Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

December 13-17, 2023

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade can be enjoyed on terra firma, as well as buying a ticket and riding on one of the lit up boats. Either way, it is great fun and definitely something to add to your bucket list. 

Each year the amazing designs on luxury yachts, boats under 30 feet, and sailboats,  just keep getting brighter, and from all the parades we've observed along the California coast, Newport Beach comes out on top for its intimate bay setting to the backdrop of the historic, gracefully-lit Balboa Pavilion.

Add to that the Ring of Lights  home decorating competition illuminating waterfront houses ranging in price from $5 million to $68 million; option for front row seats  in the parade aboard a decorated charter boat; and warmest weather to be had among dozens of boat parades in California's 1,000 mile coastal stretch, and you definitely have a winner.

Since the event spans five days of boat parades, you can even go back and catch it again, by boat one time and land the next. Some just go for "the show" but just so you know, across the bay at Newport Dunes is Fire & Ice this year with real ice skating to add to your evening of entertainment.

Tentative Viewing

6:30 p.m. Start - Tip of Lido Isle
Lido Isle Yacht Club
Lido Isle Bridge
Tip of Peninsula / Rhine Channel
6:49 p.m. Marina Park
American Legion Yacht Club
7 p.m. 15th Street Beach
10th Street Beach
Newport Harbor Yacht Club
Bay Island Bridge
Bay Island Channel
Newport Landing Restaurant
7: 15 p.m. Balboa Peninsula Ferry Landing
Harborside Restaurant
Davey's Locker
Peninsula Point Beach
7:32 p.m. Pirate's Cove
Channel Reef
Coast Guard Dock
Balboa Yacht Club
7:40 p.m. Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club
Balboa Island Bridge
Little Island Beach
Little Island Point
7:51 p.m. Balboa Island (South Bayfront / Grand Canal)
7:58 p.m. Balboa Island Ferry Landing
Collins Island
Balboa Island (North Bayfront)
8:10 p.m. Balboa Island Bridge
Newport Beach Yacht Club
8:17 p.m. Harbor Island
PCH Bridge
Bay Shores Community Beach
8:34 p.m. Balboa Bay Resort
Orange Coast College Crew Base
Newport Beach Scout Sea Base
Mariner's Mile
8:41 p.m. Rusty Pelican
8:53 p.m. Lido Park / Lido Bridge
Via Lido North Genoa Beach
9 p.m. Finish - Tip of Lido Isle

For viewing, the most popular locations are on Balboa Island. There are numerous public docks providing vantage points. The crowds gather and the night in which fireworks are launched is the most crowded of all so you need to get there early.

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