News Summary
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade will showcase festive boats from December 17 to 21, inviting local boaters to participate in a magical celebration of holiday spirit. Participants will pay an entry fee and gain perks, including a Sea Tow membership. The Ring of Lights home decorating contest adds to the festivities, culminating in awards for winners. This cherished event attracts significant economic benefits, fostering community spirit and holiday cheer along the waterfront.
Newport Beach is set to light up the waters with the 117th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, which will take place from December 17 to 21, 2023. Hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, this cherished holiday tradition invites boaters of all types to participate in a festive display themed “Magical Nights of Lights.”
Participants can enter the parade for an entry fee of $35. This fee comes with several perks, including a complimentary 60-day Sea Tow membership and a special Thank You gift from Simple Green, which will be distributed at the skippers meeting. All winners of the boat parade will be awarded a banner to proudly display on their vessels.
To participate, boaters must attend a mandatory pre-parade meeting to review the parade logistics and receive registration numbers, along with a commemorative parade plaque. Skipper meetings are scheduled for December 8 and December 15 at Newport Dunes, which will be the final opportunity for boaters to get essential information ahead of the event.
In addition to the boat parade, the Newport Beach Christmas celebrations include the Ring of Lights home decorating contest, which also welcomes entries from waterfront homes, businesses, and yacht clubs. This contest also requires a $35 entry fee. Judging for the Ring of Lights will take place on December 15, 2023, aligning closely with the boat parade dates.
Winners for both the Christmas Boat Parade and the Ring of Lights contest will be honored at an annual awards reception. As an added incentive, winners will each receive two complimentary tickets to the awards event set for January 30, 2026, at VEA Newport Beach: A Marriott Resort and Spa.
Participants looking for inspiration for their decorations can find resources and ideas on the Boat Parade website, ensuring that both boats and homes shine bright during the festive season.
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is not just a local holiday highlight; it has a significant economic impact, generating approximately $10 million in revenue for local businesses each year. Last year’s parade, the 116th edition, attracted around 100 vessels adorned with Christmas lights and inflatable holiday figures, showcasing the vibrant community spirit that surrounds this event.
As anticipation builds for this year’s parade, both boaters and spectators are encouraged to join in the celebrations, making memories against the beautiful backdrop of Newport Beach’s waterfront.
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Additional Resources
- Newport Beach Indy
- Los Angeles Magazine
- NBC Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Times
- ABC7
- Wikipedia: Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
- Google Search: Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
- Google Scholar: Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
- Google News: Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
