For those of you who think you’ve seen it all when it comes to displays of Christmas lights, you may be in for a pleasant surprise when you attend the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Each year, dozens of multi-million dollar yachts, kayaks, canoes and other small boats decorated with holiday lights parade through the harbor for the enjoyment of millions of on-lookers.
Not only are the boats decorated with lights and animated Christmas scenes, but many of the surrounding business buildings and homes participate by creating the Ring of Lights, which has become almost as popular as the parade.
This year marks the 107th year that the parade has taken place. It will run for five consecutive nights starting Wednesday, December 16th and ending Sunday, December 20th. You can catch the parade starting at Bay Island at 6:30 pm and finishing at the same spot around 9:00 pm. Yellow Cab will provide the best taxi Newport Beach has to offer that will be sure to get you to and from the parade quickly and safely.
4 Ways to Watch
Whether the parade is already a family tradition or if it’s your first time to go, consider which of the following ways to see the parade will work best for you and those who are coming with you:
- Reserved Seating – Newport Sea Base offers reserved grandstand seating for $10 in advance or $20 on the night of the event.
- Dine and Watch – There are several restaurants near the harbor that offer a great view of the parade, including Newport Landing Restaurant, Joe’s Crab Shack and the Winery. You can enjoy the parade over dinner and drinks with friends or family.
- Yacht Charters – Imagine watching the boat parade from a boat! This gives you a closer view of the lights and makes you feel like you’re part of the parade!
- Free Viewing – Of course there are plenty of places to watch the parade for free. These spots tend to fill up quickly, so be sure to arrive early. Remember that parking may be limited as well.
Fireworks and Competitions
If you’d like to see more than just Christmas lights, be sure to plan on seeing the parade on the first night of the parade when a special opening fireworks display will take place off the Newport Pier. Another fireworks display will take place on the last night of the parade as well.
Each year, a competition is held for both the Boat Parade and the Ring of Lights events. Winners are chosen and will be announced at a special Awards Dinner & Auction takes place on Friday, January 22nd at the Island Hotel Newport Beach. This is an event open to the public and features live entertainment for all to enjoy.
Make this outing to see the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights even more fun and less stressful by calling Yellow Cab for safe and comfortable taxi ride to and from the event. You won’t have to worry about finding parking and our drivers will take you right where you want to go. At the end of the night, call Yellow Cab and we’ll have your taxi there in a snap to take you safely home.
Call 714-999-9999 for more information on reserving your taxi for the parade.
