Fashion Island tree-lighting opens holiday festivities

Fashion Island in Newport Beach flipped the switch for its holiday celebration Saturday evening, lighting its 90-foot tree at the Neiman Marcus-Bloomingdale’s courtyard.

The white fir from Mt. Shasta, decked out with lights and about 20,000 ornaments, was the centerpiece of free festivities that included Mickey Mouse and friends.

If you missed it, you have another chance Sunday, when the lighting ceremony will be repeated at 5:30 p.m.

After the official ceremonies, the tree will be lighted at 5 p.m. daily through Jan. 3.

The tree is a bit shorter than when it arrived at the mall Oct. 30. The tip broke when it hit an optical shop as the tree was being hoisted into place.

Fashion Island is at 401 Newport Center Drive. For more information, visit shopfashionisland.com.