Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Drops Anchor Wednesday

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — It's the most wonderful time of the year, Newport Beach. The 113th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is decking out the docks and hitting the water Wednesday, and this year's celebration theme, "Jingle on the Waves!" is sure to be a festive sight.

Beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes will sail along the harbor. This year's parade will be held Wednesday through Sunday, with the parade running at 5:30 p.m., 7:05 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. all days.

The Newport Beach Boat Parade is annually viewed by over 1.5 million and is one of the largest boat parades you will likely ever see, organizers said.

The tradition's humble beginnings included about 12 boats that sailed the Newport Beach harbor adorned with decorations, a far cry from the impressive and light-adorned vessels that proudly sale in the harbor for the parade. In fact, the very first parade was recorded in 1908, a year after a gondolier took a group of visitors from Pasadena across the bay in a gondola decorated with Japanese lanterns.

A year later the first lighted boat parade took place, Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade organizers wrote on their website.

"Things certainly have changed now," they wrote.

If you attend the 2021 Newport Beach Boat Parade, here is what you can expect:

• Hundreds of boats are a part of the event, and they include unique and extravagant displays.
• It is not uncommon for yacht owners to spend tens of thousands of dollars on the decorations.
• Special effects and themes make decorations much more than just the customary light displays with holiday lights.
• Ships of all sizes enter the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, from multimillion-dollar yachts to kayaks and canoes.
• Everyone loves to get involved.

For more information and to stay updated on the 113th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, please visit: www.ChristmasBoatParade.com

Read also: Newport Beach Home Burns During Boat Parade