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The Brief

The most important stories for you to know today
  • The L.A. Report
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  • Explore LA
    Christmas Boat Parade
    Newport Beach continues a century-old tradition
    By  Caitlin Plummer
    Published December 10, 2023 7:00 AM

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    A boat with neon string lights decorating it in various shapes like spaceships, houses, conveyor belts, and presents.
    El Navegante, the “Best Power Boat” winner, in the 2022 Newport Christmas Boat Parade.
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    BleuCottonPhoto
    )

    Topline: 

    The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade will sail for five nights this week from Wednesday, Dec. 13 to Sunday, Dec. 17, in Newport Harbor.

    What is it? The 115-year-old tradition features as many as 100 decorated boats sailing a 14-mile route around the harbor. It’s free to watch for anyone who can stake out a good spot to watch along the route — and it’s open to anyone with a boat that can keep up with the 5 mph pace.

    A boat with white lights and inflatable decorations in the shape of Yoda, Mickey Mouse, a castle, and other characters on top.
    Last year’s “Best Boat Under 30 Feet,” The Rose Marie.
    (
    BleuCottonPhoto
    )

    What’s the schedule? The parade starts at about 6:30 p.m. every night — but at 6:15 p.m. on Dec. 13, the festivities will kick off with a fireworks show off the Newport Pier, and at 9 p.m. on Dec. 17, fireworks will close out the parade from Balboa Pier.

    Each night will honor different grand marshals, from Hallmark Channel Christmas movie actors to the Corona Del Mar High School drumline. You can find which grand marshals will be present at which nights here.

    What if I don’t have a boat? The Boat Parade has a sister event, The Ring of Lights, which is a home decorating contest for homes, businesses, and yacht clubs on the water. The judging for that contest takes place Monday, Dec. 11.

    How can I get involved? Participants in The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade have until the day of the parade to register and pay a $35 entrance fee. Participants in the The Ring of Lights have until noon on Friday, Dec. 8, to register and pay a $35 entrance fee.
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