Holiday Boat Parades in Orange County

2012 San Diego Bay Parade of Lights by Port of San Diego (CC BY 2.0)

The holiday season is quickly approaching and while here in Southern California we are not be roasting chestnuts by an open fire or having frostbite nipping at our noses, we can still enjoy a unique winter wonderland at the annual holiday boat parades of Orange County. If you’re ready for some family friendly fun, check out these boat parades and holiday light cruises below!

Newport Beach, CA

Boat Parade: December 13th-17th, 2017

Holiday Light Cruises: All December Long

IMG_0046 by fortherock (CC BY-SA 2.0)
IMG_0046 by fortherock (CC BY-SA 2.0)

It’s time for Newport Beach’s annual holiday boat parades again! Can’t go during these dates?  They have holiday lights cruises all December long where you can take a tour and see all the beautiful homes and their gorgeous holiday light displays! Find out more here.

Huntington Harbour, CA

Boat Parade: December 9th- 10th, 2017

Cruise of Lights: All December Long

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights 2014 by Tony Webster (CC BY 2.0)
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights 2014 by Tony Webster (CC BY 2.0)

Fun fact: these boat parades are hosted by the Huntington Harbor Philharmonic Committee. They, along with 21 other committees, have partnered with Philharmonic Society of Orange County. Together they use the December Cruise of Lights as one of their main fundraisers for supporting their music education programs for kids aged kindergarten to high school.  Their annual parade will be held December 9th-10th as a thank you for all who support and participate in the Cruise of Lights. Learn more about their December Cruise of Lights and more ways you can help here.

Marina Del Rey, CA

Boat Parade: December 9th, 2017

Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade by BeautifulFreaks (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade by BeautifulFreaks (CC BY-SA 2.0)

The Marina del Rey holiday boat parade only lasts one day so you won’t want to miss it! Marina Del Rey’s Snow Wonder event will have real snow where kids can go sledding, play with arts and crafts and enjoy some tasty treats with their local food trucks. The best part of all is it’s free and they’ll have fireworks! Learn more about Snow Wonder here.

Dana Point, CA

Boat Parades: December 8th-9th, 2017 and December 15th-16th, 2017

Parade of Lights Cruise: December 9th, 2017

2013 Parade of Lights by Lake Mead National Recreation Area (CC BY-SA 2.0)
2013 Parade of Lights by Lake Mead National Recreation Area (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Dana point is hosting boat parades December 8th, 9th, 15th, and 16th, offering you 4 chances to catch their annual parade. Their theme this year… a superhero holiday! This parade will feature carolers, superheroes, games and free photos with Santa! Don’t let the kiddies miss out on their shot at finding out if they’re on the naughty or nice list this year! You can find out more about their routes here. But wait, Dana point is also holding a Parade of Lights Cruise that will be held on December 9th. Passengers will enjoy wine, sweet treats, and some nice hot beverages. You can buy tickets here!

What are some of your favorite boat parades? Do you have any cool pictures from previous parades you’ve attended? Share some below in our comments section!