The holiday season in Southern California is set to sparkle brighter than ever as the 117th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade makes its grand return from December 17 to 21, 2025.
This year’s theme, “Magical Nights of Lights,” promises to transform Newport Harbor into a winter wonderland, bringing festive cheer to one of the region’s favorite coastal communities.
Each evening, the harbor will come alive as lavishly decorated yachts, sailboats, and electric vessels glide along the 14-mile parade route. The new Battle of the Bay competition will add a spirited twist, as boat owners vie for top honors with their dazzling displays of light and creativity.
Parade-goers can enjoy the spectacle from nearly 50 public viewing spots along the waterfront, enhanced by live music, floating activations, and two nightly drone shows that will illuminate the sky with holiday magic.
The celebration begins on December 17 at Marina Park, Newport Beach’s largest public viewing area. The kickoff event will feature a festive Holiday Market, live entertainment, and fireworks over the harbor, all free for the community to enjoy. The festivities don’t end when the boats dock; Newport Beach’s “50 Days of Festive Fun” continues throughout the season with citywide shopping, dining, and holiday events.
Visitors can also take in the Ring of Lights home décor competition, where waterfront residences compete for top honors with stunning light displays that mirror the grandeur of the parade itself.
Beyond the festivities, Newport Beach invites visitors to experience its signature blend of coastal elegance and laid-back charm. With ten miles of pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and award-winning dining the city offers a perfect winter escape.
Adding to the excitement, the Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel reopens on November 1, 2025, after a full transformation. This 25-room boutique retreat captures the nostalgic spirit of local surf culture while infusing it with elevated, contemporary coastal style, making it the season’s most anticipated hotel debut.
From glowing yachts to glittering homes, Newport Beach’s “Magical Nights of Lights” will once again prove why this seaside celebration is one of California’s most treasured holiday traditions, where every night on the bay becomes a little more magical. Learn more at visitnewportbeach.com.
