More than a hundred lavishly decorated boats glide through Newport Harbor over five nights in December — one of America’s oldest holiday traditions, running since 1908, and the largest holiday boat parade on the West Coast. Free for families along the shoreline. Confirm this season’s dates and times at christmasboatparade.com.
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is a Southern California icon, running annually since 1908 — well over a century of holiday tradition and one of the largest holiday boat parades on the West Coast. Over five consecutive nights in mid-December, more than a hundred yachts, sailboats, kayaks, and party boats — many decked with elaborate themed displays, full sound systems, and choreographed lighting — make their way along a 14-mile counterclockwise route through Newport Harbor, starting and ending at the tip of Lido Isle.
The nightly parade typically begins in the evening and runs for a couple of hours. The procession has been paired in past seasons with the Ring of Lights, where waterfront homes and businesses compete for the most spectacular shoreside display, and with opening- and closing-night fireworks.
Families can watch from more than 50 free public viewing points along the shore — Marina Park (1600 W. Balboa Boulevard) is the largest, with 177 parking spaces, a nautical-themed playground, and a sailing center. Lido Marina Village, Balboa Island, the Balboa Pavilion / Fun Zone area, and Via Lido Park are the other top free vantages. Confirm this season’s confirmed dates, times, and program at christmasboatparade.com.
Yes — viewing from the shore is completely free at more than 50 public locations around Newport Harbor. Ticketed onboard cruises and waterfront dining packages are also available, but the parade itself costs nothing to enjoy.
Marina Park on Balboa Boulevard is the largest free viewing area on the route. Other favorites include the Balboa Pavilion / Fun Zone, China Cove Beach, West Jetty View Park, and Via Lido Park. Arrive early — popular spots fill 30 to 60 minutes before parade start.
The parade begins in the evening each night, and the full 14-mile route takes roughly two and a half hours.
Parking is limited and lots fill quickly. Plan to arrive well before parade start or consider biking, walking from a nearby neighborhood, or using rideshare. Some Newport Beach city lots charge for evening parking during parade week.
Very — the bright lights, music, and short attention-friendly procession of boats are made for families. Bring chairs, blankets, and warm layers. Many viewing spots are stroller-accessible and have restrooms nearby.
Newport Harbor is a semi-artificial harbor formed by dredging Newport Bay estuary in the early 1900s and formally dedicated in 1936. With roughly 9,000 boats moored across its bays, channels, and islands, it ranks among the largest recreational boat harbors on the U.S. west coast. Once a working port for shipbuilding and commercial fishing, the harbor today is the recreational heart of Newport Beach.
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.
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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.
