116TH NEWPORT BEACH

Christmas Boat Parade

116th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade taking place for five spectacular nights Dec. 18-22, 2024 in Newport Beach, Calif. Illuminating Newport Harbor for over a century, 100 beautifully decorated yachts and boats of all sizes will once again light up Newport Beach nightly starting at 6:30 p.m. For five nights, experience the parade in a wide variety of fun-filled ways, from a family friendly event on the sand, by boat or shore, below is a full line-up of happenings at America’s most iconic Christmas event.

Home to the West Coast’s largest recreational harbor, Newport Beach pays homage to its iconic boating culture through a fleet of wonderfully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes motoring along a 14-mile course.

PARKING ROUTE & SCHEDULE:

RING OF LIGHTS:
Homes along the Christmas boat parade route participate in a decorating contest called the Ring of Lights where each house features its own extravagantly themed decorations. From lights on every façade to roof-top animated scenes and dancing Christmas trees, the Ring of Lights has become as celebrated as the boat parade itself. Visitors can view homes by walking around Newport Beach waterfront neighborhoods such as Balboa Island and Balboa Village or view by boat charter or boat rental.

DRONE SHOW:
Balboa Bay Resort & Club is sponsoring Two Drone Shows Nightly.

FIREWORKS:
On the opening night of the parade on Wednesday, December 18 at approximately 6:15 pm, a special opening fireworks display will take place off the Newport Pier to kick off the parade.

Safety is always our most important concern. Fireworks will commence as long as it is safe to do so as determined by Federal, State and Local guidelines. Please check back for more updates.

GRAND MARSHAL:

Wednesday, December 18
Filmmaker, Producer, and Director
McG

WHERE TO VIEW:
Marina Park Event on Opening Night: You are invited to the 116^th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade on December 18-22, 2024 to watch Southern California’s most dazzling holiday lights display with over 100 over-the-top yachts and boats sailing along a 14-mile route in Newport Harbor.

Bring the entire family to Marina Park (1600 W Balboa Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92663), the largest public viewing location on the parade route for the festive kick-off event on Wednesday, December 18. The full evening of festivities includes an opening ceremony, front-row parade viewing and the third-annual Holiday Market in partnership with Creative Communal.

The Holiday Market will feature over 35 local makers, food vendors, live music, entertainment, photo ops and kid activities. Full of holiday cheer, the opening night event is not to be missed, with an opportunity to shop for last-minute holiday gifts, enjoy good food, the festivities and watch the parade.

The Opening Night event starts at 4 p.m., the holiday market runs from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Fireworks at 6:15 p.m.; and the parade sails by Marina Park at 6:45 p.m. Open to the public and admission is free.

Open to the public and admission is free. Please note the Marina Park Parking lot will be CLOSED to the public on opening night. Parking is available on the street or surrounding lots.

Marina Park
1600 W Balboa Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92663

Dine + Watch
There are over a dozen restaurants throughout Newport Harbor that offer a front-row view of the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and dozens more located near the water to dine and then view.

View Dining

Stay + Watch
Let the Boat Parade serve as a reason to book a holiday-inspired staycation in Newport Beach for a roster of festive events, shop for last-minute holiday gifts, enjoy winter menus and much more!

Balboa Bay Resort
Lido House
Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel
Hyatt Regency John Wayne Airport Newport Beach
Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
Newport Beach Marriott Bayview
VEA Newport Beach A Marriott Resort & Spa
The Resort at Pelican Hill
Pendry Newport Beach

View Hotels

Float + Watch
Book one of Newport Beach’s premier cruise boats to see the holiday lights and displays on the boats in the parade and homes along the water that is guaranteed to be a magical evening under the stars.

View Boating

Park + Watch
Bundle up, bring a chair and break out the hot cocoa, here are the places to your waterfront spot at all of the vantage points in Newport Beach.

Balboa Peninsula is also home to many vantage points of the spectacle. In Balboa Village, consider areas along Edgewater Place, Marina Park and at the Balboa Fun Zone.
Balboa Island provides prime viewing location of the Boat Parade and the Ring of Lights home decorating competition.
Boats pass directly in front of China Cove Beach, and Lookout Point offers an amazing view. For park settings, choose West Jetty View Park or Via Lido Park.
Reserved seating is available at the Newport Boy Scout Sea Base (1931 West Coast Highway).

There are over 50 viewing locations along Newport Harbor, please visit www.christmasboatparade.com for parade route, timing and more information.