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Five Southern California Holiday Boat Parades To See This Holiday Season

by | Dec 6, 2012

Winter wonderland takes its allure to the water once again for one of Southern California’s must-experience events of the season. A holiday tradition dating all the way back to 1908, the boat parades have touched the hearts of SoCal residents for generations through its spectacle of colorful lights, music, and entertainment.

Coastal communities from Venice to Newport play host to their own parades complete with friendly competition and awards. Whether you choose to spend the evening on foot along the shore, aboard the deck of a charter boat, or from inside a waterfront restaurant, you won’t miss out on the exceptional views of this magical night. Here are the five holiday boat rides that topped our list:

Dana Point Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights

When: Friday, Dec. 7; Saturday, Dec. 8; Friday, Dec, 14; Saturday, Dec. 15; 7:30 pm

Where: Dana Point Harbor, 34555 Golden Lantern, Dana Point

It’s Lights, Camera, Action! for Dana Point’s “A Hollywood Holiday” theme complete with open houses, Strolling Jr. Carolers, and Boat Rides With Santa on select evenings throughout December.

Marina Del Rey | 50th Annual Marina Del Rey Boat Parade

When: Saturday, Dec. 8; 6-8 p.m.

Where: Main channel of the Marina

This year’s “A Solid Gold Christmas” will feature a traditional fireworks display to kick off the evening with colorful announces highlight each boat as it makes it way through the Marina. Three-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Kerri Walsh is serving as this year’s Grand Marshal along with other olympians.

Venice Canals | Venice Canals Holiday Boat Parade 

When: Sunday, Dec. 16; 4:30 p.m.

Where: Venice Canals

The Venice Canals provide an especially charming experience with historic bridges decked out for the season and onlookers spilling out from house gatherings close to the water’s edge.

Best Seats In The House: Our listing at 12 Bay Island offers unrivaled views of the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade.
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Newport Beach104th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

When: Wednesday, Dec. 19 – Sunday, Dec. 23; 6:30-9 p.m.

Where: Bay Island

All of Newport Harbor will be lit up for five consecutive nights as the city celebrates it’s Surf, Sand and Santa theme with the help of beautiful multi-million dollar yachts, kayaks, canoes, and other small boats.

Redondo Beach | King Harbor Christmas Boat Parade

When: Saturday, Dec. 15; 5 p.m.

Where: King Harbor Marina, 280 Yacht Club Way, Redondo Beach

Golden Globe nominated actress Bo Derek will help usher in this year’s “A Christmas Wish” theme as the evening’s Grand Marshal.

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