Tiki FUn BOats: Newport Beach Christmas light cruises

The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is one of Southern California’s most beloved holiday traditions, drawing thousands of spectators every year. For more than a century, this dazzling event has illuminated the waters of Newport Harbor, offering an unforgettable experience filled with festive cheer.

The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade began back in 1908 when a local businessman, John Scarpa, decorated his boat with Christmas lights and invited friends and neighbors to join him for a holiday cruise. This humble beginning would eventually grow into the grand spectacle it is today. Over the decades, the event has expanded in both size, eventually evolving into a formalized parade with hundreds of boats participating each year.

Throughout the years, the parade has become a centerpiece of Newport Beach’s holiday festivities, drawing visitors from from all over to witness the parade of lights. The Newport Beach Holiday Light Cruise began as a simple celebration of Christmas but has since evolved into one of the most iconic holiday events in California, known for its stunning array of decorations, elaborate lighting, and the festive ambiance that permeates the entire Newport Harbor.

The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade takes place over five nights in mid-December, with each night featuring a procession of beautifully decorated boats of all sizes. These boats, ranging from private yachts to dinghys, glide along the waters of Newport Harbor, showcasing vibrant, sparkling displays of Christmas lights and holiday decorations.

Each year, the parade’s theme changes, offering boat owners a chance to get creative with their decorations. The boats are often loaded with everything from Santa Claus and reindeer to intricate scenes from classic holiday stories like “The Nutcracker” or “A Christmas Carol.” Many participants go all out, with extravagant light displays, synchronized music, and even live actors. Some boats also feature holiday characters, making the parade feel like a floating winter wonderland.

In addition to the Christmas Lights Boat Parade, the Newport Beach Harbor is itself transformed into a glowing spectacle, with luxury homes and docks dressed in festive decorations. The parade  runs for about 3 hours each evening, with multiple viewing spots around the harbor, including at public piers and private yacht clubs. There are also various public events and viewing parties hosted throughout the city, making the Newport Harbor Christmas Lights Cruise a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the area during the holidays.

While it’s certainly possible to view the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade from the shore, there’s no better way to experience the magic of this event than by booking a Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Cruise. A Newport Beach Christmas Cruise offers an up-close, intimate view of the parade and its dazzling light displays.

1. Close-Up Views of the Parade: A Christmas Lights Boat Parade cruise allows you to experience the parade from the water, providing a front-row seat to all the action. Unlike watching from the shore, you’ll be able to see the boats up close. You'll also get a chance to view the stunning holiday light displays on the homes and docks lining the harbor, some of which are only visible from the water.

2. Exclusive Atmosphere: A Newport Christmas Lights Boat Tour provides a more exclusive and private experience. Whether you’re with friends, family, or that special someone, enjoying the parade from a private boat adds a level of intimacy and comfort that you can’t get from public viewing spots.

3. Comfort and Convenience: Booking a Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Cruise means you can avoid the hassle of finding parking, dealing with crowded public areas.

4. Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether you're celebrating a family tradition, a romantic date, or just looking for a unique way to enjoy the holiday season, a Newport Beach Christmas Cruise offers an unforgettable experience. The beauty of the parade, combined with the excitement and camaraderie of being on the water, makes for a perfect setting for any occasion.

5. Unique Perspective on the Parade: When you take a Newport Harbor Christmas Lights Cruise, you get a chance to see the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade from a unique perspective. From the water, you’ll see the intricately decorated boats, some of which are not visible from the shore. The backdrop of multi-million dollar homes and intricate lights creates a  atmosphere that is hard to beat. It’s a fully immersive experience.

The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade has become an iconic holiday tradition that brings together the beauty of Christmas lights, the charm of Newport Harbor, and the joy of the holiday season. Whether you’re enjoying it from the shore or booking a Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Cruise, this event is a must-see for anyone in Southern California during the holiday season.

 From close-up views of the festive boats to the thrill of being out on the water, a Newport Beach Christmas Cruise guarantees an unforgettable experience filled with holiday magic. So this December, don’t miss the chance to be part of one of the most spectacular Christmas light displays in the country by booking a Christmas Lights Boat Parade cruise in Newport Beach!

More information on the 2024 Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade can be found on the official Boat Parade Website: