Newport Beach is a fantastic place to enjoy a memorable dinner, thanks to its unique blend of seaside charm, luxurious amenities, and lively holiday traditions. Whether you’re craving an elegant night on the water or a festive Christmas cruise, Newport Beach offers a variety of options that stand out. We’re particularly fond of the Newport Beach: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise for its festive spirit and scenic views, making it ideal for holiday travelers. But for those seeking an elegant dinner with a view, the Orange County Premier Dinner Cruise from Newport Beach combines gourmet food with the seaside atmosphere.
While Newport Beach also shines during other holidays, like Christmas Eve and Thanksgiving, it’s the variety of experiences—from lively cruises to exclusive shopping, like the Newport Beach Adventure, Retail Therapy and Dining—that makes it a top choice for travelers looking for a memorable dining outing. Each offers a different slice of Newport Beach’s charm, whether you’re after holiday cheer, gourmet cuisine, or a luxurious retail and scenic experience.
Quick Overview
Our list features scenic harbor cruises, festive holiday dinners, and luxury retail and dining tours—each offering a different way to enjoy Newport Beach’s culinary and scenic offerings. These experiences range from holiday-themed cruises (Christmas Day Cruise) and festive Christmas Eve cruises, to elegant dinner cruises (Orange County Premier Dinner Cruise). For a more immersive day of exploring, the Retail and Coastal Tour combines shopping with stunning views. Dive into the details below to find the perfect Newport Beach dinner experience for your trip.
1. Newport Beach: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
On Christmas Day, this cruise offers a unique way to celebrate the holiday. It combines a chef-prepared buffet with views of the beautiful Southern California coastline. You’ll enjoy full bar service, festive decor, and live music, all aboard a comfortable harbor cruise lasting between 2 and 2.5 hours. This experience stands out because it turns a regular holiday into an extraordinary event, blending the magic of Christmas with the scenic beauty of Newport Harbor.
The Christmas Day Cruise features a buffet with seasonal treats, and those indulging in brunch can enjoy unlimited mimosas while soaking in the views. The cruise’s festive atmosphere, combined with the sparkling waterfront scenery, makes it a perfect choice for families, couples, or anyone eager to celebrate Christmas in a memorable way.
Key highlights include the scenic harbor views, holiday-themed decor, and entertainment that turns the cruise into a festive party. It’s priced at $113 per person—an accessible luxury considering the experience. The cruise’s length makes it ideal for a relaxed holiday celebration without feeling rushed.
Bottom line: This holiday cruise is a delightful way to combine good food, scenic views, and festive cheer, making it ideal for Christmas travelers looking for a special celebration.
$113 per person
2. Orange County Premier Dinner Cruise from Newport Beach
If you’re after a memorable night of elegant dining on the water, the Orange County Premier Dinner Cruise is hard to beat. This 2-hour cruise offers a gourmet, dual-entrée meal served at your private table, with seasonal vegetables and decadent desserts. During the cruise, you’ll enjoy breathtaking seaside views and the soundtrack of satellite radio, creating a relaxed yet lively atmosphere.
What makes this cruise stand out is its focus on gourmet food paired with stunning scenery. During the 2 hours, you’ll experience a seamless blend of sightseeing and fine dining, with many guests remarking on the attentive crew and quality of food. The cruise’s price of $133.30 per person reflects its premium nature, but the level of service and scenery justifies the expense.
During the cruise, you can take in the illuminated harbor, especially at sunset, and step outside onto the outdoor decks for a closer look at the night sky. This experience suits those celebrating a special occasion, couples, or anyone wanting to enjoy Newport Beach’s coastal beauty with a touch of luxury.
Good to know: The reviews highlight the attentive staff and memorable atmosphere, with one saying, “Great atmosphere, great crew, great music, great food and drinks—a wonderful experience.”
Bottom line: For around two hours of fine dining combined with scenic harbor views and a relaxed atmosphere, this cruise offers excellent value for a special night out.
3. Newport Beach: Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
Celebrating Christmas Eve with a cruise is a charming way to soak in the holiday spirit. Similar to the Christmas Day option, this Christmas Eve Cruise provides a chef-prepared buffet with festive decor and scenic harbor views. The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the holiday atmosphere and the illuminated coast.
Though specific reviews aren’t listed, the description suggests a festive environment complete with music entertainment and unlimited mimosas during brunch. The price is slightly higher at $168 per person, reflecting the festive occasion and special arrangements.
This cruise is particularly suited to travelers who want to extend their holiday celebrations with a cozy, scenic dinner. It’s perfect for families or couples wanting a memorable way to ring in Christmas Eve while enjoying Newport Harbor’s beauty.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a festive, scenic cruise to celebrate Christmas Eve, this experience offers a combination of holiday cheer and coastal views worth the splurge.
$168 per person
4. Newport Beach: Thanksgiving Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
This Thanksgiving Cruise provides a special way to enjoy the holiday on the water. The cruise lasts between 2 and 2.5 hours and features a chef-prepared buffet with all the traditional trimmings. You’ll get scenic views of the harbor and beaches, along with live music entertainment for a lively holiday atmosphere.
The pricing at $141 per person positions it as a premium holiday experience, but the inclusion of a full buffet, unlimited mimosas on brunch, and scenic cruising justifies the cost. The cruise’s focus on holiday traditions combined with Newport’s beautiful coastline makes it a popular choice for families and friends celebrating Thanksgiving.
Highlights include the panoramic harbor scenery, holiday-themed decor, and the relaxed pace that allows ample time to enjoy the meal and views. Review snippets indicate it’s a well-organized event that leaves many with lasting holiday memories.
Bottom line: This Thanksgiving cruise makes a memorable holiday celebration on the water, combining traditional festivity with scenic relaxation.
$141 per person
5. Newport Beach Adventure, Retail Therapy and Dining
For those who want to combine scenic views, shopping, and fine dining, this Retail and Coastal Tour offers an immersive experience. Priced at $1,099 for up to five people, it’s best suited for groups seeking a full day of exploration—lasting 7 to 8 hours.
The tour visits Lido Marina Village, Fashion Island, and Balboa Island—all iconic Newport Beach locales. You’ll enjoy panoramic vistas from elevated walkways, explore art installations, and stroll through landscaped grounds. The tour combines leisurely shopping with scenic coastal views, making it perfect for travelers who want a mix of urban sophistication and seaside charm.
While it doesn’t include a traditional dinner, it offers an upscale, curated experience that combines breathtaking scenery with retail therapy. The itinerary highlights include a photo stop at the Newport Beach Civic Center and exploring chic neighborhoods and upscale boutiques.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for shoppers and sightseers wanting a full-day, luxurious Newport Beach experience. It’s a good pick for those combining scenic views with retail indulgence.
$1,099.00 per group (up to 5)
How to Choose
When selecting your Newport Beach dinner experience, consider your budget, the type of atmosphere you prefer, and your interests. If you’re celebrating a holiday, holiday-themed cruises like the Christmas Day Buffet or Thanksgiving Cruise provide festive fun and scenic views. For a romantic evening, the Orange County Premier Dinner Cruise offers gourmet food and outdoor decks.
If you’re more interested in a full day of exploring with some leisure shopping, the Retail and Coastal Tour might be the best fit, especially for groups. Budget-wise, the cruises are priced between $113 and $168 per person, offering good value considering the included meals and views.
Book early for the holiday cruises—they tend to fill up quickly during peak seasons. For regular evenings, check availability in advance to secure your preferred date.
To sum it up, Newport Beach offers a wide range of dinner experiences, from festive holiday cruises to luxurious dinner outings and full-day retail adventures. For a cozy holiday meal, the Christmas and Thanksgiving cruises deliver scenic beauty and holiday spirit. For a more refined night, the dinner cruise with gourmet food is unbeatable. And for a full immersion into Newport’s coastal charm, the retail and sightseeing tour combines stunning views with upscale shopping.
Whatever your style, these options promise a memorable meal with a beautiful backdrop. Planning ahead is key—especially during busy holidays—and early bookings will ensure you don’t miss out on these top Newport Beach experiences.