Holiday Lights Cruise Newport Beach: Boat Parade Views

Watch a million holiday lights float past from the water

The Holiday Lights Cruise is a boat tour through Newport Beach Harbor during the holiday season, where you watch the Ring of Lights display on Bayfront estates and the Newport Beach Boat Parade: one of the largest in the country, viewed by over 1.5 million people annually. The tour runs 1.3 to 2 hours aboard one of nine decorated vessels with a live English-speaking guide. Alcoholic drinks and food are available for purchase on board. Parking fills quickly during parade season, so rideshare is recommended on weekends.

Step-by-step itinerary

Holiday Lights Cruise and Balboa Pier Visit

• Enjoy arcade and ferris wheel
• Try Balboa Bar treat
• Walk down Balboa Pier
• Dine at Rubys Diner

The experience

The Newport Beach Boat Parade draws hundreds of decorated ships competing for awards across multiple categories, and the harbor's Bayfront estates light up for the Ring of Lights competition. You board one of nine tour vessels, each decorated with holiday cheer itself, and stay on the water for the full span of the parade, watching millions of lights pass by from a fixed vantage point. The live guide provides commentary throughout, so you hear the story of what you're seeing rather than just the spectacle.

The tour operates in all weather, so dress warmly and wear closed-toe shoes. A heavy jacket is recommended. If you're driving, arrive early: parking gets tight during the week of the parade and on weekends, which is why the operator suggests rideshare as a better option. Refunds aren't issued if you miss the departure due to late arrival from a cruise ship or other delay, so plan your timing carefully.

Food and drinks are available to purchase on board, including alcoholic beverages for those 21 and over. Children must have an adult with them, and service animals are welcome. The two tour options differ by timing: non-peak departures offer a quieter experience, while peak-time tours run during the busiest hours when the parade draws its largest crowds.

What’s included

• Live English-speaking guide with commentary throughout the cruise.
• local taxes.
• one of nine decorated tour vessels.
• service animals allowed.

Options for this experience

2 options

Non-Peak Tour TimesGuide in English · Available from 2 Dec · 16:30 and 21:00A 75-minute cruise to take in the holiday lights on the boats and homes around Newport Harbor

Peak Time ToursGuide in English · Available from 1 Dec · 5 departure times: the first at 17:30, the last at 20:30Cruise

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 16:30, the last at 21:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcome

Operated by Davey's Locker Whale Watching

Is this one for you?Book a peak-time tour if you want to see the parade at its busiest with the most decorated boats competing. Choose non-peak times if you prefer a calmer experience with fewer crowds on the water.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is the Ring of Lights competition I'll see on the cruise?

The Ring of Lights is a holiday decoration contest among the Bayfront estates that line Newport Harbor. You'll see the elaborate Christmas displays on these homes as part of the tour.

How many boats are in the Newport Beach Boat Parade?

Hundreds of decorated ships of all sizes compete in the parade across over a half dozen award categories, making it one of the largest boat parades in the country.

Can I buy food and drinks on the boat?

Yes, food and drinks are available for purchase on board, including alcoholic beverages for guests 21 and older.

What's the difference between peak and non-peak tour times?

Peak-time tours run during the busiest hours when the parade draws its largest crowds. Non-peak departures offer a quieter experience with fewer boats and spectators.

Is parking included, and where do I leave my car?

Parking is not included and costs $3.75 per hour or $37.50 per 24 hours at the Balboa Pier Parking Lot. The operator recommends rideshare on weekends and during parade week because parking fills quickly.