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    OC holiday tip: Harbor boat parades are festive traditions
    • December 13, 2024

    Soak in the holiday spirit on the sea.

    Each harbor in Orange County has its own spin on holiday boat parades, a festive tradition in Newport, Dana Point and Huntington harbors.

    In Huntington, boat tours meander through the waterfront houses that get decked out on Dec. 14 and 15.

    In Newport Beach, you’ll find the largest boat parade around, each night from Dec. 18 through Dec. 22, everything from mega yachts to kayaks making their way during a harbor show. My favorite viewing place is Marina Park, where there’s festivities for the kids and a great beach area to set out a towel to marvel as the boats cruise by.

    Dana Point’s parade happens on Dec. 13 through Dec. 15, with decked-out boats starting at 6 p.m. making their rounds through the waterways.  Make sure to take a stroll around the harbor and snap a photo under the “Merry Kiss Me” display and check out the big, blue whale made out of lights for a selfie shot.

    Newport Dunes is also a great place on the water to visit, with lit-up decorations set out on the water. This year, they even have fire dancers putting on a show. Get there early to nab a spot at a fire ring to roast some s’mores!

    Where to go: There are several good locations to watch each boat parade. To find suggestions and information, check out hhboatparade.org/ for Huntington, christmasboatparade.com/ for Newport and danapointharbor.com/event/boat-parade-of-lights/ for Dana Point.

     Orange County Register 

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