From ‘Wicked’ to Who-Ville, owners deck their boats for Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

The Wicked Witch of the West rode her broomstick over the stern of a boat in the Newport Harbor, green lighting and smoke creating a theatrical backdrop.

The Grinch watched from his mountain down onto a Who-ville of characters on the deck of a yacht glowing with Christmas trees.

And on another vessel, all manner of Disney characters in holiday scenes bobbed with the waves.

Yet again, boat owners have gone all out for the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, decorating vessels of all shapes and sizes in lights and decorations, playing music and some even featuring actors.

This is the water parade’s 117th year, and it will continue to run nightly through Sunday. There are also drone shows planned each night above the Balboa Bay Club and Peninsula Park.

Actor and Newport Beach native Ted McGinley helped launch the parade on its opening night Wednesday.

The parade floats a 14-mile route beginning and ending at the Tip of Lido Isle; the more than 100 participating boats head out about 6:30 p.m. For more information, including the best public places for viewing, visit christmasboatparade.com.