While many stand at vantage points dockside in Newport Harbor, the ride is on a boat, traveling the bay, being part of the Christmas Boat Parade. In a unique parade that allows visitors to participate, itt's a double bonus--like nearby Huntington Beach Cruise of Lights, you can enjoy the lit homes along the channels and waterways, but in addition, you are part of the parade in a holiday-lit vessel. While the Huntington Beach, San Diego and other boat parades offer great viewing, they don't specifically offer boat rides in the boat parades, themselves, like Newport Beach does.

Equipped as a pleasure harbor, Newport Beach offers boat rides through several companies. Newport Landing is the company we've taken rides with. They are located across this bay shown in the photo above. Situated next to the Balboa Pavilion, they offer trips throughout the year that include whale watching, sport fishing, and the popular holiday cruises for the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade.