Newport Beach Holiday Lights Cruises & Christmas Boat Parade

Newport Beach Holiday Lights Cruise

From December 6, 2024 to January 1, 2025.

On these cruises, you get to see fantastic light displays and festive decorations on houses and landscapes by the bay, all competing in the "Ring of Lights" competition.

Prepare for a super relaxing evening under the stars, cruising Newport Bay with all the holiday decorations.

• Departure time: 5:30 PM, 7:00 PM, and 8:30 PM

• Duration: About 75 minutes.

**Note $21 holiday lights cruise special is not valid for Dec 18 - Dec 22 for cruise times from 5:15 pm - 9:30 pm each of those 5 nights.

**A supplemental charge of $7 per person applies for “all” cruise times from 5 pm - 8:30 pm.

You are allowed to bring your own food and eat on the boats on tables they will be providing. Beverages and movie theater snacks (popcorn, chips, soda, etc) are also available for purchase aboard.

Your Holiday Lights Cruise Experience

The Newport Beach Holiday Lights Cruises and Boat Parade Cruises are Southern California's most anticipated holiday event, not just in Orange County and Los Angeles. Over a million people tune in every year to watch the Newport Beach Christmas events, which have been going strong for over a century. In preparation for the boat procession, Newport Harbor is decked out in festive garb. Homes, boats, and entire landscapes can be converted into something out of a fairy tale over the holiday season. After Thanksgiving, Newport Beach gets into the Christmas spirit by decking the halls and illuminating the bay with thousands of lights and hundreds of themed houses.

Get to experience all of these with our Newport Beach Holiday Lights Cruise discount tickets!

What to expect at the Newport Beach Holiday Light Cruises?

This tradition has been practiced for over a century. At first, just about a dozen decorated boats floated in the water – but things have changed. The Newport Beach Holiday Lights Cruises and Boat Christmas Parade is expected to feature hundreds of vessels, each with its extravagant display. Many people now combine additional effects and themes to create elaborate displays in addition to traditional holiday lights. You might see anything from million-dollar boats to canoes and kayaks at the Newport Beach Holiday Lights Cruises and Boat Christmas Parade. People enjoy participation; on that, we can all agree.

Tips for your Holiday Trip

• Wrap up warmly against the brisk air.

  Bundle up to stay cozy in the brisk air. When it comes to your attire, opt for a jacket ranging from lightweight to medium weight to ensure warmth and comfort throughout the entire parade. This will shield you from the chilly air. In case a recent cold front has passed through or rain is in the forecast, it's advisable to dress warmly, especially if you plan to watch the parade from a ship. If the probability of rain exceeds 50 percent, make sure to have an umbrella and appropriate footwear with you. Additionally, it's a smart move to carry an umbrella and gloves in case of rain.

• Arrive early.

  Arrive with time to spare. Arriving early is the best strategy to reduce the risk of missing out. Boarding schedules can change without prior notice, and parking can be a real challenge during annual seasonal parades.

  If you're heading to the parade by ship, aim to arrive at least an hour before the scheduled departure time. For weekend departures, allow yourself an extra half-hour. On Friday and Saturday nights, when the parade is at its busiest, leaving town early can be a bit challenging due to fierce competition for parking spaces. People attending the parade, taking a cruise, or enjoying the festivities from restaurant patios will all be vying for parking spots. The choice is yours!

• Create memories; bring your camera!

  Always have your camera ready, and make sure to prioritize battery health. Document the celebration and the beautifully decorated ships. Be prepared for unexpected moments during the parade, so keep your camera within reach.

• Bring some cash.

  While physical bills and coins might be less common in today's culture, they are essential for the parade. You'll need cash for parking fees, beverages, snacks, meters, carolers, tips, and sweets. If you forget to bring cash, you can conveniently exchange currency or withdraw money at your cruise's departure dock.

Important Information to Know Before Your Visit!

1. All about the Holiday Lights Cruises and Boat Parade.

   The Newport Beach Holiday Lights Cruises and Boat Christmas Parade is an annual event held in early December, spanning the entire month.

2. Parade times

   Newport Landing provides three cruise times per night for each of the five evenings of the parade. The cruise times are 5:30 PM, 7:00 PM, and 8:30 PM. Each cruise parade trip lasts 75 minutes and travels with the procession, viewing both ships and properties and celebrating the many land-bound events taking place throughout the harbor.



3. Advance reservation is a MUST!

   Due to the popularity of the event, if you wish to join in on the Newport Beach Holiday Lights Cruises and Boat Christmas Parade, note that your Newport Beach Holiday Lights Cruise discount ticket is going to serve as your reservation.