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Guide To Southern California Holiday Boat Parades

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The weather is warm in sunny So Cal for the holidays and luckily we don't have to agonize with five feet of snow and ice storms. What better way is there to celebrate the holidays in our warm Southern California sunny sun than viewing a holiday boat parade? Here's a guide to the best holiday boat parades.

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(credit: lulawashington.org)

Marina del Rey Boat Parade
13755 Fiji Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 670-7130
www.mdrboatparade.org

Date: Saturday, Dec. 14. Fireworks start at 5:55 p.m. Parade from 6pm - 8pm

This year, join grand marshals Jeanie Buss and Phil Jackson for the 51st annual Boat Parade. The parade boats will circle the main channel at least three times. A firework display will be set at approximately 5:55 p.m. from the jetty on the Playa del Rey side of the channel. The best viewing spots for the boat parade are in Fisherman's village. Take a spot along the channel or better yet, grab an early seat at one of the many restaurants inside Fisherman's village for a premium view. Parking is available at any of the county parking lots; all fees are waved during the parade. No street parking is allowed.

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(credit: lulawashington.org)

King Harbor Boat Parade
280 Yacht Club Way
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 376-24598
www.khyc.org

Date: Saturday, Dec. 14 at 5:30pm

The King Harbor Yacht Club is proud to present the 22nd Annual King Harbor Christmas Boat Parade. The boat parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Main Channel of King Harbor Redondo Beach and feature the joy of the holiday season complete with colorful lights and boats. Brightly decorated boats will parade through the marina trying to capture one of the eight event trophies offered this year. The theme of the year will be "Dive into the Season", a tribute to Bob Meistrell, whose family will serve as Grand Marshall of the event. To ensure that everyone can hear the commentary and view the parade, the event will be featured live on internet radio and video telecast for those along the parade route, at home, or in restaurants.

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(credit: lulawashington.org)

Naples Long Beach Boat Parade
6201 Appian Way
Long Beach, CA 90803-4199
(562) 598-9401
www.naplesca.com

Date: Saturday, Dec. 21 at 7pm

Join the Naples island 67th Annual Boat Parade in Long Beach. With a theme of 'Vintage Christmas', boats will parade around the water showing off their best. The large boats parade will begin at 6pm whereas the small boat parade will begin and start at 6:45pm. The parade can be viewed from the shore all along the bridges and along the canals around Naples Island for the small boat parade. As an extra, the neighborhood residents on the island put on an amazing holiday light show themselves.

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(credit: lulawashington.org)

Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade
34624 Golden Lantern Street
Dana Point,, CA 92629
(949) 923-2255
www.danapointharbor.com

Date: Friday, Dec. 6 & Saturday, Dec. 7 | Friday, Dec. 13 & Saturday, Dec. 14 | 7:30pm

This year, join the fun at the Dana Point Harbor for the 39th Annual Boat Parade of Lights. A long running Orange County tradition, the Boat Parade is a favorite among locals and visitors since it's inception in 1975 and continues to draw crowds. Boats adorned with holiday lights come from all over Orange County to take part in this fun event and view for the awards including Best Theme, Best Use of Lights, Best Animation, Most Colorful, Most Original, Best Sailboat, Best Powerboat and more. The 90-minute holiday event is an event for all ages. You'll enjoy holiday music and more at this great event.

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(credit: lulawashington.org)

Newport Beach Boat Parade
1470 Jamboree Road
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 729-4400
www.christmasboatparade.com

Date: 5 Consecutive Nights Starting Wednesday, Dec. 18th

The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce proudly hosts the 105th Year Newport Beach Boat Parade where you'll join over a million viewers as you watch beautifully decorated boats, yachts, kayaks and canoes sail through the harbor. The event, hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, has the most extravagant display of decorated boats in Newport Beach and sets the harbor ablaze with lights. Any shore line viewing of the parade is free or you can make reservations at one of the many beach-front restaurants. All city parking lots will be open for parade viewers, but it is suggested you arrive early to secure a parking spot. For map and routes as well as other information, visit Newport Beach Boat Parade.

Desiree Eaglin loves all things Christmas. She blogs at Sarcastic, Funny and Brutally Honest.
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