The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade returns December 16–20, 2026, beginning at approximately 6:30 p.m. each night. Celebrate on Newport Harbor with family, friends, or colleagues aboard Full Circle Yacht. Our team will confirm your preferred evening, boarding time, charter duration, and availability.
Choose your preferred date and share your holiday plans. Our team will confirm availability, pricing, and boarding details.
Explore festive yacht photos from past holiday celebrations on Newport Harbor.
Enjoy highlights shared by the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade organizer.
The tradition began in 1907, when Italian gondolier John Scarpa decorated a gondola with Japanese lanterns for an evening trip across the bay. On July 4, 1908, he led the first illuminated parade: one gondola followed by eight canoes. Joseph Beek helped revive the event in 1919, and the summer celebration became known as the Tournament of Lights.
The Christmas tradition took shape in 1946, when city employees towed a barge carrying a lighted Christmas tree around the harbor and sang carols. More decorated boats joined in over the years, creating the holiday parade celebrated today. Read the organizer’s parade history.
Your private yacht, your guests, and a festive Newport Harbor setting.
Charters include a free complimentary bottle of tequila, vodka, mixers, sodas, and a full crew. Ask about optional catering, decorations, and music for your holiday gathering.
Tell us your preferred parade date, guest count, and event details. Our team will confirm holiday pricing, availability, boarding arrangements, and your itinerary before booking. Dockside events stay in port and do not include a captain.
