Christmas Boat Parade

117TH ANNUAL NEWPORT BEACH CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE RETURNS WITH NEW THEME: “MAGICAL NIGHTS OF LIGHTS”

Beloved Holiday Tradition Set to Dazzle with New Competitive Battle Of The Bay, Over-the-Top Décor, and Nightly Drone Shows

Winning theme selected from nearly 200 submissions by Newport Beach locals and parade enthusiasts

The theme captures the enchantment and wonder of the holiday season, transforming the harbor into a dazzling winter spectacle where creativity and imagination shine

Michael Fleming and his family, residents of Costa Mesa, submitted the winning theme this year.

The anticipation for this year’s event is building like never before. Parade-goers can look forward to pyrotechnics, synchronized light shows, moving displays, singers, dancers, and much more, all viewable from nearly 50 locations along the 14-mile route around Newport Harbor. This year promises to be the biggest and brightest celebration yet, featuring jaw-dropping boat décor, immersive activations, and exciting new elements designed to thrill spectators of all ages!

“We have been watching the parade for many, many years. Last year, I was struck with how magical this event is and that gave me the inspiration for our theme submission of “Magical Nights of Lights. There really is nothing like it anywhere else. We are so excited our theme was chosen and can’t wait to see how the boats decorate.”

Michael Fleming- Costa Mesa

Parade Theme History

2024     Christmas Across the Decades

2023      The Most Festive Coastal Destination in America

2021      Jingle on the Waves

2017      The Holidays Shine Brighter in Newport Beach

2015      Seas the Holidays

2014      Deck the Hulls with Bows of Jolly

2013      Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree

2012      Surf, Sand & Santa

2011      Feelin Christmas-Sea in Newport Beach

2010      Lights…Camera..Christmas in Newport Beach

2009      The Joys of Christmas Toys

2008      100 Years of Christmas Cheer

2007      Twas the Lights before Christmas

2006      Holiday Magic Through the Eyes of a Child

2005      A Centennial Celebration of Lights

2004      A Winter Waterland

2003      A Holiday Beach Celebration

2002      Celebrating America with Lights

2001      Let Freedom Ring