Skip to content

EVENTS
in Newport Beach

Balboa Village

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade & Holiday Lights Cruises 2026


Date/Time
Date(s) - 11/27/2026 - 01/02/2027
4:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Location
Newport Landing Whale Watching
309 Palm St. #A
Newport Beach , CA 92661


Cruise Times: 4:30 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:00 PM

Each winter, Newport Harbor transforms into a radiant holiday wonderland during the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Holiday Lights Cruises. Now celebrating its 118th year, this Southern California tradition draws more than two million visitors annually and has been hailed by The New York Times as one of the top ten holiday attractions in the country.

The harbor comes alive with millions of shimmering lights adorning bayfront estates, docks, and landscapes as part of the Ring of Lights competition. Homeowners and businesses go all out, competing for top honors in categories like Best Theme, Most Elegant, and Best Animation.  

At the same time, hundreds of yachts, sailboats, and electric boats take part in the legendary Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Each vessel is uniquely decorated with spectacular lights, animated displays, music, and themed designs, creating an unforgettable scene as the parade winds through the harbor.

All of our cruise boats are fully decorated with festive lights and décor, making every sailing part of the celebration. During parade nights (December 16–20), cruises travel inside the parade route, offering front-row views of the illuminated fleet and shoreline displays. On all other December evenings, Holiday Lights Cruises glide past the same waterfront estates and the many boats that remain lit for the season.

Departures: Newport Landing and Davey’s Locker, Newport Beach, California

Website: www.christmasparadeboats.com

EXPLORE events

Discover exciting events happening around town.

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade & Holiday Lights Cruises 2026

LEARN MORE →

Thanksgiving Day Premier Brunch Cruise in Newport Beach

LEARN MORE →

The Family Stone at Lido Theater

LEARN MORE →

The Live Pink Floyd Experience Shine On

LEARN MORE →

City Cruises Holiday Premier Dinner Cruises

LEARN MORE →

Walking Public Art Installation “Hope is a Rising Tide”

LEARN MORE →

Neil Diamond Tribute Kenny Hale at Campus JAX

LEARN MORE →

Exclusive First Look: The 2027 Lincoln Corsair® Hybrid​

LEARN MORE →

Knives Out at Lido Theater

LEARN MORE →

Santa Strolling The Village

LEARN MORE →

Five Crowns Presents A Special Thanksgiving Day Dinner

LEARN MORE →

36th Annual Lighting of the Bay

LEARN MORE →

Yachty By Nature

LEARN MORE →

Jukebox Wednesday at Campus JAX

LEARN MORE →

Smooth Sounds of Santana Santana Tribute

LEARN MORE →

Irina Charny Art Installation; Inspired by Nature

LEARN MORE →