Newport Dunes

Fire & Lights Festival

Fire & lights Festival at Newport Dunes

Opening Night, November 29th

Experience the magic of of the holiday season at our enchanting Fire & Lights Festival! Join us as we transform our bayside oasis into a winter wonderland filled with one of the most scenic and unique festive lights in the Orange County area. Relish sweeping views of the 34th annual Lighting of the Bay. Over fifty lit holiday decorations and Christmas trees will float on the serene, waveless bay. Festivities will take place Thursday through Sunday evenings, including Fire Dancers, Igloo Bar, & More!

Come create cherished memories and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with us!

Festivities are Thursday - Sunday Evenings during the Holiday Season

Lighting of the Bay is every evening During the holiday season

Time to Go Ice Skating

Why not ice skate at one of the most scenic ice rinks in Orange County. It's big too: 82 feet x 50 feet. In the evenings, skaters can enjoy the festive lights of our Lighting of the Bay after dusk. After ice skating, relax with hot chocolate or a hot toddy from our rink side Igloo Bar. Sit by a fire pit and roast s'mores.

We will also be offering corporate events and holiday parties which can include skating.

Ready for Ice Skating? Learn More

Ice Rink With Water Views

Open daily through January 1. Enjoy one of the most scenic outdoor rinks in Orange County!

Fire Pits & S'mores

Roast marshmallows at one of our fire pits and enjoy s'mores. Sip on a hot toddy or hot chocolate from our Igloo Bar.

Write a Letter to Santa

After ice skating, kids can write a letter to Santa and place in our magical North Pole Mail Box.

Fire Dancing

Watch Wild Fire Arts Collective perform on Friday and Saturday nights. Be awed and amazed at their 5:45 and 7:45 pm shows.

Pick the Perfect Tree

Bring home a fragrant Christmas tree! Weekly deliveries of farm-fresh trees straight from Oregon. Closed for the season - will be back in 2024!

Lighting of the Bay

Experience the magic of floating lights on the bay. Occurring daily November 29, 2024 - January 1, 2025 starting at dusk.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Fire & Ice Festival begin?

The Fire & Ice Festival will begin Friday, November 29, 2024 (the day after Thanksgiving) and will run through January 1, 2025.

What are the hours?

Festival hours of operation will be:

Open Daily:

Holiday Inflatable Garden
Lighting of the Bay & Resort holiday lights- starts at dusk daily

Ice Rink, Fire Pits & S’more Kits open daily.

Rink Hours are currently: Open Daily 12 pm – 9:30 pm

Igloo Bar – Open Wednesday – Sunday 4 – 9 pm

Fire Dancing – Friday & Saturday nights at 5:45 & 7:45 pm

Holiday hours vary.

Is the Fire & Ice Festival open to the public?

Yes! The Fire & Ice Festival is free admission and open to the public. Ice skating, concessions, and holiday trees will be available for purchase.

There is a charge for parking. Parking rates are as follows: 0 to 30 minutes: FREE, 30 minutes to 2 hours: $15, 2 to 5 hours: $20, 5 to 8 hours: $25, 8 to 24 hours: $30.

Are advanced reservations required to ice skate?

For ice skating, advanced reservations are recommended, not required. You can reserve your time on the ice rink online beginning in early November.

Where can I purchase ice skating tickets? Can I buy tickets on-site?

Tickets can be purchased in advance. We will be posting a link in early November to purchase your 2024 session. Your reservation is only valid for the time(s) and date(s) purchased.

Tickets can also be purchased on-site at our ticket booth on a first-come, first-serve basis. We strongly encourage advance reservations.

What is the price to skate?

Peak hours are $30 for a 90-minute skate session. Off-peak hours are $25 for a 90-minute skate session. Ice skate rental is included in this price.

How long can I skate?

Tickets include a 90-minute session. The 90 minutes begins at the start time of your reservation. Sessions run every two hours and are shown when you book. The last session starts at 8:00 pm.

Is parking available on site? What are the rates?

Yes, we have a large parking lot on site. The first 30 minutes are free.

Parking rates are as follows: 0 to 30 minutes: FREE, 30 minutes to 2 hours: $10, 2 to 5 hours: $15, 5 to 8 hours: $20, 8 to 24 hours: $25.

Are skates included in the price?

Yes, skate rentals are included. Sizes range from toddler to adult. You are welcome to bring your own skates, however, the admission fee is the same price. SOCKS ARE REQUIRED. Please be sure to bring or wear socks. We will have socks available for purchase if needed.

Skating aids are an additional cost of $10. We also have a limited quantity of helmets for those who wish to wear one. Helmets are free and first-come, first-serve.

Is there an age minimum for ice skating?

Ice Skating is for ages 3 and up. Skating aids will be available to rent for $10.

Do I need to wear socks when skating?

Yes, socks are required. We will have socks available to purchase.

Is skating weather dependent?

Yes, the ice rink will be open on a weather-permitting basis. If it is pouring rain, it will be closed. If you are unsure of the weather, you may call our team at (949) 375-8829.

Do you offer group rates?

Yes, we offer discounted rates for skating for groups of 15 or more. Please call our sales team at (949) 729-3800 for more information and to book your group. We can also help you plan holiday parties at our various indoor and outdoor venues.

When are the fire dance performances?

Fire dance performances are Friday and Saturday evenings at 5:45 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. They last 15 minutes. Head to the Gazebo area to view!

What is the address? Where is the ice rink located?

1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach 92660.

From Jamboree, follow Back Bay Drive and turn left into the Newport Dunes Resort Entrance. There will be signage directing you to the Fire & Ice Festival.

Newport Dunes