Holiday Tree Lightings in Newport Beach and Corona del Mar
A Season of Light by the Coast
The holiday season in Newport Beach and Corona del Mar carries a unique kind of magic. Cool ocean air, glowing storefronts, and an unhurried coastal ambiance create the perfect backdrop for cherished community traditions. Among these, the annual tree lightings hold a special place, signaling the start of the season with music, gatherings, and moments of wonder. This year, celebrations unfold across the city in a festive rhythm. Below is a chronological guide to each lighting, making it easy to plan your season of glow.
South Coast Plaza
Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 7:00 PM
The season begins with the grand tree lighting at South Coast Plaza’s Town Center Park. A towering tree is illuminated amid live entertainment, festive cheer, and a lively community atmosphere. It is one of the region’s most anticipated early holiday traditions.
VEA Newport Beach
Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
VEA Newport Beach welcomes the holidays with a warm and inviting tree lighting celebration. Guests can enjoy seasonal treats, live music, and family friendly festivities. The resort creates a modern coastal setting that feels both elegant and approachable.
Balboa Bay Resort
Sunday, November 30, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Balboa Bay Resort’s annual tree lighting casts a beautiful glow across the waterfront. The event includes holiday performances, cocoa, and a festive atmosphere that feels perfectly suited to its bayside backdrop. It is an enchanting way to transition into December.
Via Lido Plaza
Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Via Lido Plaza offers a charming neighborhood celebration along the marina. Carolers fill the air with music, families explore activities throughout the plaza, and the lighting of the 20 foot coastal redwood pine at 7:00 PM becomes a memorable moment reflected in the harbor’s calm waters.
Crystal Cove
Saturday, December 6, 2025 with the lighting program from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Crystal Cove brings a nostalgic coastal spirit to the holiday season. The historic district hosts its daylong art bazaar, which leads into the afternoon tree lighting. As the sun sets over the ocean, the tree becomes a warm focal point among the cottages, creating one of the most picturesque celebrations of the season.
Fashion Island
Nightly from November 21 through December 28, 2025 from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Fashion Island’s nightly tree lighting fills the season with repeated opportunities to enjoy the show. The towering tree anchors the center as music, lights, and snowfall create a festive atmosphere every half hour. This ongoing celebration allows guests to enjoy the experience at their own pace throughout the holidays.
A Season Illuminated
From bustling plazas to quiet coves and waterfront resorts, each tree lighting offers its own expression of holiday spirit. Together, they form a glowing progression through November and December, inviting residents and visitors to share in the beauty, warmth, and coastal charm of the season. Whether you attend one or follow the full sequence, the glow of these celebrations lingers long after the final light reflects across the bay.