Via Lido Plaza Hosts Tree Lighting Ceremony – December 2nd
Ring in the Holidays at Via Lido Plaza Tree Lighting Ceremony, Light Up Lido, on Dec. 2
Newport Beach, CA, November 11, 2026 – Via Lido Plaza will celebrate the season with the return of Light Up Lido, its festive annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, on Wednesday, Dec. 2 from 5 to 7pm. Presented with Lido House, Light Up Lido will include a special appearance by Santa Claus as the 30 ft. Coastal Redwood Pine and the entrance to Lido House are illuminated at 6:30pm by Via Lido Plaza owner Fritz Duda and Newport Beach Mayor Lauren Kleiman.
Visitors will enjoy carolers from Newport Harbor High School, an array of in-store seasonal activities, a complimentary showing of White Christmas at The Lido Theater, and a DJ and complimentary hot cider provided by Lido House.
The evening will include Santa visits at RE/MAX; letter writing to Santa at Bank of America, with letter drop off at Mailboxes Lido; complimentary hot cocoa at Via Lido Drugs; holiday cookie decorating at Salt Optometry; and holiday painting kits for kids will be given away at Crews Quarters. Visitors will also have the chance to win an elaborate gift basket from the shops, restaurants, and services at Via Lido Plaza (winner does not need to be present.)
Adding to the fun will be a holiday photo backdrop by local artist Timree on Lido Walk, the paseo adjacent to The Lido Theater, where family and friends can take photos.
In the spirit of the season, Via Lido Plaza is also giving back to the community by partnering with the Newport Beach Fire Department on Operation Christmas, a toy drive in partnership with Yellow Ribbon America. Via Lido Plaza will have a collection box on Lido Walk the night of the event where new, unwrapped toys will be accepted for children of active duty and reserve military. Donations will also be accepted Nov. 16 through Dec. 16 during normal business hours at Fritz Duda Company, in suite 250, across the courtyard from Bear Flag Fish Co. at Via Lido Plaza.
Via Lido Plaza, including the iconic Lido Theater, was purchased by Fritz Duda Company in 1986 and the company has continued the stewardship of the landmark property and entertainment venue for 40 years. In the fall of 2024, the company reopened The Lido Theater after a five-year project to restore the single auditorium theater to its original art deco design.
Via Lido Plaza is located at 3459 Via Lido, off Newport Boulevard, in Newport Beach. Follow the center on social media @ViaLidoPlaza.
