You can actually ride in the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade of Lights in a decorated yacht! You just have to book a ride with Newport Landing.

Newport Landing's 5 ships a sailing during the holiday season offer 2 cruises nightly. Bows, wreathes, trees, and whimsical characters decorate your colorful cruise that actually is part of the parade. You don't have to stand ashore and watch anymore. You can actually ride in the big event.

One of the oldest California Christmas boat parades is certainly the merriest. On the water gliding along under the moon, stars and reflection waters, you may see boats decorated with maids a milking, geese a laying and five golden rings. But you can almost bet you'll find at least one Santa Claus and a holiday wreath.

Newport Landing has long served the local community and visitors with its whale watching trips, fishing excursions and Christmas boat parade rides. The holidays are a great time to get to know the Newport Landing family (they run their operations with the friendliness of a family), though their professionalism is also outstanding.

If you think you've "been there" and "done that", don't fret. Each year is new and fresh, and the decor keeps getting better. But if you can't make for the holidays, be sure to book for the Whale Watching Cruise.

How do you get a ride? Here the primer:

The first cruise departs at 5:45 pm returns at 7:45 pm.

The 2nd departs at 8:00pm returns at 10:00 pm.

Each cruise is in the parade.

Finding the boats: Go to 309 Palm Street Suite A (Next to car ferry) and Fun Zone Ferris Wheel. Newport Beach, CA 92661.

Cost: $30 Adult; $25 Junior (12 years and younger). Reservations required, call: (949) 675-0551. Have credit card ready. www.christmasparadeboats.com

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