🛥️ 117th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade & Ring of Lights 2025
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, celebrating its 117th year, is the premier holiday event in Southern California, transforming Newport Harbor into a dazzling maritime spectacle. Hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, this tradition features hundreds of decorated vessels, from small kayaks to multi-million dollar yachts, competing for top honors. The parade is complemented by the Ring of Lights competition, where waterfront homes and businesses join the festivities with their own extravagant light displays. This blend of nautical and coastal holiday spirit is viewed by over a million spectators annually.
Essential Visitor Information
Detail Information
Parade Dates Wednesday, December 17 – Sunday, December 21, 2025 (5 nights)
Parade Times (Nightly) The parade begins at approximately 6:30 PM each night.
Parade Theme “Magical Nights of Lights”
Parade Route Begins and ends at the Tip of Lido Isle, traveling a loop through the harbor.
Preparation Tip Arrive early (3-4 hours on parade nights) to secure parking and viewing spots, as traffic and crowds are significant. Dress in layers, as evenings can be chilly on the water.
Attractions & Ways to Watch
A visitor planning a trip has numerous options, ranging from free public viewing to luxury dinner cruises:
1. Shoreline Viewing (Free)
Watching from the shore is free and offers several excellent public vantage points:
- Marina Park: The largest public viewing location on the parade route (1600 W Balboa Blvd). This 10.5-acre park offers a nautical-themed playground, picnic area, and is a great family spot. The parade passes Marina Park around 6:45 PM each night.
- Balboa Island: Walking along the perimeter of the island offers prime views of both the Boat Parade and the extravagantly decorated homes in the Ring of Lights competition.
- Balboa Village / Fun Zone: Key viewing spots include areas along Edgewater Place and the Balboa Fun Zone.
- Lookout Point & China Cove Beach: Offer great overlooks and direct waterfront views.
2. Opening & Closing Night Fireworks
The parade kicks off and concludes with pyrotechnic displays:
- Opening Night Fireworks: On Wednesday, December 17th, a special fireworks display will take place off the Newport Pier at approximately 6:15 PM to officially commence the parade.
- Closing Night Fireworks: The parade traditionally ends with a fireworks display on Sunday, December 21st (though the specific location should be confirmed closer to the date).
- New Attraction: Look up! Drone Shows are also scheduled to take place above the harbor on select nights.
3. Dining & Reserved Seating
- Dine & Watch: Over a dozen restaurants around Newport Harbor offer direct waterfront views of the parade. These are typically the most expensive viewing option (often with pre-fixed menus) and require reservations far in advance. Examples include Harborside Restaurant and Rusty Pelican Restaurant.
- Reserved Seating: Limited reserved seating is often available at locations like the American Legion and the Newport Sea Base.
4. Viewing From the Water (Cruises & Charters)
The most immersive way to experience the event is to be part of the parade fleet:
- Parade Cruises: Companies like Newport Landing and Davey's Locker offer 75-minute cruises that actually travel with the boat parade route during the five nights of the event. Reservations are required and highly recommended in advance.
- Holiday Lights Cruises: Throughout the entire holiday season (Nov 29, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026), you can take nightly cruises to view the decorated waterfront homes and ships, even on nights when the official parade is not running.
- Private Charters: Rent a private yacht or electric boat for a customized group experience.
Featured Grand Marshals
A different celebrity or group serves as the Grand Marshal each night, adding a special touch to the evening:
Date Grand Marshal Highlight
Wednesday, Dec 17 Hollywood Star and Newport Beach Native Ted McGinley
Saturday, Dec 20 The 2025 ROSE QUEEN® and ROYAL COURT
Sunday, Dec 21 Orange County School of the Arts Performance Group MONTAGE!
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Newport Harbor, Newport Harbor, Newport, RI, United States
USD 49.87
