The Duo is Set to Bring Hallmark’s Holiday Spirit to the Most Festive Coastal Destination in America on Opening Night of the Parade
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (November 2, 2023) – The iconic Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is setting sail on its 115th year in star-studded style with none other than beloved Hallmark Channel stars Andrew Walker and Nikki Deloach leading the way as Grand Marshals on opening night. Known for their heartwarming and enchanting roles in a variety of Hallmark Channel classics and new favorites, Walker and Deloach are set to add an extra layer of magic to Newport Beach’s festive season. Starting nightly at 6:30pm from December 13-17, viewers can live out their Hallmark movie dreams by watching over 100 dazzling boats light up the night with more over-the-top décor than ever. Featuring pyrotechnics, synchronized light shows, moving displays, singers, dancers and much more, parade-goers can view the boat parade from nearly 50 viewing locations along the parade’s 14-mile route around Newport Harbor.
Andrew Walker’s charismatic presence on screen has made him a favorite among Hallmark aficionados. With a portfolio of feel-good films, including “Merry & Bright,” “Christmas on My Mind,” along with this year’s “Christmas Island” and an all-new extended cut of 2022 hit “Three Wise Men and a Baby,” Walker embodies the quintessential Hallmark leading man. Nikki Deloach, another Hallmark fan favorite, is celebrated for her captivating performances in movies like “Five More Minutes” and “A Dream of Christmas.” With her warm smile and on-screen charm, Deloach has become synonymous with heartwarming stories and enchanting holiday narratives. “A World Record Christmas” will be Deloach’s forthcoming Hallmark endeavor certain to be a welcome addition to the festive season.
“We are absolutely thrilled and deeply honored to be named Grand Marshals of the 115th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Just like Hallmark, Newport Beach truly embodies the magic of the holiday season, and to be a part of this cherished tradition is a dream come true,” says Nikki Deloach. “The city’s transformation into the most festive coastal destination is truly enchanting, and we can’t wait to share in the joy and love that this parade represents,” adds Andrew Walker.
On opening night on December 13, Andrew and Nikki will ride on the boat parade’s grand marshal boat, visible to parade-goers on route via the vessel’s deck-to-sail LED screen that will showcase some of Hallmark’s iconic movie moments. Andrew and Nikki both join a celebrated group of Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade grand marshal alumni including actress Leslie Mann, HGTV star Christina Haack, rockstar Mark McGrath and baseball superstar Albert Pujols.
“We are absolutely thrilled to honor Andrew Walker and Nikki Deloach as our 2023 Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Grand Marshals, as nothing says Christmas like Hallmark,” says Gary Sherwin, President & CEO of Visit Newport Beach. “Considering Newport Beach is the most festive coastal destination in America, and Hallmark presents the ultimate Countdown to Christmas, we couldn’t think of a better partnership and duo to kick off the opening night of our cherished boat parade.”
FULL GRAND MARSHAL LINE-UP:
- Wednesday, Dec. 13 – Andrew Walker and Nikki Deloach: Beloved Hallmark Channel stars, Andrew Walker and Nikki Deloach, will preside as Grand Marshals on opening night.
- Thursday, Dec. 14 – Boys & Girls Club Newport Beach, an essential part of the neighborhood since 1971, serves youth allowing them to cultivate skills enabling them to reach their greatest potential.
- Friday, Dec. 15 – Celebrating our Community’s First Responders: Cheer on our local Fire and Police departments, those first-responders and lifesavers who serve our communities, as they lead the evening’s festivities.
- Saturday, Dec. 16 – 2024 Rose Queen® and Royal Court: Visit Newport Beach is thrilled to be participating in the world-renowned 135th Rose Parade®, set to dazzle spectators on January 1, 2024 in Pasadena, California. After an 18-year hiatus, Newport Beach will once again make a splash on the global stage, showcasing its rich history and vibrant community spirit through its record-breaking float entry that pays homage to the city’s iconic Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade.
- Sunday, Dec. 17 – Corona del Mar High School Drum Line: The CdM Drum Line is one of the premier performing groups at Corona del Mar High School. It serves as a musical ambassador, performing regularly in pep rallies as well as school and community events.
OPENING NIGHT KICK-OFF EVENT:
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 13. 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. Admission is free.
For more information about the 115th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and a parade route map, please visit www.christmasboatparade.com.
For images or b-roll of the 115th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, please check out the gallery HERE.
For any additional questions, please email Megan Johns: megan@newportbeachandco.com.
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About the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce
The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce is a business organization of almost 700 members representing over 20,000 employees. The Chamber, with its five councils, committees, staff and valuable members, works with city officials, local businesses and the community at large to promote the local economy. More information can be found at www.newportbeach.com.
About the Commodores Club
The Commodores Club is a council comprised of actively involved members of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce providing leadership, organization and fundraising support on business, social and community special events that promote the overall mission of the Chamber.
About Newport Beach & Company/ Visit Newport Beach
Founded in January 2013, Newport Beach & Company is a non-profit organization established to serve as the official marketing agency for the city of Newport Beach. The agency brings together all of the marketing entities connected to the Newport Beach brand and is designed to oversee separate business units that include Visit Newport Beach, Celebrate Newport Beach, Enterprise Newport Beach and Newport Beach TV. For more information, please go to www.VisitNewportBeach.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Megan Johns
Communications Manager, Visit Newport Beach
megan@newportbeachandco.com | (949) 706-5309
