The annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is a long-standing holiday tradition in Newport Beach, California. It began in the early 20th century. One of the founders was John Scarpa, an Italian gondolier, and another key figure was Joseph Beek, an early developer in the area around Balboa Island, as well as harbormaster and ferry operator.

The event was originally called the “Tournament of Lights.” It started small (with Scarpa, a gondola, and a few canoes decorated with Japanese lanterns) and grew over the decades to include many more and larger vessels. Over time, it has become one of the largest and most popular holiday boat parades on the West Coast.

Here’s the complete guide to enjoying this annual holiday event, a special occasion to get out and enjoy the waterfront beauty of Newport Beach.

When & Where — Start Times, Route, Duration & Details

Here’s what to expect when attending the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade so you can make your plan to attend the event.

  • The 117th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade will run from Wednesday, December 17, through Sunday, December 21, 2025. It always runs for five nights, from Wednesday to Sunday in December (the third week of December) each year.

  • Start times are around 6:30 p.m. each evening from the tip of Lido Isle, with boats traveling in a counterclockwise loop through the harbor.
  • Along the route you'll see them pass by places like Lido Marina Village, Marina Park, Balboa Island, Balboa Bay Club & Resort, waterfront estates, and more.

  • The parade route finishes at about 9:00 p.m., depending on the night and pace.

  • The theme for 2025 is “Magical Nights of Lights.”

  • Opening night and closing night will have fireworks and special events.

  • On opening night (Dec 17), there is an opening ceremony and kick off event at Marina Park, starting at ~4:00 p.m., with a Holiday Market running until ~8:00 p.m. Both opening night and closing nights of the event will have fireworks displays to enjoy in addition to the parade.

  • The parade is viewable each night from ~6:30 p.m. onward. Arriving by ~6:00 or a little earlier is advisable to find good vantage points and avoid traffic delays.

Boat Christmas Tree

Best Viewing Points for Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

If you’re viewing on land, here are some of the best locations to watch and some tips to make the experience as enjoyable as possible:

Best viewing locations:

  • Balboa Peninsula: boardwalk areas, East Balboa Blvd (where public access is allowed), and on the Balboa Pier.

  • Balboa Island and Little Island — many people line the seawalls and docks there.

  • Lido Isle / Lido Park — especially near the tip where the parade starts/ends.

  • Marina Park is another public spot; the route often passes by there early in the evening.

  • Waterfront restaurants: many have views of the harbor and decorate themselves; these tend to fill up early.

Tips for Viewing the Boat Parade from Land:

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot to watch, find parking, and dining options if interested. The closer to the parade start time, the crowds will begin to build, and movement to get to your spot becomes significantly more difficult.

  • Dress in layers. Even in SoCal, evenings in December can be chilly, especially on or near the water. Blankets, jackets, and even windbreakers are good to have handy depending on the weather.
  • Consider traffic & parking: many public lots and street parking fill up fast; some meter parking becomes free after certain hours; plan your arrival accordingly.

Cruises & Boat Tours to view the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

If you’d like to be on the water during the parade, here’s how to do it:

Renting via Getmyboat:

  • Download the Getmyboat app. Getmyboat offers a wide range of boat types in Newport Beach: from small electric “Duffy” boats to captained pontoons and yachts, and even luxury powerboats. The variety makes it ideal for planning for a larger group when you want some private viewing space away from the crowds on land.
  • Note that prices will vary by boat type (size, amenities), whether a captain is included, and how many hours you book the rental. For example, electric Duffy boats cost around $115-160/hr, while larger yachts run closer to $200-500+/hr, depending on size and included amenities. Also note that booking ahead of time is critical to secure a good deal — prices can rise significantly closer to the event.

  • Some boats are already “event-ready” or decorated; if not, you may be able to decorate (within safety rules), but you’ll need to confirm with the owner or captain in advance.
  • Check out this complete Newport Beach boat rental guide for more information and tips.

Regulations & Logistics to keep in mind:

  • Make sure the boat has the required safety equipment and meets local/state/federal regulations. The charter owner should handle that, but you should verify.

  • If operating by yourself (bareboat), ensure you have the required permits, licenses, and insurance. Many rentals with a captain simplify this and make the whole experience safer and more enjoyable — so consider booking a captain even if you’re an avid boater.


Best practices for boat viewing:

  • Book well in advance — especially for weekend nights during the parade. These fill up fast.

  • Arrive at the dock or designated meeting point before your boating time to allow for boarding, navigation, and getting into position. Suggested arrival is 30-45 minutes before departure time.

  • Plan your route (if you have freedom) so you can see major landmarks and the densest parts of the parade. Be aware of harbor rules, navigation safety, and other vessels.

  • Be mindful of lighting/electrics: decorated boats use a lot of lights; your battery/electrical systems on the rental will matter if you plan to decorate or host.

What you’ll see differently from being on a boat:

  • You’ll be closer to many boats in the parade, get better angles of the decorations, hear the ambience, music, and possibly even caroling.

  • You also get broader views of the waterfront houses and docks all lit up, which from land may be partially blocked or distant.

  • The feel is more immersive; you’ll be part of the spectacle rather than just watching it drift by.

Real customer review of the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade experience from a Getmyboat rental:

“We chartered Nassar’s boat to participate in the Newport Christmas boat parade. The boat parade was an amazing experience, made that much better by our captain Nassar. His boat was very clean and well-maintained. His personality, friendliness, and attention to detail are what made our trip special. We had 4 kids from 3 to 14 years old with us. Nassar was very patient and friendly with the kids. He was very knowledgeable about the parade and the Newport Harbor. We will be calling him again the next time we want to go out.” - Richard in Newport Beach

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What’s New for the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade in 2025

  • This year, there is an added emphasis on immersive experiences: more homes in the Ring of Lights competition, new activations, live music on select boats, and floating barges with activations.
  • Also being introduced: Battle of the Bay – a friendly competition among decorated boats.
  • Look up at the sky, too! Drone shows will take place above the harbor on select nights.

What to Expect — Decorations, Number of Boats, Spectacle

  • Hundreds of boats participate (official entrants + many more), of all shapes and sizes — from small craft up to large yachts. All decorated with lights, festive décor, music, and sometimes carolers.

  • There is also a “Ring of Lights” contest for waterfront homes, so the homes and docks lining the harbor are often elaborately decorated.

  • The boats often have themes, lighting setups, holiday music, etc. Viewing from the water gives you up-close views not only of the boats but the lit decorations of the houses and docks, too.

The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is one of the most unique and festive holiday traditions in the country, blending Southern California’s coastal charm with dazzling holiday spirit. Between the elaborately decorated yachts, sailboats, and homes lining the harbor, visitors are treated to a magical display of lights and music unlike any other. Whether you watch from a cozy spot along the shore or join the spectacle by renting a boat to cruise the parade route, it’s an unforgettable way to celebrate the season. Attending the parade offers not just a visual feast, but a true community celebration that has delighted locals and visitors for over a century.