NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (August 21, 2025) – The Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the 117th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade will set sail December 17–21, 2025 with this year’s dazzling theme: “Magical Nights of Lights.” The theme captures the enchantment and wonder of the holiday season, transforming the harbor into a dazzling winter spectacle where creativity and imagination shine. With just under four months to go until this year’s boat parade and a theme chosen by our own community, the anticipation for this year’s event is building like never before. Parade-goers can look forward to pyrotechnics, synchronized light shows, moving displays, singers, dancers, and much more, all viewable from nearly 50 locations along the 14-mile route around Newport Harbor. This year promises to be the biggest and brightest celebration yet, featuring jaw-dropping boat décor, immersive activations, and exciting new elements designed to thrill spectators of all ages!
This year, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is turning up the excitement with the introduction of the Battle of the Bay, a spirited and friendly competition where decorated boats will go head-to-head in thrilling matchups (details to be announced soon). This exciting new element adds an extra layer of fun and anticipation for spectators and participants alike, promising surprises and unforgettable moments on the water. Alongside this friendly rivalry, 2025 will feature a host of additional highlights that will make this year’s parade bigger, brighter, and more magical than ever:
- Over-the-top boat décor: Expect jaw-dropping, show-stopping creations that push the limits of creativity and holiday magic.
- Continuation of “50 Days of Festive Fun”: The beloved citywide celebration returns with events, shopping, dining specials, and activities leading up to and after the parade.
- More homes participating in the Ring of Lights competition: Even more houses along the harbor will sparkle, creating a breathtaking backdrop for the parade.
- Live music on select boats: Enjoy performances on some of the boats as they sail the harbor, adding festive tunes and energy throughout the parade.
- Floating barges with activations: Interactive experiences on the water for spectators to enjoy up-close holiday fun.
- Two nightly drone shows: Sponsored by a host of event sponsors, including Simple Green, Davey’s Locker and Eagle Four Partners, these aerial spectacles will light up the sky above Newport Harbor, adding a modern, magical twist to the festivities.
The 117th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade’s winning theme was submitted by Michael Fleming and his family, local residents of Orange County. Inspired by the parade’s enchanting atmosphere, Michael shared, “We have been watching the parade for many, many years. Last year, I was struck with how magical this event is and that gave me the inspiration for our theme submission of ‘Magical Nights of Lights.’ There really is nothing like it anywhere else. We are so excited our theme was chosen and can’t wait to see how the boats decorate.”
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 Grand Marshal lineup, 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