Nights of 1000 Lights — Sherman Library & Gardens’ immersive holiday transformation of its Corona del Mar gardens into a December light walk anchored by a grand Christmas tree, a tunnel of lights, and themed garden experiences.
Nights of 1000 Lights is the annual holiday transformation of Sherman Library & Gardens — a two-acre botanical garden and historical library tucked along East Coast Highway in Corona del Mar, the Newport Beach community south of Newport Center.
For a few weeks each December, the gardens become a timed-entry evening light walk. The Central Garden carries the grand Christmas tree centerpiece, set among holiday ribbons and poinsettias. An iconic light tunnel guides visitors past the legendary Moon Goddess sculpture. The conservatory stages a 3D holiday experience, the sun garden takes on a Scandinavian Christmas, the tea garden runs a music-driven holiday installation, and a wishing tree, Santa’s adobe, and a fire pit with s’mores fill out the route.
The gardens have run Nights of 1000 Lights for over a decade. Sessions sell out on peak December evenings — particularly the weekend slots — so timed-entry reservations in advance are the right way to plan a visit. For families on the Newport Coast, on Balboa Island, or in the Newport Center neighborhoods, this is a compact, garden-scale alternative to the bigger regional light shows — a more intimate, sensory holiday outing.
2647 East Coast Highway in Corona del Mar — a Newport Beach community south of Newport Center, on the inland side of PCH between Marguerite Avenue and Dahlia Avenue.
Early to late December each year, with timed-entry tickets for evening sessions. Check the gardens’ calendar for exact dates and entry windows.
Timed-entry — reserve in advance. Members and children typically pay reduced rates. Peak December evenings sell out, particularly weekend slots.
Yes — the garden paths are largely smooth and accessible throughout the display. Strollers fit comfortably.
On-site parking at the gardens is limited; overflow parking is available along East Coast Highway and side streets nearby in Corona del Mar. Arrive 15+ minutes before your timed entry.
Sherman Library & Gardens is a two-acre botanical garden and historical research library at 2647 East Coast Highway in Corona del Mar — a Newport Beach community along PCH between Marguerite and Dahlia avenues. Founded in 1955 by historian Arnold Haskell to house the personal collection of his stepfather, Moses H. Sherman, the property combines a public garden (Central Garden, conservatory, tea garden, sun garden) with a non-circulating research library specializing in Pacific Southwest history. The gardens are open year-round; Nights of 1000 Lights is the December evening transformation.
Each December, the seaside village of Corona del Mar — a coastal neighborhood of Newport Beach in Orange County — throws open its sidewalks for the Corona del Mar Christmas Walk, one of the area’s longest-running holiday traditions. For decades, this free, family-friendly festival has turned the Pacific Coast Highway business district into a walkable holiday celebration: live music, food, local merchants, kids’ activities, and a visit from Santa, all just up the bluff from the ocean.
Brian J. Cook
Fashion Island’s nightly tree lighting experience in Newport Beach — a 90-foot tree, snowfall, music, and a choreographed light display in the Neiman Marcus–Bloomingdale’s Courtyard, every half hour through the holiday season.
Brian J. Cook
More than a hundred lavishly decorated boats glide through Newport Harbor over five nights in December — one of America’s oldest holiday traditions, running since 1908, and the largest holiday boat parade on the West Coast. Free for families along the shoreline. Confirm this season’s dates and times at christmasboatparade.com.
Brian J. Cook
Each December, the historic cottages of Crystal Cove State Park host one of the coast’s most picturesque holiday traditions: the Crystal Cove Tree Lighting & Holiday Bazaar. Presented by the Crystal Cove Conservancy on the sand near Newport Beach in Orange County, it’s a free beachside celebration where local artisans sell their wares, Santa poses for seaside photos, and the day ends with the lighting of a beach Christmas tree as the sun drops over the Pacific.
Brian J. Cook
Southern California’s holiday lights and festive outings are pure magic — but nothing compares to Santa Claus himself stepping through your own front door. House of Kringle brings a real-bearded, professionally trained Santa to homes and gatherings across SoCal for an intimate live visit your family will treasure for years.
Check Availability
Have a date in mind? Tell us when and where, and we’ll let you know whether Santa is open. House of Kringle brings a real-bearded Santa Claus to Live Visits and Group Experiences across Southern California, and December fills quickly, so the sooner you check, the better your odds of locking in your first choice.
This is a quick availability check, not a booking. Nothing is reserved and nothing is owed until we’ve confirmed your date and you’ve placed your retainer.
