe B’s Munchies beachfront grill on weekends. Visitors are invited to the Holiday Tree Lot, open daily from November 24 to December 21, offering fresh, hand-picked trees from Salem, Oregon, along with wreaths and garlands.
Resort Amenities
Resort guests can soak up the enchanting floating lights from their RV campsites or stay in Newport Dunes’ charming Beach Cottages. Newport Dunes also partners with RV rental companies to deliver luxury RVs directly to campsites for a convenient stay. For holiday parties and private events, the Back Bay Bistro provides a stunning waterfront backdrop. For more information about the Back Bay Bistro and to book a private event, visit NewportDunes.com or call (949) 729-3800.
Parking & Location
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina is located at 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, California 92660. On-site parking is available at the following rates: 0 to 30 minutes: FREE; 30 minutes to 2 hours: $15; 2 to 4 hours: $20; 4 to 8 hours: $25; 8 to 24 hours: $30.
To stay updated on event information for the Fire & Lights Festival, visit NewportDunes.com/fire-and-lights-festival.
For more information on Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina and to book a stay visit NewportDunes.com or call 949-729-3863.
Credit: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina.
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