Each harbor in Orange County has its own spin on holiday boat parades, a festive tradition in Newport, Dana Point and Huntington harbors.
In Huntington, boat tours meander through the waterfront houses that get decked out on Dec. 14 and 15.
People sing from the bow of a boat as it makes its way past homes during the 60th annual Huntington Harbour Boat Parade in Huntington Beach on Saturday evening, December 10, 2022. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Decorated boats make their way through Dana Point Harbor during the 48th annual Boat Parade of Lights on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. ..(Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)
A boat covered in lights and various holiday decorations makes its way past homes during the 60th annual Huntington Harbour Boat Parade in Huntington Beach on Saturday evening, December 10, 2022. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Decorated boats cruise the harbor during the 115th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade in Newport Beach in 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The annual L.A. Harbor Holiday Boat Parade, a 63-year-old tradition showcasing a vibrant array of decorated boats as it moves through the main channel of San Pedro and Wilmington took place Saturday evening Dec. 7, 2024. Officials and community leaders play important roles in the parade. They serve as judges or passengers on around 50 parade boats. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
Decorated boats cruise the harbor during the 115th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade in Newport Beach, CA, on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Decorated boats cruise the harbor during the 115th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade in Newport Beach, CA, on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
An all-Disney character boat complete with a princess drifts by the beach at Marina Park as the Newport Beach Boat Parade kicked off on Wednesday night, celebrating its 114th year in Newport Beach on Wednesday, December 14, 2022. (Sam Gangwer, Contributing Photographer)
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People sing from the bow of a boat as it makes its way past homes during the 60th annual Huntington Harbour Boat Parade in Huntington Beach on Saturday evening, December 10, 2022. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
In Newport Beach, you’ll find the largest boat parade around, each night from Dec. 18 through Dec. 22, everything from mega yachts to kayaks making their way during a harbor show. My favorite viewing place is Marina Park, where there’s festivities for the kids and a great beach area to set out a towel to marvel as the boats cruise by.
Dana Point’s parade happens on Dec. 13 through Dec. 15, with decked-out boats starting at 6 p.m. making their rounds through the waterways. Make sure to take a stroll around the harbor and snap a photo under the “Merry Kiss Me” display and check out the big, blue whale made out of lights for a selfie shot.
Newport Dunes is also a great place on the water to visit, with lit-up decorations set out on the water. This year, they even have fire dancers putting on a show. Get there early to nab a spot at a fire ring to roast some s’mores!
