Redondo Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Redondo Beach, CA
Decorated boats sail through King Harbor as part of a full afternoon-into-evening holiday festival — marketplace, paddle parade, concert, and Redondo’s signature illuminated procession.
Decorated boats sail through King Harbor as part of a full afternoon-into-evening holiday festival — marketplace, paddle parade, concert, and Redondo’s signature illuminated procession.
The King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade is Redondo Beach’s signature holiday-on-the-water tradition. Held the second Saturday in December, the parade is the centerpiece of an all-day waterfront celebration: an artisan holiday market, a kid-friendly pier party with live music, an Ugly Sweater Paddle Parade earlier in the day, and finally the illuminated boat parade through King Harbor from about 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Boats are decked in elaborate themed lighting and decorations; recent years’ themes have ranged from tropical Christmas to Hollywood movies.
The waterfront route runs from the Redondo Pier south through the marina, giving families a clear view from multiple free vantage points.
Yes — the parade and the daytime festival are free to attend. Only parking and on-the-water vendor purchases cost extra.
The parade is held on the second Saturday in December each year. The boat parade itself runs roughly 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., preceded by an afternoon of festival activities at the pier.
A full day of waterfront fun: an artisan holiday market, the Ugly Sweater Paddle Parade (kayaks and paddle boards), live music on the pier, and family activities — all leading up to the illuminated boat parade in the evening.
The Redondo Beach Pier, Harbor Drive promenade, and the Seaside Lagoon all offer free views of the parade route. The pier is the central hub for the daytime festival.
Pier structures offer paid parking but fill up fast on parade afternoon. Plan to arrive early for the festival or use rideshare. Some street parking is available in surrounding Redondo Beach neighborhoods.
Southern California’s holiday lights and festive outings are pure magic — but nothing compares to Santa Claus himself stepping through your own front door. House of Kringle brings a real-bearded, professionally trained Santa to homes and gatherings across SoCal for an intimate live visit your family will treasure for years.