The Christmas boat event in Newport Bay, Orange County, is one of the oldest events in Southern California. The Christmas decorations and lights on Balboa Island, Lido Isle, and along the coastal promenade make it one of the prime locations to experience the Christmas spirit in Southern California. In 2020 and 2024, President Trump visited the area to raise funds and was warmly welcomed by the local and neighboring residents.
The 116th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade of Lights Cruises will kick off on Wednesday, December 18th, and conclude on Sunday, December 22nd. Opening and closing nights will feature fireworks and other celebratory activities, with hundreds of beautifully decorated yachts and small boats adorned with thousands of lights competing for awards across various categories.
Each evening, the boat parade includes three cruise times (5:30, 7:05, and 8:30 pm), each lasting between 60 to 90 minutes. Approximately 1.5 million people watch each year, with millions of holiday lights along the coast making Newport Bay a “must-see” destination during the Christmas season, requiring advance online ticket reservations.
Popular viewing spots on land include the Balboa Fun Zone/Boardwalk, Peninsula Point Beach, the walkways on both sides of the Balboa Island Ferry Terminal, and Lido Park.
Surrounding restaurants provide excellent locations for dining with family and viewing the boats, such as the Newport Landing Restaurant located at the starting point of the boat parade, Harborside restaurant, Rusty Pelican, Blue Water Grill, Balboa Bay Club, and more.
In addition to the five-day Christmas boat parade, from December 6th to January 1st, there are Holiday Lights Cruises lasting approximately one hour, featuring decorated boats that also participate in the Ring of Lights competition. Taking the Holiday Cruise provides a scenic tour of Newport Bay, showcasing the stunning light displays of the coastal area and competing boats. It offers 85% of the fun of the Christmas boat parade while avoiding crowded areas and parking difficulties.