The Annual Christmas Boat Parade in Newport Beach

A Historic Tradition To Be Carried On

The Christmas Boat Parade is one of Newport Beach's many claim to fames. It has a long history dating all the way back to 1919 when Joseph Beek, the owner and operator of the Balboa Ferry, started the “Balboa Tournament of Lights”. People flocked from all over to come see the lights including both Balboa Peninsula and Balboa Island. Beek created the floats in his own garage and he designed them to look like the ones in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. Children were excited to be a part of the festivities and helped by decorating the floats that were displayed in the harbor. Over the years, people became more creative designing their floats to be super unique.

In 1946, the city employees of Newport Beach designed a holiday inspired float complete with a Christmas Tree adorned with lights and decorations. As they towed the holiday float around Newport Harbor, Christmas Carols were sang to get all of the spectators and city of Newport in the holiday spirit. The tradition has continued today as more than 200 boats spread holiday cheer by participating in the Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. 

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A Family Affair

For many familes, the Newport Beach Boat Parade is the Christmas event they excitedly look forward to every year. A perfect balance of offerings for both children and adults, all ages will surely be entertained and have an extrodinary experience from beginning to end. Not only are the boats, yachts, and floats lit up, but the estates on the harbor have their own contest for the best holiday lights and decorations called The Ring of Lights. Enjoy the elaborate decorations, breathe in the crisp ocean air, listen to the Christmas carolers, and grab a bite to eat from a local restraurant that is located on the harbor. 

Prime Parade Viewing Spots

There are many options to view the Boat Parade all of which will leave you with wonderful lasting memories. Watch the boats go by from the public docks and viewing areas along Balboa Peninsula and Balboa Island, or get dinner and drinks and watch the excitement from inside a cozy bay front restaurant such as the Newport Landing Restaurant, Harborside Restaurant, and Woody’s Wharf. You also have the fun option of crusing along in a boat tour which guarantees you to see the most amount of decorated houses and boats in the parade. This is very popular so you must make a reservation with the Newport Landing or Davey’s Locker Sportfishing companies in the Balboa Village. Another special option is to watch the parade from the comfort of your very own beautiful bayfront vacation rental. The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is an event for all and cannot be missed! 

This Spectacular Bayfront home has prime viewing location!

Published on Friday, November 3, 2017