From canoes to million dollar yachts, holiday boat parades feature vessels all decked out for the yuletide season. Whether viewing from shore or onboard a vessel, holiday boat parades are a lot of fun. A signature California event, these themed boat parades are a magical way to celebrate the holidays. Fireworks and music round out holiday festivities along the California coast.

Where to find the Best Boat Parade of Lights in California

With miles of coastline and picturesque marinas, it’s no wonder that boat parades are a popular holiday attraction in California. Each year, a new theme inspires boat captains to decorate their boats for a friendly competition. It’s all in good fun. And magical to watch! Elaborate decorations include twinkling lights and decorations, palm trees, inflatable reindeer and Santa. Viewing from shore is free.  Or book a cruise on one of the participating parade boats and ride with Santa.

Mission Bay San Diego

The Christmas Boat Parade of Lights features more than 100 boats and yachts decorated with lights. They sail from 6 – 9 p.m. Dec. 14 from Quivira Basin in Mission Bay. Best viewing is from Crown Point, the east side of Vacation Island or the west side of Fiesta Island. Free.

 San Diego Bay

Presented by the Port of San Diego,  the 48th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights features more than 100 private boats. The boats are lavishly decorated to fit the theme, Comic-Con the the Bay.

The parade begins at 5 p.m. Dec. 8 and 15. About 100,000 San Diego residents and visitors are expected to attend, so plan to get there early to secure your viewing spot. This year (for the third time), the parade will proceed to the pier at Cesar Chavez Park. This gives spectators get another chance to view the parade.

Dana Point, Orange County

The 45th Annual Boat Parade of Lights – A Tiki Holiday – features about 90 decorated boats vying for awards. The categories include Best Theme, Best Use of Lights, Best Animation, and Most Colorful. Watch the boats light up the night 7:30 – 9 p.m. Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14 at the Dana Point Harbor. Holiday festivities start at 4:40 p.m. Trolley service operates from 4:30 – 10:30 p.m.

Find a good spot to watch or join the parade aboard the Dana Wharf Whale Watching cruise boats. Kids under 2 ride free. Onboard, enjoy holiday music, a cash bar and close up views of competing boats.

Marina del Rey, L.A.

The Snow Wonder family festival marks the start of the 57th Annual Holiday Boat Parade Dec. 14. Fireworks kick off the event at 5:55 p.m. Themed, Kids Make Holidays Bright, the parade boats cruise through the main channel 6 – 8 p.m. Narration on a PA system is available at Burton Chace Park and Fisherman’s Village. These are the best spots for parade viewing. Arrive early to find parking for this free popular event.

In addition, Marina Lights glow from 4- 10 p.m. all month long in Burton Chace Park.  There’s also free entertainment on Saturdays, nightly all month long, 4-10 p.m., including holiday movies and caroling.

Newport Beach, Orange County

The 111th Newport Beach Boat Parade features million dollar yachts, small boats, kayaks and canoes at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 18-22. The parade starts at the east end of Lido Island. The first public viewing destination is at the new 10.5-acre Marina Park. The park offers 177 parking spaces and a nautical-themed playground. There’s also a picnic area and a sailing center. In addition, Holiday Boat Cruises take place from Nov. 30 – Dec. 31. Rates start at $32.

Venice, Los Angeles

The 35th Annual Venice Canals Holiday Boat Parade parade launches at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 7.  It starts at the intersection of Eastern Canal and Carroll canals. Enhancing the decorations are the Venice Canals Christmas Lights.

Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County

The Pillar Point Harbor Lighted Boat Festival features festively adorned boats throughout December. The boat decorating contest takes place from 6 – 8 p.m. Dec. 14.  At that time, the best-decorated boat will be chosen. Local shops in the Half Moon Bay area will serve holiday snacks and drinks. Santa Claus makes a special appearance along with the Half Moon Bay Choir and San Mateo Elks Band. Half Moon Bay is located about 35 minutes south of San Francisco.

More Christmas Light Displays

Holiday Lights Displays Around the World

Holiday Lights Displays in the Northeast U.S.

Holiday Lights Displays in the Midwest U.S.

Holiday Lights Displays in Texas and the Southwest U.S.

Holiday Lights Displays in California, Hawaii and the Northwest U.S

Christmas Light Displays in the Southeast US