Lights, Boats, Action! 13 Holiday Boat Parades Around LA and SoCal for 2026
Holiday boat parades around LA turn Southern California's harbors into floating light shows every December, and nearly all of them are free to watch from the shore. In 2026, the busiest night is Saturday, December 12, when Marina del Rey, King Harbor, Huntington Harbour, Channel Islands Harbor, Oceanside and Mission Bay all sail at once, while Newport Beach runs five nights from December 16 to 20.
Picking the right parade comes down to distance, crowds and how late your kids can stay up. Some start before sunset with carolers and food trucks, others end with fireworks over the water, and a few stretch across several nights so you can dodge the biggest crowds. Here's every lighted boat parade worth bundling up for this season, from the closest LA harbors to a weekend trip down to San Diego.
Key Takeaways
Busiest night: Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026, with six parades from Redondo Beach to Mission Bay.
Longest run: The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade sails five nights, Dec. 16–20.
Fireworks: Opening night in Newport, both nights in Ventura Harbor and the Santa Barbara Parade of Lights.
Cost: Watching from public parks, piers and walkways is free at every parade on our list.
Closest to LA: Marina del Rey's parade, with free carolers, food trucks and a kids' art corner at Burton Chace Park.
Still TBA: 2026 dates for the L.A. Harbor Holiday Afloat Parade in San Pedro and the Naples Island parade in Long Beach.
Holiday Boat Parades in Los Angeles County
These four parades are the easiest weeknight-and-weekend options for LA families, all within a short drive of the Westside, South Bay and Long Beach.
Battleship IOWA and Los Angeles Maritime Museum, 600 Sampson Way
San Pedro, CA 90731
When: 2026 date and time TBA (traditionally early December)
Cost: Free
Parking: Check the website for more information.
The Port of Los Angeles has hosted this lighted parade for more than 60 years. Decorated boats leave the East Basin near Banning's Landing Community Center in Wilmington and glide along the Port's Main Channel for about 90 minutes. Good free viewing spots include the Battleship IOWA and LA Maritime Museum, West Harbor at 1100 Nagoya Way, 22nd Street Landing and Cabrillo Marina.
Parent Tip: Pair the parade with a stroll through Harbor Glow, the timed-ticket holiday light walk at West Harbor running Nov. 20 through Jan. 3.
King Harbor
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
When: Saturday, December 12, 2026, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free to watch
Parking: Check the website for more information.
Redondo Beach's harbor parade is a laid-back South Bay favorite, with lit-up powerboats, sailboats and paddlers looping King Harbor at sunset. The best public spots are Moonstone Park and Mole D along the Splash Wall. The King Harbor Yacht Club is closed to the public that night, so plan to watch from the waterfront.
Parent Tip: The 5:30 p.m. start makes this one of the best choices for little kids who need an early bedtime.
Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
When: Saturday, December 12, 2026; park festivities 4 to 8 p.m., light show 5:45 p.m., parade at 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Parking: Paid county lots fill early; biking the Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail or ridesharing is easier.
The 64th annual Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade is the closest big boat parade to the Westside. Burton Chace Park turns into a free holiday party before the boats arrive, with roaming carolers from 4 to 6 p.m., food trucks, a photo booth and a kids' art corner. A short light show over the water kicks things off at 5:45 p.m., then dozens of decorated boats circle the main channel.
Parent Tip: Claim a lawn spot at Burton Chace Park by 4 p.m. with a blanket and folding chairs, and pack hand warmers, because it gets chilly by the water.
Naples Island canals and Alamitos Bay
Long Beach, CA 90803
When: 2026 date and time TBA (traditionally mid-December)
Cost: Free to watch
Parking: Street parking on Naples Island is tight; arrive early or walk in from Belmont Shore.
This cozy neighborhood tradition sends glowing boats, kayaks and paddleboards through the narrow Naples canals, where you're close enough to wave at the skippers. The waterfront homes go all out with their own lights, so the walk along the canal paths is half the fun.
Parent Tip: Stake out a spot along the canal walkways rather than Alamitos Bay for the most up-close views of each boat.
Orange County Holiday Boat Parades
Orange County is boat parade country, with three historic harbor parades that each run more than one night.
Huntington Harbour
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
When: Saturday and Sunday, December 12–13, 2026, around 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Parking: Very limited; public viewing is at the harbour's beaches.
Now in its 64th year, this volunteer-run parade winds through Huntington Harbour's channels for two nights. The 2026 theme is America 250 Music: To the Moon and Back, so expect musical floats on the water. Want a closer look? The separate Cruise of Lights narrated boat tours run Dec. 19–23 at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. (tickets required).
Parent Tip: Public viewing spots are only at the harbour's small beaches and parking is scarce, so carpool or get dropped off.
Marina Park, 1600 W. Balboa Blvd.
Newport Beach, CA 92663
When: Wednesday through Sunday, December 16–20, 2026, at about 6:30 p.m. nightly
Cost: Free at Marina Park and public viewing spots
Parking: Marina Park has 177 spaces; check the website for more parking options.
The 118th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is the granddaddy of them all, with boats setting off from the Tip of Lido Isle each night around 6:30 p.m. Opening night, Dec. 16, starts with fireworks off the Newport Pier around 6:15 p.m. (weather permitting), and drone shows are visible from the Balboa Bay Club and Peninsula Park near the Fun Zone. Marina Park is the largest free public viewing area. For everything else, see our Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade family guide.
Parent Tip: Midweek nights are noticeably calmer than Saturday, and five nights to choose from means you can skip the weekend crowds entirely.
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Dana Point Harbor
Dana Point, CA 92629
When: Friday through Sunday, December 11–13, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. nightly
Cost: Free from the harbor's walkways; Ocean Institute premier viewing is $45 per person (Dec. 11 and 12, 6 to 9 p.m.)
Parking: Check the website for more information.
The 51st annual Dana Point Boat Parade of Lights sails under a laid-back "Harboritaville" theme this year, with decorated vessels of every size circling the harbor three nights in a row. For a splurge, the Ocean Institute hosts a premier viewing party on its historic wharf over the water, with food available to buy.
Parent Tip: Friday night gives you the full parade with smaller crowds, plus time for an early dinner in the harbor before the boats arrive.
Holiday Boat Parades in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties
Head up the 101 for three harbor parades with a small-town feel, two of them with fireworks.
Channel Islands Harbor
Oxnard, CA 93035
When: Saturday, December 12, 2026, 7 to 9 p.m.; Holiday Market at Harbor View Park noon to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free to watch
Parking: Check the website for more information.
Oxnard's 60th annual Parade of Lights brings a tropical twist with this year's "Aloha Afloat" theme. Make a day of it at the pre-parade Holiday Market at Harbor View Park, then find a spot along the harbor as the lighted boats glide past.
Parent Tip: The 7 p.m. start is on the later side, so plan a short nap or a slow afternoon at the market for younger kids.
Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Drive
Ventura, CA 93001
When: Friday and Saturday, December 18–19, 2026; festivities from 4 p.m., parade at 6:30 p.m., fireworks after the parade
Cost: Free
Parking: Paid on-site parking, a free shuttle from the Harbor & Schooner Drive lot and Portside Ventura, and free parking on Spinnaker Drive and the Dolphin lot at Safe Harbors Marina.
Ventura Harbor Village celebrates the 50th annual Parade of Lights with a "Golden Era" theme, two nights of lighted boats and a fireworks finale each evening. The village shops and restaurants make it easy to grab dinner and hot cocoa before the parade starts.
Parent Tip: Use the free shuttle instead of hunting for a space in the village lot, which fills quickly on parade nights.
Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara Harbor
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
When: Sunday, December 13, 2026; festivities from 2 p.m., boat parade at 5:30 p.m., fireworks around 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Parking: Check the website for more information.
Santa Barbara's 40th Parade of Lights has a "Hawaiian Holiday" theme and a full afternoon of fun. Paddlers and kayakers kick things off at 2 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus visit a Winter Wonderland on the City Pier from 3 to 5 p.m. with 10 tons of snow, and about 30 lighted boats sail from Leadbetter Beach to Cabrillo Pavilion and back to Stearns Wharf at 5:30 p.m. A short fireworks show from West Beach wraps it up.
Parent Tip: Watch from Stearns Wharf, the breakwater, West Beach or East Beach, and arrive early if you want the kids to play in the snow before dark.
San Diego County Holiday Boat Parades
Planning a holiday weekend in San Diego? These three parades are worth building a trip around.
Oceanside Harbor
Oceanside, CA 92054
When: Saturday, December 12, 2026, 7 to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free to watch
Parking: Check the website for more information.
Hosted by the Oceanside Yacht Club, this cheerful parade sends fishing boats, sailboats, yachts and even kayaks around the harbor, often with Santa waving from the deck. The concrete walkway that rings much of the harbor makes it easy to roll a stroller to a good spot.
Parent Tip: Watch from the side of the harbor near the fishing dock and police station, where you can see the boats pass twice.
Shelter Island and the San Diego Bay shoreline
San Diego, CA 92106
When: Sundays, December 13 and 20, 2026, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Parking: Check the website for more information.
The 56th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights brings more than 80 decorated boats along the bayfront to the pier at Chicano Park before turning toward Coronado. With two Sunday nights, it's easy to fit into a holiday weekend in San Diego.
Parent Tip: Pick one spot along the shoreline and stay put; the parade comes to you, and moving with the crowds is tough with little ones.
Mission Bay
San Diego, CA 92109
When: Saturday, December 12, 2026, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Parking: Check the website for more information.
Mission Bay's parade starts with fireworks from SeaWorld before the lighted boats cruise past designated spectator areas along the route. It's a great pick if you're staying at one of the bayside resorts.
Parent Tip: Pack a picnic dinner and grab a waterfront patch of grass early, since the 5:30 p.m. start comes fast after a day at the beach.
Tips for Watching a Holiday Boat Parade With Kids
Arrive early: Most parades start right around sunset, and the best spots fill an hour or more ahead.
Dress in layers: Temperatures by the water drop quickly after dark, so bring jackets, beanies and a blanket.
Bring seating: Folding chairs or a picnic blanket make the wait much more comfortable.
Pack snacks and cocoa: A thermos of hot chocolate turns the wait into part of the fun.
Add glow sticks: They keep little ones easy to spot in a crowd after dark.
Plan parking: Lots fill fast, so look for shuttles, carpool or bike when you can.
Check before you go: Parades can be delayed or canceled for weather, so check the official site that afternoon.
Parent Tip: Most parades happen on the same Saturday, Dec. 12, so if crowds worry you, choose one with multiple nights like Newport, Dana Point, Ventura or Huntington Harbour.
Takeaway
Holiday boat parades around LA are one of the season's best free family outings, with glowing boats, festive music and, at a few harbors, fireworks over the water. Marina del Rey and King Harbor are closest for LA families on Dec. 12, while Newport, Dana Point, Ventura and Huntington Harbour spread the magic across several nights.
Pick a parade, bundle up and get there early. Then check our calendar for more holiday fun to round out the weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the holiday boat parades in LA in 2026?
Most Southern California holiday boat parades take place in mid-December. Marina del Rey and King Harbor sail Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026, Newport Beach runs Dec. 16–20, Dana Point runs Dec. 11–13 and Ventura Harbor runs Dec. 18–19. Dates for the San Pedro and Naples Island parades had not been announced yet.
Are holiday boat parades free to watch?
Yes. Every parade on our list is free to watch from public parks, beaches, piers or harbor walkways. Some harbors also offer paid extras, like the Ocean Institute premier viewing party in Dana Point or narrated Cruise of Lights boat tours in Huntington Harbour, but you don't need a ticket to see the parade.
What is the closest holiday boat parade to Los Angeles?
The Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade is the closest to central LA and the Westside. It sails Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026, with free festivities at Burton Chace Park from 4 to 8 p.m., a light show at 5:45 p.m. and the parade at 6 p.m. The King Harbor parade in Redondo Beach is another close option the same night.
Which boat parades have fireworks?
In 2026, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade opens Dec. 16 with fireworks off the Newport Pier, Ventura Harbor ends both parade nights with fireworks, and the Santa Barbara Parade of Lights finishes with a short fireworks show around 7 p.m. Mission Bay's parade starts with fireworks from SeaWorld.
What time do holiday boat parades start?
Most holiday boat parades start between 5:30 and 7 p.m., right around or after sunset. King Harbor, Santa Barbara, San Diego Bay and Mission Bay start at 5:30 p.m., Marina del Rey at 6 p.m., Newport, Dana Point and Ventura at 6:30 p.m., and Channel Islands and Oceanside at 7 p.m.
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