California Lighted Boat Parades Information

With 1,000 miles of shoreline and much more inland lake, delta and river frontage, California is the capital of Christmas boat parade celebrating. The State of Florida actually touts more boats parades (50 compared to California's 30,) but there's no shortage of entertainment for West Coast fans.

The holiday tradition of illuminating your vessel with decorations and lights doesn't span just the decades, but is a 100 year tradition. Newport Beach is credited with having one of the oldest Christmas Boat Parades launched in the early 1900s.

California Boat Parades Overview

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

From the U.S.-Mexico border in San Diego to Marina Del Rey in Los Angeles, Southern Californians and their visitors enjoy  spectacular lighted boat parades. Marinas and harbors filled with luxury yachts play host to well known parades in San Diego and Newport Beach, two favorites to add to your watch list!

Dana Point Harbor Christmas Boat Parade of Lights

Huntington Beach Christmas Boat Parade

Huntington  Harbour Cruise of Lights

Long Beach Boat Parade

Los Angeles - San Pedro Holiday Afloat Lighted Boat Parade

Marina del Rey  Christmas Boat Parade is extremely popular for the South Bay crowd which attracts residents from Torrance Beach to Santa Monica and everything in between (Hermosa, Redondo, Manhattan & Venice.)

Naples Boat Parade in Long Beach

December 16, 2023, 7 p.m.

Christmas Around the World is the 2023 theme

 travels the canals of the community called Naples Island. Parking requires walking some distance but on foot, you'll have some fun seeing decorated waterfront homes and the small boats, gondolas and craft taking part in this lighted parade.

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is a 100-year tradition in which spectators are invited to book a cruise and actually ride in the parade which spans several nights.

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Viewing for those who prefer dry dock.

Oceanside Parade of Lights Boat Parade
Parade of Lights & Holiday Craft Fair hosted by OYC - harbor boat parade of holiday lights. Contests held for best decorated power, sail and small craft oceansideyc.net

PERRIS: Lake Perris Lights on the Lake Boat Parade  

Redondo Beach King Harbor Christmas Boat Parade
Christmas Boat Parade is sponsored by King Harbor Yacht Club. khyc.org

San Diego Parade of Lights Christmas Boat Parade happens on two weekends and includes fireworks. The bay offers many places to view the boat parade.

CENTRAL COAST CALIFORNIA

Central Coast lighted boat parades range from Ventura in the south to Morro Bay in San Luis Obispo County. Santa Lucia Mountain range and Big Sur wilderness take over the coastal landscape so you won't find a boat parade again till the mountains end near Monterey.

Morro Bay, California Lighted Boat Parade

Oxnard Christmas Boat Parade of Lights

Santa Barbara California Christmas Boat Parade of Lights

Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

From Monterey and the Bay Area to inland Sacramento with its rivers and delta, lighted Christmas boat parades in Northern California's cooler climate enjoy a warm reception and  enthusiasm.

BENICIA: Lighted Boat Parade December 16, 2023, at Benicia Marina,
400 East Second Street
Benicia, CA 94510
Free, public invited,
beniciayachtclub.org/ events

Discovery Bay Christmas Boat Parade
The Lighted Boat Parade heads toward Bays of Discovery

ISLETON: Marina West Yacht Club - MWYC / Oxbow Marina Lighted Boat Parade     Location: Oxbow Marina Resort, 100 Oxbow Marina Drive, Isleton, CA. marinawestyachtclub.com

Oakland Lighted Yacht Parade travels in the big bay overlooking San Francisco lighted skyline at night.

Petaluma Holiday Lighted Boat Parade

PITTSBURG: Pittsburg Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade December 9, 2023, 6 p.m. Cruising the Delta. Location: PYC Yacht Club, 3 Marina Blvd., Pittsburg, CA 94565. Take Highway 4 towards Pittsburg and take the Railroad Avenue exit. Follow Railroad Avenue North to Third Street (approximately one mile), take a left turn on Third Street, then a right turn at Marina Boulevard and turn right after the boat launch area. The Yacht Club is located at the end of the circled turn-around. Pittsburg Yacht Club clubhouse is located on the gateway to the Delta, and is easily accessible from either land or water from the Sacramento or San Joaquin side of the Delta.   pittsburgyc.com

San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf  Holiday Boat Parade

SAN FRANCISCO: South Beach Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade , 6 p.m. Annual tradition this year pays honor to Pearl Harbor anniversary. Return to clubhouse for warm nourishment. Location: 40 Pier, Suite 5, nestled between Pier 40 and AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. The closest intersection to the Club is 2nd & King. Delivery address is 899 2nd Street, San Francisco, CA 94107.
southbeachyachtclub.org

San Joaquin Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade Bethel Island

San Mateo Holiday Lighted Boat Parade

Santa Cruz Harbor Lighted Boat Parade

Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade, California

Stockton Boat Parade

SUISUN CITY: Lighted Boat Parade  Location: Solano Yacht Club, 703 Civic Center Drive, Suisun City, CA 94585 707-429-0284. solanoyacht.club/

Whatever your passion, you won't want to miss this special time of year in California, when the boats are extra lively & bright!

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.