Newport Harbor
Starting at USD 50
Wed, 17 Dec, 2025 at 06:30 pm - Sun, 21 Dec, 2025 at 10:00 pm (EST)
Newport Harbor
Newport Harbor, Newport, RI, United States
🛥️ 117th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade & Ring of Lights 2025
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, celebrating its 117th year, is the premier holiday event in Southern California, transforming Newport Harbor into a dazzling maritime spectacle. Hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, this tradition features hundreds of decorated vessels, from small kayaks to multi-million dollar yachts, competing for top honors. The parade is complemented by the Ring of Lights competition, where waterfront homes and businesses join the festivities with their own extravagant light displays. This blend of nautical and coastal holiday spirit is viewed by over a million spectators annually.
Essential Visitor Information
Detail Information
Parade Dates Wednesday, December 17 – Sunday, December 21, 2025 (5 nights)
Parade Times (Nightly) The parade begins at approximately 6:30 PM each night.
Parade Theme “Magical Nights of Lights”
Parade Route Begins and ends at the Tip of Lido Isle, traveling a loop through the harbor.
Preparation Tip Arrive early (3-4 hours on parade nights) to secure parking and viewing spots, as traffic and crowds are significant. Dress in layers, as evenings can be chilly on the water.
Attractions & Ways to Watch
A visitor planning a trip has numerous options, ranging from free public viewing to luxury dinner cruises:
1. Shoreline Viewing (Free)
Watching from the shore is free and offers several excellent public vantage points:
2. Opening & Closing Night Fireworks
The parade kicks off and concludes with pyrotechnic displays:
3. Dining & Reserved Seating
4. Viewing From the Water (Cruises & Charters)
The most immersive way to experience the event is to be part of the parade fleet:
Featured Grand Marshals
A different celebrity or group serves as the Grand Marshal each night, adding a special touch to the evening:
Date Grand Marshal Highlight
Wednesday, Dec 17 Hollywood Star and Newport Beach Native Ted McGinley
Saturday, Dec 20 The 2025 ROSE QUEEN® and ROYAL COURT
Sunday, Dec 21 Orange County School of the Arts Performance Group MONTAGE!
Tickets for 117th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade of Lights can be booked here.
| Ticket type | Ticket price |
|---|---|
| Newport Beach Holiday Lights Cruises | 50 USD |