Photo by: Anastasia Kostyleva / CC – Free to use / From: Pexels
The Newport Beach Boat Parade 2022 marks the 114th year for the parade, making it one of the oldest running holiday traditions in the country. It’s also the largest boat parade on the West Coast, with over two hundred official entrants and many more unofficial participants.
Viewed by over a million people each year, this magical parade is the premier Christmas event not only for Orange County and Los Angeles but the whole of Southern California. It is proudly hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce.
Excited to experience the beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes at the Newport Boat Parade 2022? This article covers everything you need to know about Newport Beach Boat Parade dates and Newport Beach Boat Parade time, as well as the best spots to go to for viewing.
Newport Beach Boat Parade Schedule
The Newport Beach Boat Parade is a 5-day event that takes place in December, starting on the third Wednesday of the month through Sunday of the same week.
Mark these Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade dates:
- Wednesday, December 14, 2022: This is the opening night of the parade and starts at approximately 6:15 pm. There’ll be a special opening fireworks display off the Newport Pier to kick off the parade.
- Sunday, December 18, 2022: The final night of the parade, with another special fireworks display to close out the parade from the Balboa Pier at around 9:00 pm.
The starting point of the Newport Beach Boat Parade route varies from year to year. This year, it starts off from Lido Isle. Below, we outline all the locations the parade will pass through, along with the approximate times when it will reach each of the points.
| Location | Time |
|---|---|
| Tip of Lido Isle (Control Point A) | 6:30pm |
| Lido Isle Yacht Club | 6:34pm |
| Lido Isle Bend (Control Point B) | 6:38pm |
| Lido Isle Bridge (Control Point C) | 6:42pm |
| Lido Peninsula/RhineChannel | 6:43pm |
| Marina Park | 6:49pm |
| Lighthouse Cafe | 6:52pm |
| American Legion Yacht Club | 6:56pm |
| 15th Street Beach | 7:00pm |
| 10th Street Beach | 7:04pm |
| Newport Harbor Yacht Club | 7:07pm |
| Bay Island Bridge | 7:09pm |
| Bay Island Channel (Control Point D) | 7:10pm |
| Newport Landing Restaurant | 7:14pm |
| Newport Landing Sportfishing | 7:14pm |
| Harborside Restaurant | 7:15pm |
| Davey's Locker Sportfishing and Whale Watching | 7:16pm |
| Peninsula Point Beach (Control Point E) | 7:29pm |
| Pirate's Cove (Control Point F) | 7:32pm |
| Coast Guard/Harbor Master Dock (Control Point G) | 7:36pm |
| Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club | 7:40pm |
| Balboa Island Bridge (Control Point H) | 7:43pm |
| Little Island Point | 7:49pm |
| Balboa Island Ferry Landing | 7:58pm |
| Collins Island (Control Point I) | 8:00pm |
| Balboa Island Bayfront | 8:05pm |
| Balboa Island Bridge | 8:10pm |
| Harbor Island | 8:17pm |
| PCH Bridge (Control Point J) | 8:24pm |
| Balboa Bay Club | 8:34pm |
| Balboa Bay Resort (Control Point K) | 8:34pm |
| Newport Boy Scout Sea Base | 8:37pm |
| Joe's Crab Shack | 8:40pm |
| The Winery Restaurant (Control Point L) | 8:45pm |
| Lido Marina Village | 8:50pm |
| Lido Park/Lido Bridge | 8:55pm |
| Via Lido North Genoa Beach | 8:58pm |
| Tip of Lido Isle (Finish) | 9:00pm - 9:30pm |
Aside from the table above showing the route and schedule of the Newport Beach Boat Parade hours, here’s a Newport Beach Boat Parade map to further serve as a guide:
What's the Best Spot to Observe the Parade From?
You can watch the Newport Beach Boat Parade from different public access areas around the bay, at bayside restaurants, from a hotel, and, at the best spot – from the parade itself.
There are a number of different locations around Newport Bay where you can watch the parade. Some of the most popular ones are:
- Balboa Funzone/Boardwalk
- Peninsula Point Beach
- The walkways on both sides of the Balboa Island ferry crossing
- Lido Park
If you choose to watch from Newport Beach Boat Parade restaurants, here are some of the best food places to make a reservation at to get the most spectacular views of the parade:
- Blue Water Grill
- Newport Landing Restaurant
- Harborside Restaurant
- Rusty Pelican
The only hotel that offers views of the parade is the Balboa Bay Resort. Aside from having a hotel on the property, there are several dining options at this resort, which is why this is a very popular destination, especially in December.
And, if you want to be part of the parade, you can book one of the cruises online, register your boat if you have one, or rent a yacht.
How Long Does the Parade Last?
The Newport Beach Boat Parade lasts approximately 70 minutes and you’ll be able to experience the parade in its entirety if you are part of it. If you choose to watch from the shore or from a restaurant, you’ll be able to view it passing by in about 15 minutes.
The whole event lasts 5 nights, starting on a Wednesday and ending on a Sunday.
Wrap-Up
December is fast approaching, and we know you’re as excited as we are! The Newport Beach Boat Parade is truly a magical experience to behold, something that draws people of all ages and from different places. Whether you’re planning to be part of the parade or to view it from a restaurant or a hotel, you better make reservations right away, so you are sure to have a spot!
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Newport Beach Boat Parade start?
The parade starts at approximately 6:15 pm. You can view a more detailed Newport Beach Boat Parade schedule from the table above.
When is the boat parade in Newport Beach?
The Newport Beach Boat Parade is a 5-day event that starts on the third Wednesday of December through Sunday of the same week. Take note of these boat parade Newport Beach dates: December 14th and 18th.
Where to watch the Newport Beach Boat Parade?
To have the best experience of the Christmas boat parade Newport Beach, be in the parade. There are local boat charters that offer all types of cruises during the parade.
If you’re not booking the cruise, the best spots to watch the Newport Beach Boat Parade are from the Balboa Fun Zone, Balboa Village, and “Dine and Watch” restaurants such as Harborside Restaurant and The Rusty Pelican.
You can also watch the Newport Beach fireworks boat parade from a stationary structure in the harbor, such as a private dock or from different public access areas along the harbor.
What is the best day to go to the Newport Beach Boat Parade?
All of the 5 nights are amazing, but the first and the fifth nights are the best, with fireworks displays.
How is parking during the Newport Beach Boat Parade?
There is parking available in all city parking lots. Street parking along the parade route is also available.
What time are the fireworks at the Newport Beach Boat Parade?
The Newport Beach Boat Parade fireworks display on the opening night of the parade starts at approximately 6:15 pm, Wednesday, December 14th. Another fireworks display will be held on the final night of the parade, Sunday, December 18th, at approximately 9:00 pm.
What are the best hotels to watch the Newport Beach Boat Parade?
Only the Balboa Bay Resort has views of the parade but, as mentioned earlier, there are numerous areas to watch the parade.