Newport Illuminated Boat Parade Returning For 25th Year

NEWPORT, RI — The Newport Illuminated Boat Parade will return to Newport Harbor for its 25th anniversary at 6 p.m., Nov. 25.

All are invited to watch the parade of lighted boats compete for best decorated. The parade is also free.

Spectators can view this dazzling display of nautical holiday spirit along Newport Harbor’s waterfront from the Newport Yacht Club (open to the public for the event), Perrotti Park, Bowen’s Wharf, Bannister’s Wharf and points around Newport Harbor.

Parade boats will start just south of the Goat Island Causeway then proceed east for the official start at Newport Yacht Club. Boats will then travel south along the downtown waterfront and then turn around to return to the Goat Island Causeway area.

This year's parade will be dedicated to Newport's longtime Harbormaster, Tim Mills, who died unexpectedly in December 2020.

To contribute to the community this holiday season, participants and spectators are asked to bring a non- perishable food item to donate to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center. A donation box will be set up inside the Newport Yacht Club).

If you'd like to participate, feel free to register your boat here.