Need a delightful holiday outing that the whole family will enjoy? In Orange County and Los Angeles County, there are Christmas Boat Parades that you can spectate by boat or on land. It might look different this year, but it will still be a memorable experience. You just need to know where the routes are if you’re doing it by land. In Newport Beach, Newport Landing offers a 75-minute Holiday Lights Cruise which is plenty of time to grab hot chocolate, take in the views, cruise by the decorated homes and boats, and relax in the gallery. We’re not in the parade, but we are cruising along side it or watching it from a safe distance. Boat owners and homeowners are always competing to be the best!
It has been years since we did the cruise, but I remember there is standing room on the deck as well as seating in the cabin area. Most people are observing from the deck, but it gets cold so we are constantly moving around. The cruise is long enough to enjoy the holiday spirit without feeling like you’re out there too long. This year they will be at 50% capacity so that everyone can safely be socially distanced. Face coverings will be required.
Reader’s Discount: Get $20 tickets to Newport Beach Holiday Lights Cruises! Details are below!
Holiday Lights Cruise
Holiday lights cruises take place throughout the month of December with three cruises nightly. Departure times are 5:30 pm, 7:00 pm, and 8:30 pm nightly. Each holiday cruise is roughly 75 minutes in length. Newport Harbor in full holiday décor is not to disappoint. Holiday cruises offer 85% of what the parade offers without the huge numbers of people and parking challenges. Weekends are more popular for holiday cruise times and reservations are mandatory.
Due to COVID-19 our vessel capacities have been lowered by almost 50% to aid in social distancing. Therefore, a supplemental charge of $5 per person will apply at time of booking for cruises departure time between 5:00pm and 8:30pm. Face coverings will be required.
Newport Landing
309 Palm St #A
Newport Beach, CA
(949) 675-0550
www.newportlanding.com
Parking is FREE after 6 pm.
Departure Times: 5:30pm, 7:00pm, and 8:30pm
Discount: $20 Tickets! (Dec 4-Jan 3)
Get $20 tickets to Newport Beach Holiday Lights Cruise by booking at this link: https://christmasparadeboats.com/20_Holiday_Lights_VNB.html or call (949) 675-0550 and mention promo ‘20LightsCruise‘ for Holiday Cruises (Normally $41).
Newport Landing also have Whale Watching excursions. Please check their website for the most updated information.
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Note: Although the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade has officially been canceled by the city, there has been tremendous community support to continue the Boat Parade tradition in the harbor from Thursday Dec. 17th through Saturday Dec. 21st. More information about the Newport Beach Christmas Parade can be found here www.christmasparadeboats.com.
$32 Boat Parade Cruise Special
For Parade Cruises Dec. 18 – 20th call (949) 675-0550 and mention promo ‘Parade32‘ for $32 Special or book at this link: https://christmasparadeboats.com/reservations.html.
