The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade has been a century-old tradition. The first parade, the Tournament of Lights, occurred in 1908 and featured nine boats adorned with Japanese lanterns. Sadly, the event was halted during World War One in 1916 but has grown in popularity yearly.
The Christmas Tournament of Lights started in 1946 when Newport Beach City employees towed a barge around the harbor with a lighted Christmas tree. Over the years, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade has evolved into one of the most popular holiday events in the country.
Get into the holiday spirit by attending the grand Christmas parade, featuring over 100 boats adorned with thousands of dazzling Christmas lights. Head to Newport Harbor and witness Southern California’s most spectacular Christmas boat parade with your loved ones. Remember to dress warmly to enjoy the festive atmosphere fully.
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Route
The parade will commence at Bay Island, and the boats will sail towards the jetty. They will turn around at Pirate’s Cove and head back towards the harbor. The parade route will follow the south shore of the port, making a circle around Balboa Island, Harbor Island, and Lido Isle.
If you plan to watch the Christmas Boat Parade, you can find the announcer’s booth at the Balboa Fun Zone. A large parking lot is adjacent to the Balboa Pier, and several restaurants are available in the area. Alternatively, you can make a reservation at one of the bayside restaurants to get a better view of the parade.
The Villa Nova, Rusty Pelican, and the Balboa Bay Club are popular places to dine and view the nautical parade. Reservations are a must.
I love your website. Look forward to taking some trips with you. Is there a way to get aheads up on new events such as an alert on my e mail?
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