An exciting December holiday event will be happening in Newport Beach, California. Starting on December 18th, the 111th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights begins and is expected to attract over a million viewers each year. The parade has been recognized by The New York Times as one of the nation’s top ten holiday happenings. Additionally, Yahoo has ranked Newport Beach the “#2 City in the Nation for Holiday Lights”!

The parade is a delightful way to experience the holiday spirit with this spectacular display of beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes that makes its way through the 14-mile harbor course for all to see. Below you will find 5StarTips on what you should know to view and really enjoy this dazzling parade.

5StarTips🌟:

🌟 Parade Times and Schedule:

The boat parade begins and ends at the tip of Lido Isle and starts approximately at 6:30 p.m. each night.

The schedule is as follows:

December 18 – 22, 2019

WEDNESDAY, December 18

Opening Night with Fireworks

6:15 pm Fireworks @ Newport Pier
6:30 pm Parade begins

Grand Marshal

Christina Anstead | Star of HGTV’s “Christina on the Coast” and “Flip or Flop”

6:15 PM – Fireworks at Newport Pier 
6:30 PM – Parade Begins
Grand Marshal: Christina Anstead | Star of HGTV’s “Christina on the Coast” and “Flip or Flop”

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19

6:30 PM – Parade Begins
Grand Marshals: Newport Chamber Honors: Business Person of the Year Jim Walker and Citizen of the Year Nancy Gardner

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20

6:30 PM – Parade Begins
Grand Marshals: The Young Americans® – a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of understanding and goodwill among people throughout the world.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21

6:30 PM – Parade Begins
Grand Marshals: A Salute to Hometown Heroes

We salute our Newport Beach local heroes – those first-responders and lifesavers who serve our local communities. Join us in celebrating these selfless professionals dedicated to keeping our city safe.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22

Closing Night with Fireworks

6:30 PM – Parade Begins
9:05 PM – Fireworks at Balboa Pier (just after the parade concludes)

Grand Marshals: Corona del Mar High School Drum Line accompanied by Sugar Ray’s Stan Frazier

The CdM Drum Line is one of the premier performing groups at Corona del Mar High School.  It serves as a musical ambassador, performing in pep rallies and school and community events. Stan Frazier, drummer and songwriter from SUGAR RAY will also team up with the kids!

Directions: Free public viewing and where to park:

Anyone can enjoy the display for free from various locations, including the new 10.5-acre Marina Park.

5StarTip🌟: The Park offers 177 parking spaces, and it is the largest public viewing area along the parade route.

This is a very popular event in Newport Beach. It is best to arrive as early as possible before the parade begins and find a good parking spot. City parking lots will be open throughout the parade.

For a map of the parade route click here: Public Viewing Locations

🌟 Enjoy the Parade From a Boat

My favorite way to view the parade is from a boat. This way you can also see all the beautifully decorated houses along the route as well. There are a few yacht charter companies that you can choose from too. Call them or visit their websites for information about how you can experience the parade from the water.

Click here for more information: Boat/Yacht Charters

🌟 Dine at a Waterfront Restaurant

There are several waterfront restaurant options. To decide which will best appeal to your appetite, below is a link to suggestions with phone numbers to make reservations. Try to reserve as soon as possible!

Click here for more information: Dining Options

🌟 Stay at a Waterfront Always5Star Resort/Hotel

My personal recommendation is to stay at the:

Newport Beach Balboa Bay Resort Hotel
1221 West Coast Highway

Beautiful views can be had from their Waterline Newport Beach, A&O Kitchen+Bar restaurant, or splurge and reserve a room at the Balboa Bay Resort Hotel and request a bayfront guest room. This way you can enjoy sipping champagne while the parade passes by at approximately 8:34 pm. Cheers!

Final Thoughts:

Whether you are a visitor to Newport Beach or a resident, you will love seeing this fabulous boat parade. To maximize your enjoyment, be sure to follow these 5StarTips. I am sure that you will have a fabulous evening and will be putting it on your calendar to enjoy it again next year. Have an Always5Star festive Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights! Cheers!

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