2015 OC Holiday Boat Parade Guide

The mesmerizing lights reflect on the water’s glow under the cascading light of the moon. I’m referring, of course, to Southern California’s treasured tradition of holiday boat parades. Don’t miss some of the most magical Orange County boat parades this season…

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade “Ring of Lights”
December 16-20, 2015
6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Newport Beach/Newport Bay
(949) 729-4400

NP Boat Parade Tip: There is parking available in all City Parking lots. Street parking along the parade route is also available. Leave plenty of time for parking, and for those dining on the waterfront, make reservations in advance for dinner and a key viewing spot.

Free to the public, beautiful multi-million dollar yachts, kayaks, canoes and other small boats will light up the harbor as a spectacular array of holiday lights and music fill the air at the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Many of the boats will be decorated with animated Christmas scenes accompanied by music and costumed carolers. The Christmas floats will wind their way nearly 14 miles around the harbor.

Dana Point Annual Boat Parade of Lights
December 11-12 & 18-19, 2015
7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Dana Point Harbor
34555 Golden Lantern
Dana Point, CA 92629
Visit www.danawharf.com
(949) 496-5794

You won’t want to miss OC boaters deck out their boats for bragging rights at the Dana Point Harbor Parade of Lights. You can view the parade free from anywhere in the Harbor, or make reservations at one the many harbor-side restaurants to view it from a cozy and warm spot.

Huntington Beach Cruise of Lights
December 12, 2015
5:15 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Huntington Harbour
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
hhboatparade.org
(714) 840-7542

HB Parking Tip: Park in the Huntington Harbour Mall lot (corner of Algonquin and Saybrook), and hop on the shuttle to the boat launch area.

Enjoy the season of lights with a narrated cruise through the waterways of Huntington Harbour to see the holiday lighted homes and decorations in this annual event.

Kristal Zacharias is the mother of two beautiful, vivacious girls, and wife of a hunky husband who works in the action sports industry. For the past 15 years, Kristal has worked for several Fortune 500 companies as a professional communicator. Follow her journey at Clearly Kristal or on Facebook and Twitter.