NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (November 12, 2024) – The renowned Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is returning for its 116th year in true OC style, with acclaimed filmmaker and Newport Beach native McG named as Grand Marshal for opening night. Known for directing and producing iconic works like The O.C., which brought Newport Beach’s coastal charm into homes worldwide, McG will bring an authentic hometown touch to this year’s renowned holiday event. Starting nightly at 6:30pm from December 18-22, spectators can enjoy over 100 festively decorated boats lighting up Newport Harbor in celebration of this year’s theme, “Christmas Across the Decades,” which invites participants to explore the evolving traditions and joy of the holiday season through various eras. 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.
McG, a celebrated filmmaker and Newport Beach native, has captivated audiences with his distinctive storytelling and visual style across film, television, and music. Known for directing blockbuster hits like Charlie’s Angels and Terminator Salvation, McG also left an indelible mark on Newport Beach through his work as the executive producer of The O.C., the beloved series that featured Newport Beach as its backdrop. His extensive portfolio spans multiple genres, from cult-favorite TV shows like Supernatural to recent Netflix releases like Family Switch and Uglies. McG’s impact on Hollywood and his deep-rooted ties to Newport Beach make him the perfect choice to lead this year’s Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, celebrating a tradition as enduring as the holiday spirit itself.
“Growing up in Newport Beach, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade was the highlight of every holiday season,” says McG. “It’s an honor to return and be named as the Grand Marshal of opening night and celebrate a tradition that’s both timeless and uniquely Newport. Newport Beach truly is the most festive coastal destination in America, and I can’t wait to experience that magic again and share it with everyone who loves this incredible place as much as I do.”
On opening night on December 18, McG will ride aboard the boat parade’s grand marshal vessel, visible to parade-goers along the route via the boat’s impressive deck-to-sail LED display. McG joins a celebrated roster of past Grand Marshals, including last year’s Hallmark Channel stars Andrew Walker and Nikki DeLoach, as well as actress Leslie Mann, HGTV star Christina Haack, rockstar Mark McGrath, and baseball legend Albert Pujols.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome McG as our 2024 Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Grand Marshal,” says Gary Sherwin, President & CEO of Visit Newport Beach. “With his long-standing history in our community and lasting impact, McG has played a role in making Newport Beach the celebrated and iconic destination it is today. As we kick off this year’s theme, ‘Christmas Across the Decades,’ we couldn’t think of anyone better than McG to help us celebrate and embody the spirit and tradition of our cherished boat parade.”
FULL GRAND MARSHAL LINE-UP:
- Wednesday, Dec. 18 – McG: Beloved Hollywood filmmaker, McG, will preside as Grand Marshal on opening night.
- Thursday, Dec. 19 – Olive Crest: Olive Crest is an organization dedicated to preventing child abuse by strengthening, equipping, and restoring children and families in crisis.
- Friday, Dec. 20 – 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. 21 – A Night of Holiday Classics: Celebrate the season with live performances of beloved holiday songs, featuring a Bruno Mars cover band, bringing musical magic to the illuminated parade route for an unforgettable experience for all ages.
- Sunday, Dec. 22 – 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 18. 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 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 4:00pm, the Holiday Market runs from 4:00pm – 8:00pm; Fireworks at 6:15pm; and the parade sails by Marina Park at 6:45pm. Admission is free.
For more information about the 116th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and a parade route map, please visit www.christmasboatparade.com.
For images of the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, please check out the gallery HERE, and b-roll HERE.
For any additional questions, please email Megan Johns: megan@visitnewportbeach.com.
# # #
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@visitnewportbeach.com | (949) 706-5309