Tips for Watching the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

If you are looking for a great place to view some of the best Christmas Lights in Orange County and also enjoy the twinkling lights upon Newport Bay, then the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is an awesome choice! Happening this yer from December 13 - 17, 2023!

We have a tradition of going to the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade every year.

The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. each night from December 13 - 17, 2023. It starts and ends point at Tip of Lido Isle so you can find lots of different places in Newport Harbour to view it.

Our family always goes to the Balboa Fun Zone so that we can also get a bite to eat. There is always plenty of parking over at the beach which is just a short walk to the Balboa Fun Zone. We usually find some treats and cocoa to enjoy, and then take the Ferry over to Balboa Island and walk along the island to look at the Balboa Peninsula house Christmas lights.

On the nights of the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, you get to see the boats AND houses decorated with lights!

The Best Holiday Boat Cruises in Newport Beach.

One of the best ways to enjoy to Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and all the decorated Balboa Peninsula homes is by taking a Holiday Cruise from Newport Landing. You can take a Holiday Lights Cruise for only $20 which is totally worth the price to get the best view there is. You also don't have to worry about all the crowds. The cruises take place throughout the month of December with three cruises nightly. And each holiday cruise is around 75 minutes long. 

Did you also know that you can sign up to take a cruise during the parade, so you'll actually BE IN THE PARADE!!!!

The Newport Harbor dressed up in holiday décor will not disappoint. Holiday cruises offer 85% of what the parade offers without the huge numbers of people and parking challenges. A cruise can make a nice relaxing evening under the stars, and having all your friends come along would be such a fun evening. Weekends are more popular for holiday cruise times and reservations are mandatory.

Tips for Watching the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade in Newport Beach, CA

Head to Balboa Fun Zone

When you want to see the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and also have little fun, then thee Balboa Fun Zone is a great place to go! The Balboa Fun Zone during the holidays is beautiful, there are lighted trees and often live entertainment or music playing. You can take a ride on the ferris wheel, go on a few rides or hang out in the arcade. There are plenty of place to grab a bite to eat on the go, or you can even bring a picnic dinner with you. There are tables and chairs on the boardwalk.

Take a Ferry Ride over to the Balboa Peninsula

If you want to walk around the homes on the Balboa Peninsula and see the beautiful lights, you can take the Balboa Ferry from the Balboa Fun Zone over to the peninsula. It very low cost and kids under 5 are free.

Riding the Balboa Ferry will also give you a chance to see some of the decorated boats up close, and it's overall a fun holiday activity.

Watch the Newport Beach Boat Parade at Marina Park.

If you don't want to walk around Balboa Island, or take a cruise, then I recommend going over to the 10.5-acre Marina Park. This 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.

What to Wear at the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

Finally, dress warmly and bring friends and family. Enjoying all the Christmas lights and the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is especially fun when you are with the ones you love. It's a tradition everyone will remember for years to come.

MORE CHRISTMAS THINGS TO DO IN ORANGE COUNTY

Want to see the Best Christmas Lights in Orange County?!!!

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PLUS…..have you seen this list of 150 Christmas Events in Orange County???