What would the Southern California holidays be without our annual free-to-watch boat parades? Head out to enjoy the colorful, free, festive atmosphere that always include lighted-up boats — and often costumes, music and more.
Just get there early, because they’re justly popular, expect to hunt for parking (or bike or Uber), and dress warmly. It’s colder than you think. A thermos of hot beverages would not be unwelcome. And, if you just won the lottery, reserve a table by the water and watch in style.
Here are some of the classics coming up soon:
Dana Point 50th Annual Boat Parade of Lights
Friday, Dec. 12-Sunday, Dec. 14: Dana Point Harbor, 34571 Golden Lantern, Dana Point
This year’s theme is “Carol of the Boats.” The parade is slated to run from 6:30-8 p.m. Boaters can sign up to participate online or at The Marina at Dana Point office. There’s free viewing from the boardwalk and park areas. You could also see if you can nab a view table at a waterfront restaurant or take a boat parade charter. Get there early. danapointharbor.com/event/50th-annual-boat-parade-of-lights/2025-12-12/
Shoreline Yacht Club Boat Parade
Saturday, Dec. 13: 429 Shoreline Village Drive, Long Beach
There will be a viewing party at Shoreline Village to see this parade. The parade starts at 5:30 p.m., travels through the Shoreline Marina and Rainbow Harbor and arrives at Shoreline Village between 6 and 7 p.m. The viewing party runs until 7:30 p.m. and is slated to include dancing to a DJ, balloon animals, live holiday music and more. . facebook.com/ShorelineVillage
Marina del Rey Boat Parade
Saturday, Dec. 13: Fisherman’s Village, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey; Burton Chace Park , 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey
The 63rd annual Marina de Rey Holiday Boat Parade starts with a drone light show at 5:45 p.m. followed by the official parade start at 6 p.m. with fireworks. The 2025 theme is “A Nightmare Before Christmas” celebrating the 13th of December. There are events at Burton Chase Park from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. mdrboatparade.org
Huntington Harbour Boat Parade
Saturday, Dec. 13-Sunday, Dec. 14: Huntington Harbour, Huntington Beach
The 63rd annual Huntington Harbour Boat Parade is slated to start at 5:15 p.m. until 8 p.m. This year’s theme is “Fun With Music.” Public viewing is at the beaches only, and parking is very limited. See the parade route here: hhboatparade.org/parade-route. Learn more: hhboatparade.org
Villa Park Dry Land Boat Parade
Sunday, Dec. 14: Starts and ends at Villa Park High School, 18042 Taft Ave., Villa Park
Who says you need water for a boat parade? The city of Villa Park is holding its annual Dry Land Boat Parade starting at 5 p.m. on Sun. Dec. 14. This year’s theme is “Reeling in the Holidays.” Some 50 vessels travel around the city, past holiday parties and kids begging for candy. Organizers say participants include “decorated boats and wheeled transports, including golf carts, Segways and classic cars. The parade runs rain or shine. Good places to watch the parade include the walking trail on Lemon Street and Villa Park Elementary School. There’s room for your chairs but bring blankets. Learn more: villapark.co/dry-land-boat-parade
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Dec. 17-21: Newport Harbor, Newport Beach
This Newport Beach tradition has been going on for 117 years. Expect 100 or more decorated yachts, boats and kayaks. View for free from the shore, or go for paid seating and boat tours. Get there early. Seriously. Really early, particularly at Balboa Island or Marina Park. The best free viewing is at Marina Park, 1600 W. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach. There’s a fireworks show on Dec. 17 at 6:15 p.m. christmasboatparade.com
79th Annual Naples Island Christmas Boat Parade
Dec. 20: Naples Island, 5824 E. Naples Plaza, Long Beach
In this Long Beach tradition, lighted and decorated small boats sail through the Naples canals and larger boats around the perimeter, while many houses they sail past are elaborately dolled up for the holidays. This year’s theme is “A Tropical Winter Wonderland.” The large boats set off at 6 p.m. and smaller boats at 6:30. Go early to secure a parking place and good spot for viewing. Bridges over the canals such as the 2nd Street Bridge and Appian Way Bridge are good locations, but anywhere along the canal walkways will provide good viewing. visitlongbeach.com/events/naples-island-christmas-boat-parade/