Lighting of the Bay and Fire & Ice Festival Opening Night

Join us for the opening night celebration for Lighting of the Bay and the Fire and Ice Festival on Friday, November 24th starting at 4 pm! We will have holiday crafts, festive food and concessions, photos with Santa, a holiday movie on the beach, and new this year – a waterfront ice skating rink! At 6 pm, Santa will flip the switch to turn on the 33rd Annual Lighting of the Bay. The serene, waveless bay will transform into a vibrant winter wonderland featuring more than fifty holiday light displays floating on the bay. Parking is $15 on opening night only.

For the first time, an Ice Skating Rink is coming to Newport Dunes at our Fire and Ice Festival! Glide into the holiday season with ice skating and festive concessions with waterfront views. Book your time on the ice rink today. Opening night may sell out, so book soon!

While you are here, pay a visit to the Newport Dunes Holiday Tree Lot offers a hand-picked selection of farm-fresh trees from Oregon. Varieties include Noble, Nordmann, Natural, and Douglas. Our lot receives weekly deliveries of fresh trees. We offer wreaths and garlands, too.

Schedule of Events:

10 am – 9 pm: Christmas Tree Lot Opening Day!

2 pm – 9:30 pm: Ice Skating Rink Opening Day! Book your spot.

4 pm – 8 pm: Festive Concessions & Cocktails available for purchase including Chili, Churros, Clam Chowder, Hot Cocoa, Cider & More! A food truck will also be available for tasty Mexican food.

4 pm – 8 pm: Photo Booth

4 pm – 7 pm: Stocking and Ornament Decorating

4 pm – 5 pm: South California Holiday Brass

5:00 pm – 5:30 pm: Viorythm

5:30 pm – 6:00 pm: OC Song & Dance

6:00 pm: Santa Arrives and flips the switch to turn on the 33rd Annual Lighting of the Bay!

6:15 pm – 8:30 pm: Photo Op with Santa

6:30 pm: Movie on the Beach: The Polar Express (G)

Please note: due to the additional activities, there will be no fire dance performances on opening night!

The Lighting of the Bay is free for the public to enjoy throughout the season. The Fire & Ice Festival is free entry and open to the public through January 1, 2024 (ice skating, concessions and trees are an additional cost).