Newport Beach Boat Parade

The 117th Newport Beach Boat Parade is a fantastic display of holiday lights. Each night, more than 100 elaborately decorated boats will make their way along a 14-mile route through Newport Harbor, starting and ending at the southeastern tip of Lido Isle.

Cost: You can view the parade for free from shore either from one of the public access areas along the harbor. You can also book at table at one of the many restaurants that line the harbor, or by ship either in the parade or stationary in the bay for a cost. Visit the website for details.

Drone shows are set to take place over Balboa Bay Resort (at 6 and 8:15 p.m. Dec. 17 and then at 6:15 and 8:15 p.m. on the other four nights) and over Peninsula Park near the Balboa Fun Zone (at 6:45 and 8 p.m. all five nights). Each drone show will last 15 minutes.

Traffic:  The area does get very congested and parking can be difficult to find.  From Newport Dunes, you can walk down to Balboa Island and view the boat parade.