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, Emmy-nominated Shrinking, McGinley brings his signature charm and festive cheer as Grand Marshal of this year’s Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, themed “Magical Nights of Lights.”
A true Newport Beach native, Ted McGinley was born and raised in the coastal destination, where he grew up playing water polo, worked as a lifeguard, and attended Newport Harbor High School. With a career spanning decades of beloved television and film performances, McGinley’s warm personality, magnetic charm, and lifelong connection to Newport Beach make him the ideal choice to lead this year’s celebration. His presence brings a perfect blend of hometown pride and holiday magic, setting the tone for an unforgettable parade experience that celebrates community and the joy of the season.
“I’m beyond honored to be named Grand Marshal of the 117th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade,” says McGinley. “This harbor and community shaped who I am, from my days at Newport Harbor High School to lifeguarding and playing water polo here. Being part of an event I have enjoyed firsthand, whether from home or on the water, and seeing the joy it brings to generations of families, truly feels like coming home. I can’t wait to celebrate ‘Magical Nights of Lights’ with everyone and kick off a holiday tradition that means so much to all of us.”
On opening night (December 17th), McGinley will ride aboard the parade’s official Grand Marshal vessel, complete with an impressive deck-to-sail LED display visible to spectators along the route. Joining an iconic lineup of past Grand Marshals, McGinley follows last year’s Newport Beach native and filmmaker McG, along with Hallmark Channel stars Andrew Walker and Nikki DeLoach, actress Leslie Mann, HGTV star Christina Haack, rockstar Mark McGrath, and baseball legend Albert Pujols.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Newport Beach native Ted McGinley as our Grand Marshal for this year’s boat parade,” says Gary Sherwin, President and CEO of Visit Newport Beach. “Ted grew up right here, so he knows firsthand the excitement and magic that fill the harbor each holiday season. We can’t wait for him to kick off opening night and celebrate the joy and festive spirit of ‘Magical Nights of Lights’ with everyone who loves Newport Beach as much as we do.”
