NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — It's that time of year again when Newport Harbor transforms into a SoCal winter wonderland for a Christmas tradition that's over a century old.
The 115th edition of the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade returns on Wednesday, Dec. 13 and runs until Dec. 17, with more than 100 boats expected to participate this year.
The five-night event will feature a star-studded lineup of grand marshals, entertainers, drone shows, and much more holiday cheer.
The parade route will run 14 miles around Newport Harbor, the largest recreational harbor on the West Coast, and start each night at 6:30 p.m. at the tip of Lido Isle, ending at 9 p.m. The parade will pass by the Balboa Peninsula, Balboa Village, the popular Balboa Fun Zone, Corona Del Mar, Balboa Island and more.
You can see and download the full parade route map here.
Parade-goers can see the parade from 50 different free viewing locations. Boats entered in the event will feature dazzling light shows, live music, classic holiday tunes, dancers and even pyrotechnics.
The event is one of the largest boat parades on the West Coast, as it's viewed by more than 1.5 million people each year, according to the parade's website.
This year will feature an extra touch of holiday magic as Hallmark Channel stars Andrew Walker and Nikki Deloach kick off night one of the five-night parade as the grand marshals.
Awards will be given out at the end of the event, like best sailboat, best animation/special effects, best music, and many more.
"We are absolutely thrilled and deeply honored to be named Grand Marshals of the 115th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Just like Hallmark, Newport Beach truly embodies the magic of the holiday season, and to be a part of this cherished tradition is a dream come true," Deloach said in a statement.
Deloach and Walker will ride on the boat parade's grand marshal boat that will showcase some of the Hallmark films the acting duo are featured on. A group of star-studded Grand Marshal alumni, including actress Leslie Mann, HGTV star Christina Haack, rock star Mark McGrath, and former Los Angeles Angels star Albert Pujols, will also join them.
"Considering Newport Beach is the most festive coastal destination in America, and Hallmark presents the ultimate Countdown to Christmas, we couldn't think of a better partnership and duo to kick off the opening night of our cherished boat parade," Gary Sherwin, President & CEO of Visit Newport Beach said in a statement.
Another new addition to the parade this year will be a drone show, held two times per night on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The show will light up the night sky as it launches from the Balboa Bay Resort located along the parade route.
Local artists will also be featured in the parade this year as local band "Satisfaction" will be playing live rock 'n roll music from one of the boats each night, according to Visit Newport Beach.
The Boys & Girls Club of Newport Beach will serve as grand marshal for night two, followed by local Fire and Police first responders on night three, then a boat in honor of the 135th Rose Parade, and finally, the Corona Del Mar High School Drum Line on the fifth and final night.
A free opening night event will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. at Marina Park, the largest public viewing location of the parade, featuring fireworks, food vendors, live music and more.
