Balboa Bay Resort Decks the Halls During The Holidays

Tis the season to be jolly in Southern California while staying at the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Harbor. Guests will receive a front row view of the 114th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights from their balcony or dining at A+O Restaurant and Bar.

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

Each night starting on December 14 through December 18, 2022, guests gather by the waterfront to watch beautifully decorated yachts, small boats, kayaks and canoes cruise along Newport Harbor starting at 6:30 p.m.

The 114th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce and begins and ends at Tip of Lido Isle.

Those who enter the hotel’s lobby will notice a replica of the resort made out of gingerbread, icing and candy. It took the Executive Chef Prabeen Prathapan and his team three months to bake 80 lbs of dough, make 40 lbs of icing, and decorate with 15 lbs of candy.

Balboa Bay Resort

Staying in one of the waterfront guest rooms will provide some of the best viewing of the boat lights. Especially on the top floors. Order dinner from the onsite A+O Restaurant and have it delivered or bring it back to your room. There are chairs and a table for al fresco dining on your private balcony.

Another excellent viewing sport is a window table at A+O Restaurant and Bar or out on the dining patio. Flicking fire pits and outdoor heaters will keep you warm as you dine and watch the creatively decorated boats circle Newport Harbor starting at 6:30 p.m.

A+O menu items include grilled proteins, crispy crab cakes, a variety of seasonal fresh salads, and a burger served with delicious crispy fries and housemade ketchup.

Decor for guest rooms are a reflections of the varying shades of blue reflected in the marina outside. Luxurious Frette sheets fit the pillow-top mattress. A complimentary bottle of wine awaits to be opened and enjoyed at sunset or with your dinner outside overlooking the waterfront.

Dress in your holiday best during the resort’s festive brunch during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Besides live music playing holiday classics, there will be strolling carolers entertaining guests.

Enjoy an appealing display of seasonal brunch fare on Christmas from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is a seafood bar with lobster claws and oysters. Santa Barbara smoked Salmon, cranberry crusted Branzino, rosemary glazed pork tenderloin, prime rib, and pistachio crusted rack of lamb are presented near specialty stations featuring a soup and salad bar, charcuterie, assorted desserts, a children’s buffet, a hot chocolate station.

The Balboa Bay Resort is hosting a multi-course New Years Eve dinner with dancing at Lighthouse. Each beautifully prepared course is paired with curated wines.

Say goodbye to 2022 and welcome 2023 at a lively 70s-style Studio 54-inspired dance party in the Grand Ballroom at the resort. ‘The Funky Hippeez’ band perform as guests wear party favors, and sip from a flute of sparkling wine at midnight. Late night snacks will be provided.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Kick off 2023 with a ‘Reinventing Anna’ package that includes a bottle of Veuve champagne in your guest room, a hair blowout at the onsite DryBar salon, an 80-minute Diamond White facial at the Balboa Bay Spa, and a $100 shopping credit at the Bayfront Boutique. This special package is available for stays through February 28, 2023. Inclusions must be booked with Concierge or outlet directly to confirm appointment availability. Packages start at $729 a night depending on the date.

Tis the season at Balboa Bay Resort throughout December to enjoy the holiday spirit and ring in the new year.