South Coast Plaza’s 38th Annual Tree Lighting and Santa’s Arrival
Thursday, November 21, 6 p.m./Town Center Park (adjacent to The Westin South Coast Plaza)
The Segerstrom family continued its annual tradition of illuminating the more than 90-foot white fir tree decorated with more than 94,000 colorful LED and strobe lights on November 21. The event drew thousands for the traditional tree lighting with entertainment by student performers from the Orange County School of the Arts. Santa, per usual, made an appearance, and carolers and a live band added to the festivities. Complimentary seasonal drinks and sweet treats were offered. The beautiful tree will continue to be a draw throughout the holidays. SouthCoastPlaza.com
Fashion Island Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Friday, November 22, and Saturday, November 23, 6 p.m. (Neiman Marcus/Bloomingdale’s Courtyard)
Fashion Island held its annual Tree Lighting Ceremonies on November 22 and 23 hosted by Dr. Terry Dubrow and Heather Dubrow. Highlights included a 25-minute live musical show by The Young Americans, a visit from Santa, a magical snowfall, and, of course, the highly-anticipated lighting of the tree. Following the Tree Lighting Ceremony, visits to Santa were enjoyed with photos to capture the moment. Santa will be in his custom-designed house on the Atrium Lawn through December 24, and the beautiful tree will be a magnet for holiday enjoyment.
ShopFashionIsland.com/events/tree-lighting-ceremony
Newport Dunes’ 29th Annual Lighting of the Bay
Saturday, November 30, 3 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort)
Kick-off the holiday season with Newport Dunes’ 29th Annual Lighting of the Bay celebration featuring a full schedule of festivities, including a live concert by The Tijuana Dogs. Families will enjoy live chorale and concert performances, cookie decorating, holiday crafts and train rides. Santa Claus will take center stage at dusk as he arrives by WaveRunner and flips the magic switch to illuminate the bay with more than 50 LED-lit Christmas trees and holiday decorations. An outdoor “Movies on the Beach” screening will feature the movie Elf. The ticketed concert by The Tijuana Dogs will feature full bar service and additional food selections in the main tent (concert light show included). Hot cider and cocoa are also available. Parking is limited. VIP Concert Seating available for $35/Parking $10.
NewportDunes.com/event/29th-annual-lighting-of-the-bay
Balboa Bay Resort’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony & Musical Review
Sunday, December 1, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. (Balboa Bay Resort)
Balboa Bay Resort kicks off the holiday season with a sensational musical review, “Holiday Hullabaloo,” by Orange County School of the Arts’ Montage! musical ensemble. The lighting of the gorgeous 20-foot Christmas tree and complimentary treats and beverages complete the festivities. Admission is complimentary with the donation of a new, unwrapped toy, benefiting Toys for Tots. Open seating after 5 p.m. Reservations not required. Festive dining is available following the celebration at the resort’s Waterline restaurant and A&O Kitchen+Bar.
BalboaBayResort.com/Holiday-Tree-Lighting-Ceremony
Sherman Library & Gardens’ “Nights of 1000 Lights” Holiday Celebration
Thursdays through Sundays from Thursday, December 5 to Sunday, December 22, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. each night (Sherman Library & Gardens)
Sherman Library & Gardens Sixth Annual “Nights of 1000 Lights” will showcase a stroll through the glistening light tunnel, the sugary sweets in Gingerland Land, and a Scandinavian Christmas in the Tea Garden to make a traditional Julehjerter, a Christmas heart decoration. Visit the gnome village on your way to see Santa in his workshop, roast a marshmallow and bask in the glow of the Christmas tree. Guests can take their own photos with Santa, enjoy complimentary coffee, hot chocolate and make-your-own s’ mores at the fire pit. Additionally, there will be a no-host beer and wine bar, delectable food prepared by Chef Pascal Olhats for purchase, and the Garden Shop will be open for unique holiday gift ideas. Tickets are $15 for members; $25 for non-members; children three and under are free.
SLGardens.org
Crystal Cove 23rd Annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, December 7, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m./Crystal Cove State Park
Just after Thanksgiving, Crystal Cove is transformed into a holiday wonderland with vintage ornaments, twinkling lights and a beautiful, majestic tree on the beach. December 7th is the Annual Tree Lighting & Holiday Bazaar, complete with Santa arriving via a lifeguard vehicle to greet the crowd. As Santa and strolling carolers join the event, complimentary hot chocolate, apple cider and home-baked goodies will be provided by The Beachcomber Café. The holiday bazaar offers jewelry and handcrafts by local artists, a sea glass wrapping activity and holiday arts and crafts (both free). Santa arrives at 4 p.m., and the tree lighting ceremony begins at dusk, around 5:15 p.m. Parking $5 (maximum $15). Additional shuttles will be available at the lots north of Historic District at Pelican Point.
CrystalCove.org
“Capistrano Lights”/Mission San Juan Capistrano
Sunday, December 8, 2019 through Monday, January 6, 2020/Opening Night, Saturday, December 7, 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Celebrate the holidays with Mission San Juan Capistrano’s “Celebrate Lights” with 30 days of festive programming and a nightly tree lighting. Family photos are available under the 10’ wreath and the 30’ Christmas tree. Additionally, on weekends throughout December, families will have the opportunity to meet and take selfies with Santa and enjoy holiday crafts offered from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on December 14, 15, 21 & 22. Winter Break: Crafts and Activities for Kids will be offered Dec. 21 to Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020 for a nominal fee. Opening night on Saturday, December 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. features a tree lighting ceremony, reading of the First Christmas, Nativity, cookie decorating kits for kids by 3:16 Bakery, musical performances, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Santa’s Workshop, beautifully lit grounds, tamales, sweets, and more. For ticket information for Mission members and non-members, please visit the website. No “Capistrano Lights” program on Dec. 24, 25 and Dec. 31.
MissionSJC.com
41st Annual Corona del Mar Christmas Walk
December 8, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce presents the community’s most popular event of the year – the Corona del Mar Christmas Walk. Each year the festive holiday event brings together thousands of fun-loving people. Festivities include live entertainment with more than 12 bands, Corona del Mar merchant promotions, the Fireman’s Grill BBQ by the NB Fire Department, restaurant tastings, kids entertainment including snapshots with Santa, bouncy houses, bungee jumping, holiday characters, a petting zoo, and more. Also offered is a Vendor Fair, an opportunity drawing with more than $15,000 in prizes, performances by high school and community organizations and a Beer and Wine Garden in Bandera’s lower parking lot with the Pinch Me band ($10 entry/$5 beer, wine, champagne).
CDMChamber.com
23rd Annual Balboa Island Holiday Home Walking Tour
Sunday, December 8, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tour eight uniquely holiday decorated bayfront and island homes at your leisure. The owners of the homes will be opening their homes to display the character of island living, with each home beautifully decorated for the holidays. The tour is the main fundraising event for the Balboa Island Improvement Association, an organization dedicated to fostering Balboa’s community growth, beauty, safety and culture. Tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased online at the website below or through the following locations: Balboa Island Museum, Island Home and Sur Le Mer on Balboa Island; Seaside Gallery & Goods in Newport Beach; Blue Springs Home in Costa Mesa and Bliss Home Design in Corona del Mar. Will call tickets available at Balboa Island Museum on Marine Avenue at 9:30 a.m. on the day of the Home Tour.
BalboaIslandNB.org
111th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights
Wednesday, December 18 through Sunday, December 22, 6:30 p.m.
The granddaddy of holiday events is the 111th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights. Hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, it will once again feature decorated boats of all classes and fabulous homes along the harbor. On opening night, Christina Anstead of HGTV fame is Grand Marshall, and a family-friendly event at Marina Park will feature The Young Americans and the 2019 American Childhood Cancer Awareness Tree covered in gold ribbons representing children diagnosed with cancer. Other nights will feature different Grand Marshalls: Dec. 19 – Business Person of the Year, Jim Walker, and Citizen of the Year, Nancy Gardner; Dec. 20 – The Young Americans; Dec. 21 – NB Police Officer of the Year, Firefighter of the Year, Lifeguards of the Year and Civilian of the Year; Dec. 22 – Corona del Mar High School Drum Line accompanied by Stan Frazier. A fireworks display precludes each night’s parade at 6:15 p.m. from Newport Pier, and closing night will feature a special fireworks display as the parade concludes from Balboa Pier. Beginning at approximately 9 p.m., the fireworks will be visible from all around the harbor.
ChristmasBoatParade.com
