Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina will transform the Back Bay into a glowing waterfront holiday destination with the return of its 36th annual Lighting of the Bay plus the Fire & Lights Festival, beginning Friday, November 27, 2026, and continuing through January 3, 2027.
The holiday season officially gets underway at Newport Dunes on Friday, November 27, with a festive opening-night celebration along the waterfront.
Guests can enjoy visits with Santa, a spectacular fire dancer performance, a holiday movie, festive food and concessions, and more.
At approximately 6 p.m., Santa will flip the switch and the Back Bay will come alive as more than 50 floating holiday displays light up the water for the first time this season.
Admission is free, with a flat $15 parking fee for opening night.
Lighting of the Bay will illuminate the waterfront nightly at dusk throughout the season, with the Fire & Lights Festival taking place Thursdays through Sundays from 4–9 p.m.