Forget the sleigh, only in California could you expect to see Santa Claus traveling by paddleboard, to attend one of Southern California’s most cherished holiday spectacles. On Friday, December 7 at 6 p.m., Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort will host its annual Lighting of the Bay ceremony where Santa will flip a switch to illuminate 50 electric Christmas trees situated on the bay. The free event, which has been a tradition for 2 decades, will be held at the gazebo this year to accommodate the growing number of attendees, expected to exceed 500 guests.
Festivities will include live musical performances by OC Song and Dance and the Corona del Mar High School Choir, Christmas carol sing-a-long and, for a small price, seafood chowder and hot chocolate from the award-winning Back Bay Bistro. Also, guests may order their Christmas trees from a lot right on property where Nobles, Nordmans and Grand Firs ranging from 3′ to 15′ will be available.
For more information about Lighting of the Bay, call (800) 729-DUNE or visit www.newportdunes.com.
Newport Dunes Resort is a 100-acre waterfront resort featuring a 386-site state-of-the-art RV park, 450-slip marina and a private waveless beach and playground that has been enjoyed by families since 1958. The Dunes also is home to 24 mobile cottages that the public may rent. The onsite Back Bay Bistro offers fine dining and spectacular views of the Upper Newport Bay.
The Dunes also is home to the Back Bay Bistro, the resort’s newly renovated onsite restaurant that overlooks the tranquil waters of Upper Newport Bay. Situated adjacent to the Dunes’ six-lane boat launch, the restaurant offers casual upscale dining with such amenities as a retractable roof that spans a large al fresco dining area. The resort also offers professional catering and event planning services for festive beach parties and for special events from 50 to 5000 guests.
posted by Tiffany Haslacker
