SeeCalifornia.com

During the holidays when homes are decked out to the “nines,” one place on our annual must-see list that really shines is Balboa Island with its competition called the Ring of Lights in which home-owners can drop $100,000 on their annual holiday decor.

Back in 1913 when the Illuminated Water Parade enjoyed its fifth season in the Newport Harbor, a Balboa waterfront Cape Cod style home at 526 S. Bay Front was built for the island developer’s sister-in-law. The two-story house which stands proud and tall has been home to a variety of people (around 7 owners so far).  Today it is 100, and it never looked better than when holidays roll along. At Halloween a skeleton bride & groom entertain passers-by. When Christmas arrives, there are often life-size (artificial) penguins in displays such as an arctic snow scene in which they skate on ice among red & blue Christmas trees.  This year in honor of its 100th birthday, owner Shirley Pepys went retro with the penguins, dressing them in attire you’d see from 1913, and as if they’re on stage, recorded music from a century ago plays while spectators pass by. On placards & stands are vintage photos and historical notes to inform guests about life on Balboa Island during the past century. 

Ring of Lights decor sparkles and dances on the water in Newport Harbor