Get ready for five “Magical Nights of Lights” when the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade returns to Newport Harbor December 17-21. This 117th edition of the Christmas Boat Parade – the largest on the West Coast – selected “Magical Nights of Lights” as this year’s theme from nearly 200 submissions. ...

Although the harbor in Shanghai, China, is considered the busiest harbor in the world in terms of navigational challenges, it may not hold a candle to Newport Harbor during the city’s 117th annual Christmas Boat Parade (which launches this year Dec. 17-25). More than 100 yachts of varying lengths and...

Electrician Scott Scofield paces the teak decks of the 80-foot-long “The Last Hurrah” yacht while meticulously overseeing the complex electrical and mechanical installations of the boat’s holiday lights and décor by more than a dozen coworkers in preparation for this year’s Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Simultaneously, he admits, “I’m...

The holidays are shining bright at Crystal Cove State Park. This December, Crystal Cove Conservancy invites the public to experience a season of creativity, community, and coastal beauty through a series of festive events celebrating art, nature, and togetherness. Nestled between the sea and the bluffs, Crystal Cove Historic District...

Christmastime is a time for traditions, and Orange County has a trio of holiday-themed shows that are steeped in tradition and longevity: American Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, “A Christmas Carol” at South Coast Repertory, and “A Snow White Christmas” at Laguna Playhouse. Coincidentally, all...

By Zoe Luczaj | Special to the NB Indy Let me set the scene. The ocean hums softly behind the red carpet. The sun dips behind the sand as bulbs flash in its place. Another year of the Newport Beach Film Festival begins, and I was there to bear witness—not...

By Zoe Luczaj | Special to the NB Indy The Newport Beach Film Festival concluded its 2025 slate on Thursday, Oct. 23 with Guillermo del Toro’s long-awaited “Frankenstein,” a nearly three-hour gothic epic that filled both the historic Lido Theater and the Regal Edwards Big Newport screens. The screening marked the...

The 2024 Newport Beach Film Festival featured movie premieres, A-list talent, independent filmmakers, and memorable after-parties as part of the Festival’s 25th anniversary. Not to be outdone, this year’s 26th edition of the Newport Beach Film Festival managed to exceed expectations and actually outdo last year’s impressive edition. From October 16...

By Zoe Luczaj | NB Indy Arts Columnist Universally acclaimed Korean director Park Chan-wook, celebrated for his iconic works like “Oldboy,” “The Handmaiden” and “Decision to Leave,” enthralled audiences at the Newport Beach Film Festival with a sold-out screening of his highly anticipated film “No Other Choice.” He describes his newest...