Christmas Boat Parade Events & Attractions
The Christmas Boat Parade is more than just a single event—discover the exciting festivities and attractions that make this Newport Beach tradition an unmissable holiday celebration.
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 rooftop 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:
See the drone show from Balboa Bay Resort & Club or Peninsula Park:
Wednesday, December 17: Balboa Bay Club – 6:00 pm and 8:15 pm | Peninsula Park – 6:45 pm and 8:00 pm
Thursday, December 18 – Sunday, December 21: Balboa Bay Club – 6:15 pm and 8:15 pm | Peninsula Park – 6:45 pm and 8:00 pm
FIREWORKS:
On the opening night of the parade on Wednesday, December 17, 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 top priority. 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, 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.
Where to View the Christmas Boat Parade
Explore the best spots to watch the parade and experience it from a variety of stunning locations throughout Newport Beach.
Marina Park Event on Opening Night
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 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 on December 17th 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. This event is 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 the Parade
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.
Where to Stay + Watch the Parade
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
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, which is guaranteed to be a magical evening under the stars.
Watch Along The Beach
Bundle up, bring a chair, and break out the hot cocoa. Explore the waterfront spots in Newport Beach to view the parade.
- 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 locations of the Boat Parade and the Ring of Lights home decorating competition.
- For scenic waterfront views, boats pass directly in front of China Cove Beach, while Lookout Point offers a stunning overlook.
- For park settings, consider 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 the parade route, timing, and more information.