NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (September 17, 2025) – The beloved Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is returning for its 117th year, and this year, the festivities will shine brighter than ever with Hollywood star and Newport Beach native Ted McGinley serving as Grand Marshal for opening night. Celebrated for his roles on television classics like Happy Days, The Love Boat, Married…with Children, and most recently, Emmy-nominated Shrinking, McGinley brings his signature charm and festive cheer as Grand Marshal of this year’s Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, themed “Magical Nights of Lights.” Running from December 17–21 at 6:30pm nightly, the parade transforms Newport Harbor into a sparkling winter wonderland, with over 100 elaborately decorated boats, pyrotechnics, synchronized light shows, moving displays, live music, dancers, and more, all viewable from nearly 50 locations along the parade’s 14-mile route. This year promises an extra touch of magic, with jaw-dropping décor, immersive activations, and new experiences designed to thrill spectators of all ages.
A true Newport Beach native, Ted McGinley was born and raised in the coastal destination, where he grew up playing water polo, worked as a lifeguard, and attended Newport Harbor High School. With a career spanning decades of beloved television and film performances, McGinley’s warm personality, magnetic charm, and lifelong connection to Newport Beach make him the ideal choice to lead this year’s celebration. His presence brings a perfect blend of hometown pride and holiday magic, setting the tone for an unforgettable parade experience that celebrates community and the joy of the season.
“I’m beyond honored to be named Grand Marshal of the 117th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade,” says McGinley. “This harbor and community shaped who I am, from my days at Newport Harbor High School to lifeguarding and playing water polo here. Being part of an event I have enjoyed firsthand, whether from home or on the water, and seeing the joy it brings to generations of families, truly feels like coming home. I can’t wait to celebrate ‘Magical Nights of Lights’ with everyone and kick off a holiday tradition that means so much to all of us.”
On opening night (December 17th), McGinley will ride aboard the parade’s official Grand Marshal vessel, complete with an impressive deck-to-sail LED display visible to spectators along the route. Joining an iconic lineup of past Grand Marshals, McGinley follows last year’s Newport Beach native and filmmaker McG, along with Hallmark Channel stars Andrew Walker and Nikki DeLoach, actress Leslie Mann, HGTV star Christina Haack, rockstar Mark McGrath, and baseball legend Albert Pujols.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Newport Beach native Ted McGinley as our Grand Marshal for this year’s boat parade,” says Gary Sherwin, President and CEO of Visit Newport Beach. “Ted grew up right here, so he knows firsthand the excitement and magic that fill the harbor each holiday season. We can’t wait for him to kick off opening night and celebrate the joy and festive spirit of ‘Magical Nights of Lights’ with everyone who loves Newport Beach as much as we do.”
FULL GRAND MARSHAL LINE-UP:
- Wednesday, Dec. 17 – Ted McGinley: Hollywood star and Newport Beach native Ted McGinley will preside as Grand Marshal on opening night.
- Thursday, Dec. 18 – Olive Crest: Olive Crest is an organization dedicated to preventing child abuse by strengthening, equipping, and restoring children and families in crisis.
- Friday, Dec. 19 – 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. 20 – Rose Queen® and Royal Court: The newly crowned Rose Queen® and her Royal Court will be attending, bringing elegance and excitement to the festivities. Parade officials will showcase Rose Queen® candidates at Newport Beach’s Balboa Bay Club in October, where their poise, grace, and charm in welcoming guests are on full display. The Rose Parade itself has long inspired Newport Beach’s own Christmas Boat Parade, adding a touch of pageantry and tradition to the beloved holiday event.
- Sunday, Dec. 21 – MONTAGE! from Orange County School of the Arts: MONTAGE! features several of Orange County School of the Arts’ most celebrated performance ambassadors. Comprised of talented student artists in grades 7 through 12 auditioned from the school’s twenty arts conservatory programs, this group has been praised for its high-energy, professional level performances.
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 17. The full evening of festivities includes an opening ceremony, front-row parade viewing and the annual Holiday Market in partnership with Creative Communal. The Holiday Market will feature dozens of 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 4:00pm, the Holiday Market runs from 4:00pm – 8:00pm; Fireworks at 6:15pm; and the parade sails by Marina Park at 6:54pm. Admission is free.
Stay tuned this fall for the full reveal of the thrilling Battle of the Bay matchups, and the complete event schedule, all set to make this year’s parade unforgettable!
For more information about the 117th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and a parade route map, please visit www.christmasboatparade.com.
For images and b-roll of the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade as well as additional Newport Beach holiday assets, please check out the gallery HERE. For any additional questions, please email Megan Johns: megan@visitnewportbeach.com.
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ABOUT THE NEWPORT BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce is a business organization of almost 900 members representing over 20,000 employees. The Chamber, with its 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 VISIT NEWPORT BEACH
Visit Newport Beach Inc. is the official Destination Marketing Organization for the City of Newport Beach, dedicated to promoting the destination and driving economic growth by attracting leisure and conference visitors. As a 501(c)6 non-profit organization, Visit Newport Beach partners with the tourism and hospitality industry to enhance visitor spending, ultimately contributing to the community’s quality of life. Through strategic sales, marketing, advertising, and public relations efforts, the organization positions Newport Beach as a premier travel and conference destination. For more information, please go to www.VisitNewportBeach.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
Megan Johns
Communications Manager, Visit Newport Beach
megan@visitnewportbeach.com | (949) 706-5309