Save Newport Real News in Newport Beach
It’s time for the 110th Christmas Boat Parade! Starting on Wednesday, December 19th through Sunday, December 23rd. With fireworks on the first and last days. FOR THOSE WITH PETS IN THE AREA: Please make sure they are safe during the fireworks, as they are sensitive to loud noises by a crowded beach– and, of course, the fireworks.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE for those who throw Boat Parade Parties, this year will have significant changes to the schedule, and in some cases could delay your viewing time by hours. Instead of beginning at Bay Island as has been tradition for so many years, the boat parade this year will be beginning again like last year at Lido Isle, as the intent is to promote the $40m Marina Park Project as a viewing station, a building whose usage has been wildly under-preforming.
For those planning to travel on the Balboa Peninsula, please consider carpooling, Ubers, biking, and/or arriving early, as traffic and parking are always problematic for this event.
Here are the schedules to plan your parking around:
DATES: December 19, 2018 – December 23, 2018
TIMES: 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm each evening, starting at the tip of Lido Isle, moving along the south side of the island, and then around the bay. There will be fireworks opening and closing the event, on 6:15pm on Wednesday @ Newport Pier and 9:05pm Sunday @ Balboa Pier.
Wednesday, December 19
6:15pm Fireworks @ Newport Pier
6:30pm Parade begins
Albert Pujols: Three-time National League MVP and two-time World Series champion
Thursday, December 20
6:30pm Parade begins
Grand Marshall: First Reponders of Newport Beach
Friday, December 21
6:30pm Parade begins
Grand Marshalls: The Young Americans®, founded in 1962, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of understanding and goodwill among people throughout the world. Dubbed as America’s Musical Ambassadors, they use the power of music, dance, performance, academics, and cultural interaction to foster their mission.
Saturday, December 22
6:30pm Parade begins
Grand Marshalls: A celebration of Christmas Movies and Music with Olive Crest: Children and families of Olive Crest, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and treating and educating at-risk children, enjoy the holiday sentiments of family fun, bringing the spirit of Christmas to life.
Sunday, December 23
6:30pm Parade begins
9:05pm Fireworks @ Balboa Pier
Grand Marshals: CdM Highschool Drum Line: The CdM Drum Line is one of the premiere performing groups at Corona del Mar High School. It serves as a musical ambassador, performing regularly in pep rallies as well as school and community events.
A photo schedule of each route and when the boat parade will be meeting each point around the bay is here:
