The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade returns for its 118th year Wednesday through Sunday, December 16 to 20, 2026. Decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes sail Newport Harbor each night beginning at about 6:30 p.m.
The Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce hosts the parade.
The route
Boats set out from the east end of Lido Island, and the route starts and ends at the tip of Lido Isle. The official site posts a route map with estimated times at viewing points around the harbor.
Where families can watch
Marina Park, 1600 W. Balboa Blvd., is the largest public viewing area on the route. Admission is free. The 10.5 acre park has a nautical themed playground, a picnic area and 177 parking spaces.
Fireworks and drone shows
Opening night, Wednesday, December 16, begins with fireworks off the Newport Pier at about 6:15 p.m., as long as conditions are safe.
Holiday drone shows run every parade night over the Balboa Bay Club and from Peninsula Park near the Fun Zone, with two shows at each spot. Check the official schedule for exact times.
Ring of Lights
Waterfront homeowners can also enter the Ring of Lights, a decorating competition held alongside the parade.
Sources
Featured photo: Don Ramey Logan via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0. The photo shows a lighted boat in the 2016 parade.
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