Newport Beach's Fashion Island Christmas Tree Lighting Goes Old School

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Come one, come all to Fashion Island one year shy of it's 50th Anniversary of the Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration.

Fashion Island is returning to its classic tree lighting tradition for it's 49th tree lighting, bringing in snow and Santa, along with a plethora of local talent.

The festivities will be held for two evenings at 6 p.m. Nov. 18 and 19 for the annual lighting of Fashion Island’s towering 90-foot Christmas tree—complete with Santa, live holiday musical entertainment and magical “snowfall.”

“Fashion Island has had a tree lighting ceremony nearly every year since it opened and this year, we wanted to return to our roots of focusing on the spirit of the season for the community,” said Easther Liu, chief marketing officer for Irvine Company Retail Properties. “It will be a warm holiday celebration for all the friends and families who continue to be an important part of Fashion Island’s legacy as we get ready to usher in our 50 th anniversary.”

The 2016 Tree Lighting Ceremony will be hosted by longtime KOST 103.5 FM radio personality Mark Wallengren and will feature the “The Young Americans,” a non-profit traveling performance troupe based in Southern California.

This year, the group will perform a preview of their annual hit show, “The Magic of Christmas,” a captivating holiday production that will feature dynamic performance numbers along with classic holiday favorites.

The ceremony will culminate with a countdown to the lighting of the tree by none other than Santa Claus, followed by a flurry of snow for the thousands of guests expected to attend.

WHEN: 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18 and Saturday, Nov. 19

WHERE: Neiman Marcus-Bloomingdale’s Courtyard at Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach.