Each December, glistening lights dance on the waterways, floating parades of boats big and small decked out for the holidays.
The granddaddy of them all, Newport Beach’s famed boat parade, which has been going on for 117 years, has become a must-do for residents and tourists alike. Dana Point’s Boat Parade of Lights is marks a major milestone this year when it launches Dec. 12.
Some of the other upcoming boat parades are more intimate affairs aimed at bringing the community together, including in two land-locked towns, and while they may not have the glitz and glam of more well-known parades, they are certainly worth checking out for their festive cheer.
Dana Point
The 50th annual Boat Parade of Lights sets sail through the Dana Point Harbor from Dec. 12 through 14, starting at 6:30 p.m. each night.
This year’s theme is the “Golden Jubilee – Carol of the Boats.” Local boaters will transform their vessels into floating festive displays for a chance at $10,000 in cash prizes.
Award categories include Best Use of Theme, People’s Choice, Supervisor’s Cup and Mayor’s Cup.
Dana Point boater Randy Profecta said the parade has become a family tradition, a “must-see” for all.
“It starts with a meeting of family members to see how best to decorate our boat so it coincides with the theme, a parade theme that changes every year,” he said, describing the lead up as: “Hours spent together planning, decorating, improvising and preparing. Putting together our guest list. Praying for good weather. Bundling up for the parade.”
What really makes it special, he said, is the reaction of the thousands of spectators lining the route “as we pass by, our crew singing and dancing.”
Spectators can view the parade from public spaces along the route, from a local restaurant or even on a boat. The local charter companies run nightly for those who want to be a part of the procession.
Parking should be easier with the addition of the new parking structure that opened earlier this year. And the harbor is again glowing with its holiday decorations featuring more than 700,000 lights, including the popular “Merry Kiss Me” arch and giant whale, which are popular for photo opportunities.
More information: danapointharbor.com/events.
Newport Beach
This year’s Christmas Boat Parade will float through the Newport Harbor from Dec. 17 to Dec. 21. It is one of the longest-running in the country and draws more than a million visitors each year, local officials say, to check out the more than 100 boats that circle the harbor’s waterways each night.
There’s everything from small Duffy boats to large mega yachts whose owners spend weeks, and often big bucks, to decorate their decks in hopes of winning bragging rights.
This year’s theme is “Magical Nights of Lights.” Synchronized light drone shows, held twice nightly, “will light up the sky above Newport Harbor, adding a modern, magical twist to the festivities,” organizers said. There are also fireworks shows on some days.
The parade floats a 14-mile route beginning and ending at the Tip of Lido Isle.
Opening night at Marina Park will feature a holiday market, live music, entertainment, photo ops and kid activities. The free event kicks off at 4 p.m. and runs through 8 p.m., with fireworks planned for 6:15 p.m. and the parade passing at about 6:54 p.m.
The 2025 grand marshal is Newport Beach native Ted McGinley, an actor known for his roles in “Happy Days,” “The Love Boat,” “Married…with Children” and most recently, “Shrinking.”
For more information, including the best public places to view from or restaurants with viewing areas: christmasboatparade.com.
Huntington Beach
The Huntington Harbour Boat Parade will embark on its 63rd year on Dec. 13 and 14. Boats line up at 4:30 p.m. and the parade starts at 5:15 p.m.
This year, the theme is “Fun With Music” and the grand marshal is Madeline Fields.
Public viewing is from the beaches only. Track the route and get more information at HHBoatParade.org.
The Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Committee will host its Cruise of Lights fundraiser from Dec. 19 to 23. It’s a 45-minute narrated boat tour to see the holiday lights around the harbor.
Adults pay $26, children $19. Cruises depart hourly each evening at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Information: cruiseoflights.org
Inland boat parades
Coastal towns aren’t the only ones with a tradition of hosting cheer on the water.
East Lake Village homes are known for going bright with decorations for the holidays, and that includes their boats, which they will parade around the Yorba Linda community’s lake at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 13 and 14.
The community can watch from the public streets around the lakefront neighborhood. Food trucks will be available from 5 to 7 p.m. at the East Lake Clubhouse. Information: elvca.com
And here’s a fun twist to a boat parade: The beloved Dry Land Boat Parade will return to Villa Park on Dec. 14 this year with a “Reeling in the Holidays” theme.
Each year, residents decorate their trailered boats – and just about anything else with wheels – to join in a citywide display of holiday cheer with the “asphalt boat parade.”
Neighborhood watch parties bring lookie-loos together to watch the decked-out vessels pass by homes.
The parade, now in its 27th year, starts at 5 p.m. on Taft Avenue at Villa Park High and ends there.
A parade route and schedule are available at vpcsfoundation.org