Free118th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade & Ring of Lights
Through Dec 20Dec 16 – Dec 20 · 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM · Wednesday, Dec 16 through Sunday, Dec 20, 2026; 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM nightly. Parade begins each evening at the tip of Lido Isle at 6:30 PM and passes Marina Park at approx 6:45 PM. Drone shows nightly around 6:15 PM and 8:15 PM. Fireworks on opening night (Dec 16) at 6:15 PM.
Marina Park & Newport Harbor1600 W Balboa Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92663 · 36.0 mi approx. from Los AngelesDirections
All ages (family-friendly parks, nautical playground at Marina Park, sandy public beach viewing)
FreeFree public shore viewing from Marina Park, Balboa Peninsula, and Balboa Island. Optional paid grandstand bleachers (–) and harbor cruise charters available.
About this adventure
One of the oldest and grandest nautical holiday traditions in the United States, dating back to 1908. Over 100 elaborately decorated mega-yachts, vintage sailboats, electric Duffy boats, and festively lighted watercraft parade along a 14-mile route around Newport Harbor each night for five spectacular evenings. Vessels sparkle with hundreds of thousands of animated holiday lights, synchronized music, and costumed holiday characters. Opening night (Wednesday, Dec 16) features an opening-night holiday market at Marina Park from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and spectacular fireworks launched from the Newport Pier at 6:15 PM, plus synchronized nightly drone light shows high over Newport Harbor.
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