SEASON’S GREETINGS
It’s the most magical time of the year in Newport Beach! Join us as we celebrate the 117th anniversary of the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, a beloved tradition that has been lighting up our harbor and hearts for over a century.
Hailed by The New York Times as one of the nation’s top 10 holiday happenings and recognized by Yahoo! Travel as No. 2 in the nation for holiday lights, this dazzling spectacle continues to capture the wonder of the season and the spirit of our community.
This year’s theme — “Christmas Across the Decades” — will take us on a nostalgic journey through time, celebrating holiday traditions and memories from generations past to the present day.
The festivities will set sail at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17, beginning at the southern tip of Lido Isle and continuing nightly through Sunday, December 21. Parade participants will once again follow the iconic route, offering countless prime viewing spots along the harbor.
We encourage visitors to enjoy the parade from Marina Park, the city’s stunning bayfront park that serves as the largest public viewing area. We’ve also highlighted additional viewing locations around the harbor for the best vantage points and convenient parking options.
As always, Newport Beach remains Southern California’s holiday headquarters—a destination where coastal charm meets holiday magic. Together with our boaters, homeowners, and waterfront businesses, we’re committed to creating a safe, festive, and memorable experience for all.
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is proudly hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, a dedicated group of volunteers who bring this event to life each year. We extend our sincere gratitude to our presenting sponsors, Simple Green and Davey’s Locker, as well as our community partners—the City of Newport Beach and Visit Newport Beach.
This annual tradition is made possible through
COMMITTEE LIST
CHRIS DELFS
Parade Co-Chair Homes.com
JACK SUDDARTH
Parade Co-Chair
Equity Wave Lending
DEREK FISHER
Parade Control Chair Fiber-Seal West
JON LANGFORD Judging Chair Langford Group
DAVID BEEK
Past Parade Co-Chair Island Marine Fuel
TIMOTHY SHIELDS Past Parade Control Co-Chair George & Shields, LLP, Business Law
D.J. MARTIN Committee Member Connell Chevrolet
BRIAN MAYHUGH Committee Member Mindstreet
MAC MCCARTHY Parade Participant Assistance Sea Tow
JEFF PARKER Committee Member/ Marketing/Voice of the Parade Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce
STEVE ROSANSKY Committee Member Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce
the year-round efforts of countless volunteers, participants, and partners—including
Visit Newport Beach—who dedicate their time, creativity, and community spirit to make this spectacular event shine.
Each illuminated boat and beautifully decorated home in the Ring of Lights represents hours of hard work and holiday heart. We applaud every participant for their passion and dedication in creating memories that last a lifetime for residents and visitors alike.
Beyond the breathtaking lights and festive music, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade brings tremendous value to our local economy—generating millions of dollars in tourism, hospitality, and retail spending each holiday season. It’s a shining example of the Newport Beach lifestyle at its very best.
We invite you to join us for this cherished celebration and to support the parade through our Annual Awards Dinner and Online Auction, which help ensure the continued success of this time-honored tradition.
For parade details, viewing maps, and updates, please visit ChristmasBoatParade.com.
From all of us at the Commodores Club and the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, we wish you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season filled with light, laughter, and cherished memories on the harbor.
Happy Holidays!
DON LAWRENZ Past Parade Control Co-Chair Best Life & Health Insurance Co.
PAUL BLANK Committee Member/Newport Beach Harbormaster City of Newport Beach
ASHLEY JOHNSON Committee Member / Marketing Visit Newport Beach
CHARLES JOHNSON Harbor Patrol Orange County Sheriff Department
LAWRENCE JONES Committee Member The Jones Company
GARY LEWELLYN Harbor Patrol Orange County Sheriff Department
FIREWORKS
AMI SOLANKI Committee Member Social Media
DIAMOND TANN Harbor Patrol Orange County Sheriff Department
KIMBERLY TAVARES Committee Member PacWest Accounting
NORM WITT Committee Member Witt Capital Advisors
SCOTT LAFLEUR Committee Member Sherman Library and Gardens
TIM BARRY Committee Member Newport Yachts
On the opening night of the parade on Wednesday, December 17 at approximately 6:15 pm, a special opening fireworks display will take place off the Newport Pier to kick off the parade.
Safety is always our most important concern. Fireworks will commence as long as it is safe to do so as determined by Federal, State and Local guidelines. Please check back for more updates.
DRONE SHOWS
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is expanding our nighttime spectacular with our in-air drone shows. In addition to the millions of lights on the water, our colorful holiday drone shows will be visible from two locations making them visible from both ends of the harbor. Don’t miss it as we light up the skies over the Balboa Bay Resort and from Peninsula Park near the Fun Zone each night of the Parade. You can find the complete schedule on our website at www.christmasboatparade.com
GRAND MARSHAL LINE-UP
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 17 – TED M c GINLEY: Renown actor and Newport Beach native, Ted is known for his long-running roles in the television series Happy Days, The Love Boat, Dynasty, Married… with Children, The West Wing, and most recently the Emmy-nominated series, Shrinking, and will preside as Grand Marshal on opening night.
THURSDAY, DEC. 18 – PERFORMANCES FROM THE CORONA DEL MAR HIGH SCHOOL DRUM LINE:
The CdM Drum Line is one of the premier performing groups at Corona del Mar High School. It serves as a musical ambassador, performing regularly in pep rallies as well as school and community events.
FRIDAY, DEC. 19 – OUR COMMUNITY’S FIRST RESPONDERS:
Cheer on our local Fire and Police departments, those first-responders and lifesavers who serve our communities, as they lead the evening’s festivities.
SATURDAY, DEC. 20 – 2025 ROSE QUEEN® AND ROYAL COURT: Visit Newport Beach is thrilled to debut a new partnership with the Rose Parade®, and welcomes the Rose Queen® and her Court.
SUNDAY, DEC. 21 – ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS: MONTAGE!: MONTAGE! features several of Orange County School of the Arts’ most celebrated performance ambassadors. Comprised of talented student artists in grades 7 through 12 auditioned from the school’s twenty arts conservatory programs, this group has been praised for its high-energy, professional level performances.
From Left to Right – Princess Emmerson Tucker, Princess Trinity Dela Cruz, Princess Olivia Bohanac, Queen Naomi Stillitano, Princess Phoebe Ho, Princess Mia Moore-Walker, and Princess Jessica Powell.
SPIRIT OF THE BOAT PARADE’S PAST
TThe Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade began at the turn of the century. John Scarpa, an Italian gondolier, and Joseph Beek, a developer of Beacon Bay, the Balboa Ferry Line and the principal force in the early development of Balboa Island, arrived in the Newport Harbor area over 100 years ago. These two men established what was then called the Tournament of Lights, an event that would continue for the next century and become a cherished tradition.
In 1907, Scarpa began the tradition of lighting boats by taking a group of visitors from Pasadena across the bay in a gondola decorated with Japanese lanterns. One year later, on July 4, 1908, the first lighted boat parade took place. Scarpa, along with his fellow small boat operators, put together a loosely organized affair consisting of nine vessels. The parade, illuminated by Japanese lanterns, was led by Scarpa’s gondola and followed by eight canoes. Thus, Scarpa has been credited with creating the first lighted boat parade.
towed around the harbor while its passengers sang Christmas carols to residents on shore.
Gradually, each year, other lighted boats fell in line behind the city employees’ floating tree.
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
• The first lighted boat parade took place on… July 4, 1908
AN EVOLUTION
In 1946, the Newport Beach City employees had outfitted a barge during the holiday season and installed a lighted Christmas tree. The barge was
In later years, the Beek family came to the front again and provided one of their ferryboats for the floating Christmas tree celebration. Gradually, each year, other lighted boats fell in line behind the city employees’ floating tree. Soon the Tournament of Lights turned into a festive Christmas celebration for all to enjoy.
Down the road, the Ring of Lights home decorating competition began and still serves as a colorful backdrop to the parade. Dozens of homes along the parade route feature over-thetop holiday decorations with new buildouts, moving displays and thousands of lights from roof to ground.
Today the Tournament of Lights, now called the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, features as many as 100 boats. The parade is proudly hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce and is hailed as “one of the top ten holiday happenings in the nation” by The New York Times. The parade is now the premier event of the holiday season in Southern California. A LOOK BACK
• Today, the Tournament of Lights is now called... The
PARTICIPATE IN THE PARADE
• If you’d rather take part in the fun than watch on the sidelines, it’s not too late! Register online at www. christmasboatparade. com to participate in either the Boat Parade or the Ring of Lights competition.
THE LIVE EVENT WILL INCLUDE:
• The Parade
• Ring of Lights home competition
• Entertaining interviews with participants
• Spotlights on the nightly Grand Marshals
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade.
PhotosVisit Newport Beach
It’s no surprise that our world-class venue steals the spotlight. Unlock next-level performances and experiences when you visit California’s #1 Entertainment Destination. From comedy shows to concerts, you’re invited to join us in our intimate theater and witness iconic legends for yourself at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel. The best seat in the house already has your name on it.
FEELING FESTIVE
GIFTS FOR ALL
Opening Night Holiday Pop-Up Market
On opening night of the boat parade, Marina Park will host a holiday pop-up market featuring local makers, food vendors, entertainment and kids activities! Full of holiday cheer and the most unique gifts out there, the market is the perfect place to find an unforgettable gift for someone special. christmasboatparade.com
VILLAGE BY THE BAY
Lido Marina
Village Festivities
Gather all December long at Lido Marina Village to experience the holiday traditions of Newport Beach. Santa will be trading in his traditional sleigh for an electric boat! Don’t miss his epic arrival by boat on Saturday, Dec 6. Guests can enjoy “12 Days of Christmas Movies,” strolling santa, live music performances, a Holiday Vintage Market, and more! www.lidomarinavillage.com
Make new family traditions in one of the most festive towns in America: Newport Beach, California. It might not snow in Newport Beach, but there’s definitely enough holiday festivities to make up for it. You’ll discover everything you’re looking for to make your season merry and bright. From the iconic Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade to extraordinary holiday displays, soak up all the magic and joy this holiday
ROCKIN’ AROUND
Fashion Island’s Annual Tree Lighting
For the 2025 holiday season Fashion Island is expanding their Holiday Tree experience and seasonal festivities.
Each evening through Dec.29 a holiday celebration will be held, including the lighting of the iconic 90-foot holiday with a magical choreographed light display, holiday music and snow every half hour from 5:30pm - 8:00pm, as well as a Menorah Lighting Ceremony on Dec.29 at 3pm. Don’t forget to stop by Santa’s Coastal Cottage for pictures. www.fashionisland.com
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
We all know why you’re really here—for the 117th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade! This can’t-miss event in Newport Beach hosted by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce offers locals and visitors a chance to celebrate the season in the best way possible—on the water with decorated and sparkling boats, of course. www.christmasboatparade.com
MERRY EVERYTHING Ring of Lights
If you’re looking for the most over-the-top-decorated homes, head to Balboa Island for the annual Ring of Lights home competition. Homeowners are definitely in the holiday spirit in this charming neighborhood with their glittering lights, dancing Christmas trees and animated roof-top scenes! www.christmasboatparade.com
MERRY AND BRIGHT
50 Days of Festive Fun
Step into the magic of the season with 50 Days of Festive Fun in Newport Beach, the longest-running holiday extravaganza in the entire nation! Every day from November 14 –January 2, experience a flurry of festive experiences just waiting for you! From our Christmas Boat Parade to dazzling light displays to Santa sightings, this holiday season will be full of festive fun! 50DaysofFestiveFun.com
“You’ll discover everything you’re looking for to make your season bright.”
FIREWORKS FOR ALL
On opening night, Dec. 17, there will be a fireworks display off the Newport Pier at approximately 6:15 p.m.
CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE AT ROGER’S GARDENS
The Roger’s Gardens “The Magic of Christmas” Boutique features sparkling treasures for your home along with festive, unique gift ideas. Discover curated collections of hand-painted glass ornaments from Europe, charming nutcrackers and whimsical Santas that sit alongside the beautifully designed signature garlands and wreaths. rogersgardens.com
Annual Lighting of the Bay at Newport
Resort & Marina
On Nov. 28th, the Newport Dunes kicks off the holiday season with its 35th annual Lighting of the Bay and Fire & Lights Festival. Enjoy one of the most scenic and unique festive lights in the Orange County area. Over fifty lit holiday decorations and Christmas trees will float on the serene, waveless bay with festivities taking place Thursday through Sunday evenings, including Fire Dancer performances, Inflatables, Photos with Santa, Igloo Bar, & More! Learn more at www.newportdunes.com
www.newportdunes.com
SETTING SAIL
LIGHTING UP THE WATER
Dunes
The City of Newport Beach is proud to help bring this wonderful holiday tradition to our community. To our residents and visitors, we hope you enjoy the 117th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights.
Mariner’s Mile
PACIFIC COAST HWY
Fashion Island
7:15 Balboa Fun Zone
7:15 Harborside Restaurant / Balboa Pavilion
7:16 Catalina Passenger Service
7:16 Davey’s Locker
7:25 Peninsula Point Beach (CONTROL POINT G)
7:32 Pirate’s Cove (CONTROL POINT H)
7:33 Channel Reef / China Cove
7:37 U.S. Coast Guard (CONTROL POINT I)
7:38 Balboa Yacht Club
7:41 Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club
7:45 Balboa Island Bridge (CONTROL POINT J)
7:48 Little Island Beach
7:51 Little Island Point
7:54 Balboa Island (South Bayfront/Grand Canal)
8:01 Balboa Island Ferry Landing
8:03 Collins Island (CONTROL POINT K)
8:07 Balboa Island (North Bayfront)
8:11 Balboa Island Bridge
9:00 FINISH Tip of Lido Isle
STAY THE NIGHT & SEE THE LIGHTS
AFTER THE PARADE, STAY AT ONE OF THESE FESTIVE VACATION SPOTS
Let the Boat Parade serve as a reason to book a holiday-inspired vacation in Newport Beach. Enjoy various festive events, shop for lastminute holiday gifts, explore delicious winter menus and much more. There is no better place to spend the holidays than in this beautiful oceanfront town!
Lido House Hotel
With a stylish, Newport Beach aesthetic, Lido House is the ideal destination for a winter vacation by the sea. Head to Topside, their rooftop bar, for a bird’s eye view of the water, or walk to Lido Marina Village next door for harborfront dining, supreme shopping and gorgeous harbor views. Lido House will make your season chic, merry and bright. www.lidohousehotel.com
THE BEST OF BOUTIQUE
• This coastal town is home to several charming boutique hotels. Book a stay at one of these properties for an authentic, local experience. www.visitnewportbeach.com/stay
6
Pendry
Newport Beach
Balboa Bay Resort
A front-row seat to the parade awaits at Balboa Bay Resort.
Stay in a bay-view room, which is the perfect way to watch the parade in a private setting. Make
a reservation at A+O Restaurant | Bar for a fun and relaxed outdoor setting to enjoy expertly smoked cocktails and delectable seafood dishes. www.balboabayresort.com
The Resort at Pelican Hill
The Resort at Pelican Hill, the only Five-Star, Five-Diamond resort in Newport Beach, is debuting a holiday calendar filled with magical moments
including a Holiday Pop-Up at Andrea, 12 Days of Spa, Santa’s storytime, Carolers, and more! www.pelicanhill.com
VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa
VEA Newport Beach offers a sumptuous escape in the center of it all. The property, which sits steps away from Fashion Island, recently underwent a topto-bottom refresh and now features coastal-chic guest rooms, three new dining concepts, indoor and outdoor event spaces, a spa and a luxury destination pool experience. veanewportbeach.com
Redefining contemporary luxury, this stylish and sophisticated urban resort features 295 guestrooms, including 114 suites, many with ocean, harbor, and/or bay views. Just steps from Fashion Island, one of Orange County’s premier shopping destinations, the resort features interiors by acclaimed Studio Munge, landscape architecture by Burton Studio, SET Steak & Sushi, Bar Pendry, Spa Pendry, Paintbox Kids Club, Tree Shack Pool Bar & Grill with a pool sundeck, a 24/7 fitness center, and more than 58,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. The property is home to a private membership club, The Elwood Club. www.pendry.com/newport-beach
Hyatt Regency
Newport Beach
This iconic local hotel is adjacent to the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and offers access to three unique pools, an executive golf course and luxury shopping. Located within minutes of Balboa Island, you can stroll through the Ring of Lights (home decorating competition), then check out the parade. www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/ california/hyatt-regencynewport-beach/newpo
BALBOA BAY RESORT
LIDO HOUSE HOTEL
VEA NEWPORT BEACH, A MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA
PhotosVEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa
| Lido House Hotel Balboa Bay Resort
WINE , DINE AND DOCK THE HALLS!
WATCH THE NEWPORT BEACH CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE AT THESE HOLIDAY HOTSPOTS
Whether you prefer dining at a restaurant, hanging on a boat with friends or casually strolling through town, we’ve got just the place for you to watch this year’s Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Dine, boat or park at these spots around town to get the absolute best view of this year’s boat parade. Happy holidays!
DINE + WATCH
Snuggle up at the outdoor fire pits with a glass of wine in hand at this waterfront restaurant.
Lido Bottle Works
• Michelin-recognized and one of Yelp’s “Top 100 Places to Eat in the US,” Lido Bottle Works now celebrates five years of culinary expertise with craft beers, wine and seasonal eats. Cozy vibes and waterfront dining make this hotspot a can’t-miss dining destination during the boat parade. www.lidobottleworks.com
Louie’s by the Bay
A+O Restaurant | Bar
• Snuggle up at the outdoor fire pits with a glass of wine in hand at this waterfront restaurant. The Harborside
• Located within the historic Balboa Pavilion, Harborside offers award-winning seafood and a California wine selection. It’s just steps from the Balboa Island Ferry and it’s bound to have a grand view of the boats on the bay during this year’s www.harborside-
• A modern Italian steakhouse, holiday lights and harbor views? We can’t dream up a better situation. You’ll feel right at home at this cozy dining destination. Sip a Bullseye Negroni and dig into carbonara as the bright and decorative boats float on by. www.louiesnewport.com
Nobu Newport Beach
• Elevate your festive evening with dinner at Nobu Newport Beach. This two-story location offers a prime viewing spot for the Christmas Boat Parade. You’ll definitely want to make a reservation in advance at this sleek and stunning hotspot. www.noburestaurants.com/newportbeach/home
BALBOA ISLAND
• Take a stroll down Balboa Island’s charming Marine Avenue, grab dinner at one of the many family-owned restaurants and enjoy a night by the harbor.
MARINA PARK
• Shop from local vendors at the Opening Night Holiday Pop-Up Market at Marina Park, then grab a seat on the grass for a prime view of the parade. Plus, your kids will love the nautical-themed playground!
LIDO MARINA VILLAGE
• Get some last-minute holiday shopping done at Lido Marina Village, then snag a table at one of the center’s many bayside restaurants. There’s no better place to watch the decorated boats set sail.
City Experiences
• For an epic view of the parade from the comfort of a luxury yacht, book one of City Experiences’ festive holiday excursions. From themed brunch cruises to elegant dinner cruises, this on-the-water events company is sure to bring you some holiday cheer. www.cityexperiences.com
Gondola Adventures
• Cruise with your Mrs. Claus during the Christmas Boat Parade in a romantic gondola! These cruises include a non-alcoholic beverage, Christmas treats and a spectacular view of the parade. Plus, a gondola cruise makes for the perfect date night. newportbeach.gondola.com
BOAT + WATCH
Vision Electric Boats
• Cruise the harbor this season in your very own electric boat! Vision Electric Boats in Lido Marina Village boasts a colorful fleet of vessels available for rent. Each one can accommodate up to 10 passengers and can be decorated with a balloon garland for extra merriment! www.eboatsrental.com
Captain Newport
• Looking to keep things festive and fun? Captain Newport offers a one-of-a-kind cruise experience on your very own private charter. There’s no better way to sit back, relax and watch the boats cruise by! www.captainnewport.com
Davey’s Locker
• Situated in the heart of the historic Balboa Village, Davey’s Locker offers an abundance of boats for rent that can accommodate almost any size group. So gather your friends this season and set sail on the bay on your very own electric boat or private yacht. www.daveyslocker.com
2024 BOAT PARADE WINNERS
2024 CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE WINNERS:
1ST
2ND
Mayflower
3RD
1ST
2ND
3RD
SANTA
by Newport Yacht Rentals
PhotosBleu Cotton Photography
2024 RING OF LIGHTS WINNERS
Stu
PHOTOGRAPHER’S
Via Lido Nord, Lido Isle
Jeff Moorad
East Bayfront, Balboa Island “GREEN”
Darcy and Barbara Grimm Marshall
South Bayfront, Balboa Island
Robert Olson 921 Via Lido Soud, Lido Isle
