Balboa Island Marine
Avenue shops really put you in the mood with their holiday
displays. In the photo above you can see jolly Saint Nick with
his sleigh standing from a rooftop on a second story view above
the busy shopping street.
Oh you better watch out
because Santa Claus is in town. Santa statues surround you as
you shop and dine on Balboa Island's Marine Avenue. One
store even featured two santas for double the fun. Show in the
photo above, look carefully to notice tropical Santa from the
first floor, and the roof top traditional Santa overlooking
Marine Avenue.
Along with the artificial
Santa Claus display, you'll see a huge stuffed teddy bear with a
toy drum, a snowman riding a bright red airplane, and a variety
of flocked trees, red bows and artificial poinsettias decorating
the storefront of a shop selling Hawaiian and tropical themed
gifts.
After visiting many cities
along the coast, we have to say that Newport Beach and Balboa
Island very well could win awards for their holiday spirit and
public Christmas displays. The touches of Christmas are
everywhere from Fashion Island with the nation's tallest cut
tree on display to the island with its cute decorations and
graceful tree in front of the Fire Station, to the Ring of
Lights on the Bay, Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and
cruises and parties that fill the bay with merriment during
Christmas.
John Wayne Airport is only
a few minutes from all the attractions and shopping, making for
a great fly-in for a weekend or weekday excursion. Grab a rental
car and check out the local area for an escape. It's easy to get
around, and during the holidays it is so much fun. (Hornblower
Cruises offer dinner and dancing on the bay with the backdrop of
the beautifully-decorated homes).
Marine Avenue and surrounding streets
are filled with more than 70 gift shops, galleries and restaurants.
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