Celebrate Christmas and coastal Orange County living with the boat parade.You won’t get a white Christmas while enjoying coastal Orange County living, but this area does offer some unique events. One such event is the 111th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights 2019. Come out to view gorgeous light displays on the bayfront estates as well as the boat parade. More than 1.5 million people come to experience the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade every season and many families have made it a part of their tradition every year.

Coastal Orange County Living Means Holidays on the Water

This tradition started over 100 years ago with about 12 boats sailing through the water with decorations. Today there are hundreds of boats of all shapes and sizes that have unique and elaborate displays. Watch for small boats like canoes and kayaks as well as huge yachts with thousands of dollars of lights and decorations on display.

The parade will take place each night from Wednesday, December 18th through Sunday, December 22, 2019 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Opening and closing nights will include additional festivities such as fireworks. View the parade from the shore, a few of the best spots include The Fun Zone, Balboa Village, Harborside Restaurant, and Rusty Pelican Restaurant. Seating can also be reserved at the American Legion or the Newport Sea Base.

Yet it can be argued that the best place to view the parade and decorated coastal Orange County homes is by boat. Newport Landing will offer three opportunities each night to get out on the water to view the boats and homes. Each cruise will last 60-90 minutes and the start times are 5:30, 7:05, and 8:30. This is a terrific way to get the whole experience and make the most of coastal Orange County living at Christmas time. Read more about the parade and find information to make a reservation for a cruise to see the Christmas Boat Parade