Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, in Orange County, California

Every year, over the last 100 years, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade has dazzled locals with decorated boats, homes and businesses along the Newport Bay, for just one dazzling week in mid-December. For current year information, and boat decorating themes, contact the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce at (949) 729-4400, or see the event website at christmasboatparade.com/.

The current theme for the 2010 Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is "Lights Camera . . ." Although not much has changed, other than the themes, for this 102-year holiday tradition, you will be referred back to prior year photos, and contact information at christmasboatparade.com. If you have never been to the boat parade of Christmas lights reflected in the water, glistening throughout the Newport/Balboa Bay, then you won't want to miss another spectacular holiday presentation!

Your family and friends will delight in the unbelievable attention paid to lighting details in boats, both large and small, while Christmas-tree decorated yachts abound! For directions to the harbor, for entering your sea-worthy vessel, or just enjoying the view, see the bottom of the page linked here christmasboatparade.com.

This week-long dazzling Christmas affair is filled with wholesome holiday, family viewing fun, and winds up in a spectacular fireworks show launched from the Newport Beach Balboa Pavilion, next to the Balboa Island ferry. Head out toward Newport Beach along Pacific Coast Highway, and travel south along Newport Blvd. toward Balboa.

Pick up a steamed crab or lobster, with loafs of fresh-baked sour dough bread, from the landmark, Crab Cooker Restaurant, at 2200 Newport Blvd., in Newport Beach, and enjoy a picnic dinner anywhere along the beach, followed by Christmas Boat Parade viewing. The festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. continuing until 9:00 p.m., in plain view, along the bay-side, inlet beaches of Newport Bay, or while strolling along, through the Balboa Fun Zone.

Make this a romantic Christmas getaway for two, or a family-fun event, picnicking on the beach, and then marveling at all the glittering reflections of mirrored lights, dancing on the water throughout Newport Harbor. Be prepared for your kids to choose the Balboa Island Ferry, or the Fun Zone, over the Christmas Boat Parade, until they actually see the spectacularly decorated yachts, ferries, tugs, and sailboats cruising majestically throughout the harbor.

Your children will eagerly await each uniquely lit-up vessel on their return trips, back through the harbor. Planning your trip for the last night will ensure your place at the free fireworks display, over the Balboa Pavilion. However any night you spend enjoying the spectacular Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, will be a holiday festivity your family will never forget.