Tree lights up for holidays at Fashion Island

Adrina Robinson, 2, admires the the lights atop her uncle, David Cuccia's shoulders during the Christmas tree lighting at Fashion Island on Friday.

Nov. 14, 2014 8:33 PM PT

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Fashion Island.

The Newport Beach shopping center welcomed the holiday season Friday night with its annual tree-lighting ceremony, which will be repeated at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Neiman Marcus-Bloomingdale’s courtyard.

Festivities include a light show and snowfall provided by Disneyland Resort, along with visits by Mickey Mouse and his friends. Shoppers are invited to sing along to carols as the Christmas tree is lighted during the 20-minute celebration.

The 90-foot white fir, which arrived from Mount Shasta on Oct. 31, took three hours to hoist into place with a crane. It is decorated with more than 20,000 ornaments.

Fashion Island expects 10,000 guests each evening. The mall is at 401 Newport Center Drive.

Kathleen Luppi