Best Holiday Boat Parades in Southern California

From San Diego to Marina Del Rey, we’ve got maps and tips to get you to the harbor on time.

Dana Point

December 7—8
4:30-7:30 p.m. — Family Festivities at Mariner’s Village and Dana Wharf,
7:30 p.m. — Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights

December 14—15
4:30-7:30 p.m. — Family Festivities at Mariner’s Village and Dana Wharf
7:30 p.m. — Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights
Best viewing spots — Island Way and Dana Drive
Info — 949-923-2255; danapointharbor.com/boat-parade

Huntington Harbour

December 8—9
5:15 p.m. — Huntington Harbour Boat Parade
Best viewing spot — Trinidad Island
Info — 714-840-7542; hhboatparade.org

Long Beach

December 15
5:30 p.m. — Boat Parade of 1,000 Lights
Best viewing spots — Shoreline Village, Rainbow Harbor, and Queen Mary
Info — 562-436-3645; tinyurl.com/1000lights

Marina del Rey

December 8
12-6 p.m. — Snow Wonder at Burton Chace Park
5:55-6 p.m. — Fireworks show on the jetty near the entrance of the main channel
6-8 p.m. — Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
Best viewing spots — Burton Chace Park and Fisherman's Village
Info — 310-670-7130; mdrboatparade.org

Naples (Long Beach)

Photo by Craig O. Ryan

December 8
5 p.m. — Entrance roads to Naples Island close
6 p.m. — Naples Island Holiday Boat Parade
Best viewing spots: Along the Naples Canals, outer walks, and surrounding restaurants
Info — 562-436-3645; naplesca.com

Newport Beach

December 19
6:15 p.m. — Fireworks at Newport Pier
6:30 p.m. — Newport Beach Boat Parade

December 20—22
6:30 p.m. — Newport Beach Boat Parade

December 23
6:30 p.m. — Newport Beach Boat Parade
9 p.m. — Fireworks at Balboa Pier
Best viewing spots — Balboa Fun Zone, Peninsula Point Beach, Lido Park, and many restaurants
Info — 949-729-4400; christmasparadeboats.com

Redondo Beach

December 8
4:30 p.m. — King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade
Best viewing spots — Moonstone Park, and the Portofino Hotel and Marina
Info — 310-376-6911; kingharborboatparade.org

San Diego

Photo courtesy of San Diego Visitor’s Bureau

December 9
5 p.m. — San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

December 16
5 p.m. — San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Best viewing spots — Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Seaport Village, The Pier at Cesar Chavez Park, the Embarcadero along downtown San Diego, and Ferry Landing on Coronado
Info — 619-222-1181; sdparadeoflights.org