Viewing
As the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade moves it way through the Newport Harbor, you can view the parade from almost any place on the shore FREE of cost. With thousands of people viewing the parade each evening, please allow extra time for travel and arrive as early as possible. All city parking lots will be open throughout the parade to accommodate viewers.
Parade Route and Times
The 2011 Parade
will utilize the same starting and ending point as last year,
located off Bay Island, and follow the same route as last year.
Click the above icon to download a color PDF of the parade route
with the time it passes various points on the harbor.
Restaurants / Boat Charters
Additionally, many waterfront restaurants in Newport Beach offer exceptional views of the Newport Harbor Christmas Boat Parade. Most restaurants sell out early, so call soon to make reservations.
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Chamber Member Restaurants with a view of the Parade (PDF) |
There are a number of charter boat companies that offer public and private cruises on the harbor during the parade. Most charter boats sell out early, so call soon to make reservations.
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Chamber Member Yacht Charter companies(PDF) |
Viewing and Live Commentary
If this is your first time to see the parade, a great place to view the parade is at the Fun Zone. Admission is FREE and there is plenty of nearby parking.
Captain Mike Whitehead will return for each of the five nights of the parade with live commentary at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum located in the Fun Zone.
Reserved Seating
Seating is available at the American Legion Post 291 located at
215 15th Street. Hosted by the Sons of the American Legion, Newport
Harbor Squadron 291, this venue features meal service, bar and
more. It usually sells out, so call (714) 721-5796 and to reserve
your spot today.
>MORE INFORMATION...
In addition, the Newport Sea Base at 1931 W. Coast Hwy. invites
you to join them on their lawn for an incredible view of the
Parade. Bring your friends and family as the acclaimed parade
illuminates the harbor. Sea Scouts will be selling food, drinks,
snacks and glow sticks - all you need to provide is a blanket to
keep warm. Contact the Newport Sea Base at (949) 642-5031 for more
details, as they also fill up in advance.
>MORE INFORMATION...
A great place to view the parade is from luxury of a bay front
room at The Balboa Bay Club & Resort. Or maybe spend the night
in a courtyard room and watch the Parade at Duke's Place or on the
beach. There is even a Barbeque each evening for you and your
guests to enjoy. Guests of the hotel are guaranteed parking. Call
949 645-5000.
>MORE
INFORMATION...
Directions to the Harbor
North:
- Take the 405 fwy South to the 55 fwy South
- Stay on the 55 fwy until it ends at Newport Blvd.
- Continue straight on Newport Blvd. until you see the Newport Harbor on your left.
South:
- Take 405 freeway North to55 fwy South.
- Stay on the 55 fwy until it ends at Newport Blvd.
- Continue straight on Newport Blvd. until you see the Newport Harbor on your left.
From PCH:
- North to Newport Blvd. (Balboa Peninsula) Exit.
- You will see the Newport Harbor on your left.
- South to Newport Blvd. (Balboa Peninsula).
- You will see the Newport Harbor on your left.
There is parking available in all City Parking lots. Additionally, street parking along the parade route is also available. As the parade draws thousands of people, please allow extra travel time to find parking! For more information about the Christmas Boat Parade, please call (949) 729-4400.
