California will host a series of holiday boat parades along its coast in December 2025. These events, which have become annual traditions in several cities, feature boats decorated with lights and festive displays. Spectators can view the parades from various locations onshore, where additional activities such as music, food vendors, and opportunities to see Santa are often available.
In Santa Cruz, the 36th Annual Lighted Boat Parade is scheduled for December 6 at 5:30 p.m., with about 50 decorated sailboats and powerboats cruising around the harbor. Dana Point will celebrate its 50th Annual Boat Parade from December 12 to 14 at 6:30 p.m., where vessels compete for prizes in categories like Best Use of Lights and Peoples’ Choice.
Marina del Rey’s 62nd Annual Boat Parade will take place on December 13 at 6 p.m., beginning with fireworks and followed by a procession through the channel. Sausalito’s Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks is also set for December 13 between 6 and 7:15 p.m., featuring yachts and boats alongside a fireworks display.
The Huntington Harbour Boat Parade will be held on December 13 and 14 at 5:15 p.m., with over 75 boats participating. From December 19 to 23, visitors can join narrated evening boat rides called Cruise of Lights to see more decorations throughout the waterways.
Santa Barbara’s Parade of Lights occurs on December 14 at 5:30 p.m., with about thirty boats participating. Festivities begin at noon with a Winter Wonderland event that includes elves, snow, and music. The parade concludes with fireworks.
San Diego Bay hosts its Parade of Lights on both December 14 and December 21 at 5:30 p.m., allowing viewers two opportunities to watch the procession along downtown landmarks such as Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Seaport Village, and Coronado Island. City Cruises offers a Premier Dinner Cruise during the event for those wishing to experience it from the water.
Newport Beach’s Christmas Boat Parade runs nightly from December 17 to December 21 starting at 6:30 p.m. This long-standing tradition features hundreds of boats traveling along a route that includes Lido Isle and Balboa Island. Dinner cruises are also available for closer views of the festivities.
Finally, Ventura Harbor will hold its 47th Annual Parade of Lights & Fireworks on December 12 and 13 from 4 to 8 p.m., centered around a Candy Land theme this year. In addition to watching two dozen decorated boats circle Ventura Harbor, families can enjoy carnival rides, artificial snowfall, live performances, holiday treats, and warm drinks from shore.
These boat parades highlight California’s approach to celebrating the holidays by utilizing its coastal environment rather than traditional winter weather elements.
