The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade set sail for the holidays on Wednesday, Dec. 18, in the Newport Harbor.
The 116-year-old parade draws hundreds of thousands of spectators along its 14-mile route over five days and also includes pyrotechnics and drone shows. The busiest days for people flooding into the area to watch the parade are Friday and Saturday; it launches at 6:30 p.m. each night through Dec. 22.
Parade organizers say the most popular vantage points are Marina Park, the Balboa Fun Zone and Balboa Island.
“It epitomizes the holiday spirit,” said Steve Rosansky, president of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce. “It’s our Newport Beach holiday postcard to the world.”
Harbor boats decked out in lights make their way down Newport Harbor during the 116th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024…(Photo by Steven Georges, Contributing Photographer)
Harbor boats decked out in lights make their way down Newport Harbor during the 116th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024…(Photo by Steven Georges, Contributing Photographer)
One boat was in memory of Newport Beach Lifeguard Ben Carlson during the 116th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024…(Photo by Steven Georges, Contributing Photographer)
Harbor boats decked out in lights make their way down Newport Harbor during the 116th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024…(Photo by Steven Georges, Contributing Photographer)
Harbor boats decked out in lights make their way down Newport Harbor during the 116th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024…(Photo by Steven Georges, Contributing Photographer)
Boat parade spectators gather at the Lighthouse at Marina Park for the 116th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024…(Photo by Steven Georges, Contributing Photographer)
Harbor boats decked out in lights make their way down Newport Harbor during the 116th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024…(Photo by Steven Georges, Contributing Photographer)
Harbor boats decked out in lights make their way down Newport Harbor during the 116th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024…(Photo by Steven Georges, Contributing Photographer)
Harbor boats decked out in lights make their way down Newport Harbor during the 116th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024…(Photo by Steven Georges, Contributing Photographer)
Harbor boats decked out in lights make their way down Newport Harbor during the 116th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024…(Photo by Steven Georges, Contributing Photographer)
Harbor boats decked out in lights make their way down Newport Harbor during the 116th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024…(Photo by Steven Georges, Contributing Photographer)
Harbor boats decked out in lights make their way down Newport Harbor during the 116th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024…(Photo by Steven Georges, Contributing Photographer)
Harbor boats decked out in lights make their way down Newport Harbor during the 116th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024…(Photo by Steven Georges, Contributing Photographer)
Harbor boats decked out in lights make their way down Newport Harbor during the 116th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024…(Photo by Steven Georges, Contributing Photographer)
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Harbor boats decked out in lights make their way down Newport Harbor during the 116th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024…(Photo by Steven Georges, Contributing Photographer)
The Marlu, a 66-foot Galeon 660 yacht that last year won “Best First Time Entry,” will lead off the parade. Another looker to watch for is the Last Hurrah, an 86-foot yacht whose owners spend tens of thousands of dollars each year to decorate, Rosansky said. This year, its theme honors first responders.
And there’s the Mayflower, a 52-foot Hugh Angelman Ketch that, when not in the boat parade, tours people through Newport Harbor, recreating a pirate-themed voyage.
