The Newport Dunes Christmas lights in Newport Beach might be the most under-appreciated holiday light display around. Years ago, my husband and I were in the area and wanted to check it out to see if it was worth bringing our kids back and/or recommending to you.
When we first visited, we drove around all angles from outside the grounds of Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. We could see the lights, but couldn't get a clear view for photos or to really enjoy the display.
We really didn't want to pay, but decided to go through the gates and ask the attendant about our options.
How much does it cost to see the Newport Dunes Christmas lights?
On our visit, it was FREE to park for up to 30 minutes! What? FREE.
Plenty of time to see the lights, but once the sands of the hourglass tip even a second past 30 minutes it costs $15 for parking up to 2 hours. What a deal! Seriously.
I think this Christmas light display is easily worth $15.
If you would like to park longer, the parking rates are: First 30 minutes FREE, 30 minutes to 2 hours $15, 2 to 4 hours $20, 4 to 8 hours $25, 8 to 24 hours $30.
The Fire & Lights Festival is free admission and open to the public on Thursdays through Sundays. Concessions, some activities, and holiday trees will be an additional cost.
Why are the Newport Dunes Christmas lights worth a visit?
- It's breathtaking! We came on a still night and the reflections of the lights on the dark water were just amazing.
- You could have the place ALL to yourselves. On a Mon-Wed night during the holidays, there might be NO ONE there to enjoy the lights with you?
- It would be worth taking a stroll from the entrance area all the way to the footbridge that goes over the bay. That's what would make this visit take more than 30 minutes.
- You can get a hot drink and snack from the market and enjoy it while looking at the lights.
If you have little ones who like airplanes, the flight path from the airport goes right over this area, so we got to see/hear planes taking off over our heads.
When can you see the Newport Dunes Christmas lights?
Newport Dunes’ Lighting of the Bay is open for public viewing. Whether viewing the display from the car or while strolling along the beachfront promenade, the Lighting of the Bay offers guests and the community a responsible attraction to look forward to this holiday season. The resort’s nightly bay lighting will last through January 5th, 2025 and is free to view. Parking rates apply.
The Lighting of the Bay starts Friday, November 29th, 2024.
The lights are then turned on each night at dusk through the holiday season.
The parking lot closes at 10pm.
So if you want to get a full 2 hours out of your $15, make sure you make it there by 8pm at the latest. But since it gets dark around 5pm, you can go earlier and make it an early night.
The lights are on through January 5th, 2025.
You can even get your Christmas tree at Newport Dunes Tree Lot!
Santa's Garden is the on-site tree lot will be open from 9 a.m.–9 p.m. M-Th, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri & Sat, 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sundays.
They have fresh-cut Christmas Trees ready for the season. They carry 4 types of fresh-cut Christmas Trees:
- Noble Fir,
- Nordman Fir,
- Grand Fir,
- and Douglas Fir.
Their trees are fresh from tree farms in Oregon. Choose your special tree for you family or business.
Find your perfect pine and stay to view the Lighting of the Bay. For more information visit https://santasgarden.net/index.
What is the Fire & Lights Festival?
This is the first year of the Newport Dunes Fire & Lights Festival, continuing daily through January 1, 2024. It promises to be an activity-filled addition to the Lighting of the Bay tradition.
- Lighting of the Bay begins daily at dusk.
- Enjoy dazzling fire dancers on Friday and Saturday evenings at 5:45pm and 7:45pm.
- Cozy up in the Igloo Cocktail Bar, serving both hot toddies and cool drinks, while taking in the festive atmosphere Wednesday - Sunday (4pm-9pm).
- Along the shore, fire pits will be ablaze, offering a magical setting for roasting s’mores with convenient kits available. (Available daily at an additional cost.)
- Explore the Holiday Inflatable Garden, perfect for capturing the festive moment with loved ones, enjoy outdoor screenings of holiday movies on the beach.
Is there ice skating at Newport Dunes?
Not for December 2024. The Fire & Ice Festival had ice skating in 2023, but it turned into the Fire & Lights Festival for 2024.
How to Get to Newport Dunes and Official Information
- OFFICIAL Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort website
- Specific information about the Newport Dunes Fire & Lights Festival including FAQs
- Here's a PDF Newport Dunes Property Map so you can orient yourself - we parked right next to the swingset at the Pirate Park playground (too dark for nighttime play, but would be fun during the day)
- Directions: Newport Dunes is basically where Jamboree Road meets Coast Highway in Newport Beach. You'll just turn right past the Hyatt Newport onto Back Bay Drive and make an immediate left into the parking lot. It is well-lit with kiosks.
- Address: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach
- Tip: If you walk out on the beach, your shoes will get sandy. If you are bothered by sand in your car, make sure you bring towels or something to wipe feet!
- Be Aware: This is in the vicinity of Newport Harbor and it may be impacted by road traffic from the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade on boat parade nights. You will NOT be able to see any boats from this location. For 2024, the boat parade is December 18th-22nd.
Other Holiday Lights posts on my blog:
- Christmas in Orange County: Mostly Free Things to Do for Families (+ Gift Ideas)
- Dana Point Happy HarborDays Lights
- Enchanted: Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens
- Crystal Cove Christmas Tree on the Beach
- Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train and Santa's Village
