Where to View America’s Longest-Running Boat Parade
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (November 16, 2022) – Back for another sensational year, the 114th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade sets sail Dec. 14 – 18 beginning nightly at 6:30pm. One of the nation’s most spectacular displays of holiday lights, watch 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 Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade from nearly 50 viewing locations along the parade’s 14-mile route around Newport Harbor. Event organizers unveil details below of the full line-up of happenings at America’s most iconic Christmas event, as well as the wide variety of viewing locations by sand and boat.
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 opening night (Dec. 14). The full evening of festivities includes an opening ceremony, front-row parade viewing and the second-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 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 begins at 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Fireworks at 6:15 p.m.; and the parade sails by Marina Park at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free.
RING OF LIGHTS:
Homes along the boat parade route participate in a decorating contest called the Ring of Lights where each home features their own extravagantly themed decorations. From lights on every façade to roof-top 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.
FIREWORKS:
The boat parade features an unforgettable firework display from the Newport Pier at 6:15 p.m. on opening night and from the Balboa Pier at 9 p.m. on closing night.
WHERE TO VIEW:
There are nearly 50 viewing locations along the parade routes and options are endless — set sail on a chartered boat or tour, book a table at a waterfront restaurant or cozy up along the shore to see up to see the show-stopping boats.
Dine + Watch
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 view. Many restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus for the boat parade. Waterfront tables fill up early, so start making your reservations today.
- A&O Restaurant+Bar at Balboa Bay Resort
- Circle Hook Fish Co.
- GuacAmigos
- HanaHaus
- Harborside Restaurant
- Lido Bottle Works
- Malibu Farm Lido
- Newport Landing Restaurant
- Nobu
- Rusty Pelican Restaurant, Inc.
- Sons of American Legion
- Tavern House Kitchen + Bar
- The Lighthouse Cafe
- The Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar
Stay + Watch
Let the Boat Parade serve as a reason to book a holiday-inspired vacation in Newport Beach for a roster of festive events, shop for last-minute holiday gifts, enjoy winter menus and much more!
- Balboa Bay Resort
- Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
- Lido House
- Newport Beach Marriott Bayview
- Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina
- Renaissance Newport Beach
- The Resort at Pelican Hill
- VEA 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 that is guaranteed to be a magical evening under the stars.
- Balboa Boat Rentals
- Baywatch Boat Charters
- Captain Newport Boat Rentals
- Catalina Passenger Service
- Classic Yacht Excursions
- Davey’s Locker Boat Tours
- Electra Cruises, Inc.
- Gondola Adventures
- Hornblower Cruises & Events
- Newport Beach Brew Boat
- Newport Coastal Adventure
- Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina
- Newport Landing Cruises
- Newport Beach Sailing Charters
- Newport Yacht Rental LLC
- C. Boat Rentals
- Orange County Charters
- Pacific Avalon Yacht Charters
Park + Watch
Bundle up, bring a chair and break out the hot cocoa, here are the places to your waterfront spot at all of the vantage points in Newport Beach.
- Marina Park, the 10.5-acre park, is the largest public viewing destination in the harbor to watch the parade all five nights.
- 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 location of the Boat Parade and the Ring of Lights home decorating competition.
- Boats pass directly in front of China Cove Beach, and Lookout Point offers an amazing view. For park settings, West Jetty View Park and Via Lido Park can’t be missed.
For more information about the 114th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and a parade route map, please visit www.christmasboatparade.com.
For images or b-roll of the 114th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, please email Megan Johns: megan@newportbeachandco.com.
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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 | (714) 353-5026
Erin Rose
Senior Director of Communications, Visit Newport Beach
erin@newportbeachandco.com | (562) 896-8228
