FAMILY FUN KICKS OFF THE PARADE WITH GREAT VIEWING OF THE 2026 NEWPORT BEACH CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE AT MARINA PARK
FAMILY FUN KICKS OFF THE PARADE WITH GREAT VIEWING OF THE 2026 NEWPORT BEACH CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE AT MARINA PARK
Bring the entire family to the 10.5 acre Marina Park (1600 W Balboa Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92663), the largest public viewing location on the parade route.
Open to the public and admission is free.
Register your boat for the Parade or home in the Ring of Lights waterfront decorating competition. Participants receive special commemorative items and are eligible for awards.
As the 118th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade moves its way through the Newport Harbor this December, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Committee, with the leadership of The Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, will continue with its parade route starting and ending point at Tip of Lido Isle. The parade will begin at approximately 6:30 p.m. each night from December 16 – 20, 2026.
Parade participants will start from the east end of Lido Island following the celebrated route, with the first public viewing destination at the 10.5-acre Marina Park. The community park offers 177 parking spaces, nautical-themed playground, picnic area and sailing center, and is also the largest public viewing area along the parade route, creating an optimal location to gather and enjoy the festivities.
Residents and visitors will have optimal viewing of the beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes sail in the parade from the Dine & Watch waterfront and Dine & Walk dining options within walking distance of the many public viewing spots.
Please reference the site map with times the parade passes various destination points.
Plan your perfect parade experience by viewing the official route map, complete with key viewing locations and estimated arrival times. Download the high-resolution printable map to choose the ideal spot along Newport Harbor.
FAMILY FUN KICKS OFF THE PARADE WITH GREAT VIEWING OF THE 2026 NEWPORT BEACH CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE AT MARINA PARK
Bring the entire family to the 10.5 acre Marina Park (1600 W Balboa Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92663), the largest public viewing location on the parade route.
Open to the public and admission is free.
On the opening night of the parade on Wednesday, December 16 at approximately 6:15 pm, a special opening fireworks display will take place off the Newport Pier to kick off the parade.
Safety is always our most important concern. Fireworks will commence as long as it is safe to do so as determined by Federal, State and Local guidelines. Please check back for more updates.
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is expanding our nighttime spectacular with our in-air drone shows. In addition to the millions of lights on the water, our colorful holiday drone shows will be visible from two locations making them visible from both ends of the harbor. Don’t miss it as we light up the skies over the Balboa Bay Resort and from Peninsula Park near the Fun Zone each night of the Parade.
Wednesday, December 16
Balboa Bay Club – 6:00 pm and 8:15 pm | Peninsula Park – 6:45 pm and 8:00 pm
Thursday, December 17
Balboa Bay Club – 6:15 pm and 8:15 pm | Peninsula Park – 6:45 pm and 8:00 pm
Friday, December 18
Balboa Bay Club – 6:15 pm and 8:15 pm | Peninsula Park – 6:45 pm and 8:00 pm
Saturday, December 19
Balboa Bay Club – 6:15 pm and 8:15 pm | Peninsula Park – 6:45 pm and 8:00 pm
Sunday, December 20
Balboa Bay Club – 6:15 pm and 8:15 pm | Peninsula Park – 6:45 pm and 8:00 pm
Opening Night with Fireworks
6:15pm Fireworks @ Newport Pier
6:30pm Parade begins
Grand Marshal
TED MCGINLEY | Hollywood Star and Newport Beach Native
The beloved Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is returning for its 117th year, and this year, the festivities will shine brighter than ever with Hollywood star and Newport Beach native Ted McGinley serving as Grand Marshal for opening night. Celebrated for his roles on television classics like Happy Days, The Love Boat, Married…with Children, and most recently.
Joining the festivities is the CdM Drum Line, one of the premier performing groups at Corona del Mar High School. It serves as a musical ambassador, performing regularly in pep rallies as well as school and community events.
Joining the festivities is the CdM Drum Line, one of the premier performing groups at Corona del Mar High School. It serves as a musical ambassador, performing regularly in pep rallies as well as school and community events.
Joining the festivities is the CdM Drum Line, one of the premier performing groups at Corona del Mar High School. It serves as a musical ambassador, performing regularly in pep rallies as well as school and community events.
Joining the festivities is the CdM Drum Line, one of the premier performing groups at Corona del Mar High School. It serves as a musical ambassador, performing regularly in pep rallies as well as school and community events.
