Newport Beach’s “Christmas Card to the World” launched for the 106^th time on Wednesday, December 17^th. The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is a holiday tradition that brings together volunteer boat captains and vessels of all sizes for a brilliantly lit procession through Newport Harbor.

Scores of people – close to a million – see the boat parade each year. Fun can be had at watching parties in homes and on boats, strolling on Balboa Island or watching from waterfront restaurants, such as Harborside, Billy’s on the Beach or Pizza Nova. The Balboa Bay Resort is a wonderful option for members and their guests, with a family buffet on the lawn and its A&O Kitchen & Bar.

This year’s theme, “Deck the Hulls with Bows of Jolly”, was as creative as ever! The boats included a tiny Duffy decorated as Santa’s sleigh, graceful sailboat Christmas trees and huge yachts with thousands of lights. The on-water entertainment featured live singers, rock bands and dancing Santas. A brightly lit dragon breathed fire for amazing effect. One big cruiser used a slingshot to hurl t-shirts into the crowds!

The parade runs through Sunday, December 22^nd from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. It takes off at Bay Island and cruises through the harbor, around Lido Isle, and finishing back at the starting point. For more information, including the history of the boat parade and a map of the route and schedule, visit the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce’s website or call (949) 729-4400.