Decorated yachts, sailboats, and kayaks glide through Dana Point Harbor over three nights in mid-December — one of Orange County’s longest-running holiday traditions, free for families along the waterfront. Confirm this season’s dates at danapointharbor.com.
The Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights is an Orange County holiday institution, now in its sixth decade of tradition. For three consecutive nights in mid-December, decorated vessels of every size — yachts, sailboats, paddle boards, kayaks — weave through Dana Point Harbor in a glittering procession that sets off in the evening each night.
The harbor is illuminated with hundreds of thousands of LED lights throughout the season, glowing along the waterfront long after the parade boats have docked.
Families can watch the parade from numerous free vantage points around the harbor including Baby Beach, the Island Way Bridge, the harbor seawall, Marina Park, and the Embarcadero waterfront. Food, restrooms, and family-friendly walkways are plentiful. Confirm this season’s confirmed dates and start times at danapointharbor.com.
Yes — viewing from the harbor’s free public spots (Baby Beach, Island Way Bridge, Marina Park, Embarcadero) costs nothing. Parking at the harbor is paid; some private cruise and dining viewing options are also available.
Baby Beach, the Island Way Bridge, Marina Park, and the Embarcadero waterfront promenade are the top free viewing spots. Each offers a different angle on the parade route and has restrooms nearby.
Harbor parking is paid and fills up fast on parade nights. A great alternative: park free at Doheny State Beach and take the free Jolly Trolley shuttle into the harbor.
The parade begins in the evening each of its three nights in mid-December. Arrive 45–60 minutes early to find a viewing spot and parking.
Yes — a Holiday Lights display runs nightly along the harbor from mid-November through the new year, with hundreds of thousands of LED lights along the waterfront. Even when the parade isn’t on the water, the harbor is a magical stroll.
Dana Point Harbor was dedicated on July 31, 1971, the result of a master-planned project that reshaped the cove Richard Henry Dana described in Two Years Before the Mast. Two breakwaters, totaling about a mile and a half of jetties, tame the open Pacific swells once known as Killer Dana, sheltering more than 2,500 boat slips along with restaurants, shops, and the Ocean Institute. The harbor sits below the bluffs of Dana Point, midway between Newport Beach and San Clemente.
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.
Check Availability
Have a date in mind? Tell us when and where, and we’ll let you know whether Santa is open. House of Kringle brings a real-bearded Santa Claus to Live Visits and Group Experiences across Southern California, and December fills quickly, so the sooner you check, the better your odds of locking in your first choice.
This is a quick availability check, not a booking. Nothing is reserved and nothing is owed until we’ve confirmed your date and you’ve placed your retainer.
