California: Christmas Boat Parades 2013

 

 2012 Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade (photo: John L. Blom)

 

The holiday season is in full swing. How do we know? Because of the dozens of Christmas boat parades taking place this month.

 

Lavishly decorated and brightly lit vessels will navigate California waterways like proud peacocks, each with its own festive style. Whether it’s the multi-million dollar yachts of Newport Beach or the modest skiffs of Mission Bay, one thing is for sure – the boats will be decked out to the nines in lively, seasonal splendor.

 

The lighted boat parades start their procession in early December. Here's a list of holiday boat parades (and start times) for the remainder of the month. Some parades run on multiple nights and all are free to view. Click on the individual links for more information.

 

Friday, December 13, 2013
San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf Lighted Boat Parade, 5:30pm

 

Saturday, December 14, 2013
Channel Islands Parade of Lights (Oxnard), 7:00pm
King Harbor Boat Parade (Redondo Beach), 5:30pm
Long Beach Parade of 1,000 Lights, 5:30pm
Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights, 7:00pm
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade, 6:00pm
Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights (San Diego), 6:00pm
San Joaquin Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade (Bethel Island), 5:00pm

 

Sunday, December 15, 2013
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, 5:30pm
Venice Canals Holiday Boat Parade, 4:30pm

 

Wednesday, December 18, 2013 through Saturday, December 21, 2013
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, 6:30pm each night

 

Friday, December 20, 2013
Ventura Harbor Holiday Parade of Lights & Fireworks, 6:30pm

 

Saturday, December 21, 2013
Naples Holiday Boat Parade, 6:00pm
Ventura Harbor Holiday Parade of Lights & Fireworks, 6:30pm