Take a break from studying and enjoy a fun, festive night out with friends. During the holidays, Balboa Island, in Newport Beach, turns into a magical winter wonderland. The homes, docks, and walkways are decorated extravagantly for Christmas. Explore the “Ring of Lights” on Balboa Island to get you out of a study funk and get you into the Christmas spirit. 

Newport Beach resident Summer Perry said, “The lights make me smile every single time. I drive through Balboa three to four times a week, and without fail, those lights just fill my heart.”

The Christmas lights on Balboa Island bring the community together and create a magical festive atmosphere. “Each year, more and more streets join in, and it’s become this sweet way of bringing everyone together- kids, parents, neighbors, all inspired by Balboa,” said Perry.

Junior Dominique Vadeboncoeur, said, “It provides something in the community to gather people together to enjoy and talk about.”

Bundle up and enjoy a stroll with friends, picking out your favorite themed homes. Look out for the Bear House, which has over 6,000 bears displayed in the windows and the beach ball Christmas trees, which are decorative Christmas trees made from beach balls. 

Vadeboncoeur said, “The best way to enjoy the lights is going on a nice long walk around the island with hot coffee, tea or cocoa in hand.” 

“We grab hot cocoa or coffees, turn on Michael Bublé Christmas albums, and stroll up and down the streets soaking it all in,” said Perry. 

The beautiful Balboa lights are about twenty minutes from campus. The lights are prettiest at night, so plan an evening trip after sunset. Drive down Marine Ave and look for open parking spots on the side streets. Then, grab a hot cocoa and a Balboa bar from Sugar ‘N Spice and walk down the streets to take in the sights. The best way to see the lights is by walking along the South Bayfront and doing a full loop around the island, which is about a mile. 

Tags: community, Orange County

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