Christmas Boat Parades in LA & Orange County

‘Tis the season! With miles and miles of coastline, Southern California loves to celebrate the holidays with one the best ways we know how — on the water! See hundreds of festively decorated boats and ships as they light up the harbors. Here’s a list of parades happening in LA & Orange County.

Christmas Boat Parades in Los Angeles

LA Harbor Holiday Afloat Parade

Port of LA | San Pedro / Wilmington
Saturday, December 4, 2021
Starts 6pm

See dozens of brightly decorated vessels of all shapes and sizes including tall ships, powerboats, sailboats, and harbor working craft. The parade travels through the Port of Los Angeles main channel.

Viewing: Spectator viewing areas includes Banning’s Landing, Battleship IOWA, Maritime Museum, Ports O’ Call, and many more spots along the channel. See the parade route and more viewing areas.

Website: laharborholidayafloat.com

Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade

Saturday, December 11, 2021
Fireworks: 5:55pm
Parade: 6pm

Approximately 25,000 people view the Marina del Rey Boat Parade each year. A fireworks display kicks off the evening on the jetty near the entrance of the main channel.

Viewing: The public can view the parade and listen to live announcements at two locations:

• Burton Chance Park: Plan a family or holiday viewing party in the park. Listen to music and live commentary.
• Fisherman’s Village: Stake your place along the channel or grab an early seat at one of the restaurants! The parade route circles the main Marina channel and you couldn’t have a better seat!

Website: mdrboatparade.org

39th Annual Shoreline Holiday Boat Parade

Downtown Long Beach
Saturday, December 11, 2021
Starts 5:30pm

Boats will cruise through the downtown marinas and Rainbow Harbor. View the parade from restaurants and boardwalk at Shoreline Village, Shoreline Park around the Lighthouse, and the Marina breakwall.

Website: Details found at www.shorelineyachtclub.com and www.seecalifornia.com.

King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade

Redondo Beach
Saturday, December 11, 2021

This year’s theme is Into the Lights, a special tribute to first responders and local healthcare heroes for the sacrifices they have made during COVID. Best viewing spots include Moonstone Park and parts south on Mole B. The parade usually does not go out to the pier.

Website: kingharborboatparade.org

Naples Island 75th Annual Boat Parade

Long Beach
Saturday, December 18, 2021
Starts 6pm

The large boat parade starts at Naples Plaza Park at 6pm, followed by the small boat parade beginning at Appian Way Bridge at 6:30pm. Carolers will also be walking around the Island and singing holiday songs by the bridges. Homes in Naples have also been decorated for the holidays in theme with the boat parade. This year’s theme is Diamonds on the Bay.

Website: naplesca.com

Christmas Boat Parades in Orange County

113th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

Wednesday – Sunday | Dec 15-19, 2021

Fireworks Display: A special fireworks display will kick off the parade on Wednesday, December 15 at approximately 6:15pm off the Newport Pier. Another fireworks display will close out the parade on Sunday, December 19 at approximately 9pm off the Balboa Pier.

Viewing: The parade moves through the Newport Harbor, and you can view the parade from almost any place on the shore. The parade will start and finish at the tip of Lido Isle. See the map and schedule.

Best Viewing Spots:

• Marina Park: Largest public viewing area along the parade route.
• Balboa Fun Zone: Waterfront Ferris Wheel and arcade games.
• Dine & Watch / Dine & Walk: Local restaurants offer dining options and views of the parade.
• On a Boat! Many boat companies offer public and private cruises on the harbor during the parade. It’s a great way to see and be right in the middle of the parade!

Website: www.christmasboatparade.com

Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights

December 10-12, 2021
Friday & Saturday | 7:30pm
Sunday | 6pm

The Harbor’s much anticipated annual Boat Parade of Lights takes place this year with a “Fiesta Holiday” theme. The Jolly Trolley will run throughout the parade.

Website: danapointharbor.com/holidays-at-the-harbor

59th Annual Huntington Harbour Boat Parade

Saturday & Sunday | December 11-12, 2021
Line Up: 4:30pm
Parade: 5:15pm

This year’s theme is American Dream: Rock the Harbour. Public viewing available at beaches only, parking is extremely limited. Unlike many other boat parades, this one is an entirely volunteer effort.

Website: hhboatparade.org

Villa Park Dry Land Boat Parade

Sunday, December 12, 2021
Starts 5pm

The dry land boat parade is an asphalt harbor tour where 50+ vessels travel through Villa Park. Typically there are all forms of decorated boats and wheeled transports such as golf carts, Segways, trucks, classic cars, kayaks, jet skis, and many more creative vehicles. Kids line up the streets eagerly waiting for candy to be tossed overboard. The parade can be viewed from Lemon Street and Villa Park Elementary.

Normally, the parade culminates that the Villa Park Towne Centre, where there’s a celebration and tree lighting. Unfortunately, due to health and safety concerns, there will be no celebration after the parade this year.

Website: villapark.co/dry-land-boat-parade

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This post was written by Kidsguide