California’s beach communities are preparing for the 2025 holiday season with a series of boat parades along the coast. From Santa Cruz to San Diego, cities will host evening events featuring decorated boats, festive displays, and community gatherings.
In Santa Cruz, the 36th Annual Lighted Boat Parade will take place on December 6 at 5:30 p.m., where about 50 sailboats and powerboats will cruise around the south harbor. Spectators can watch from locations such as Murray Street bridge or the East Harbor launch ramp.
Dana Point is set to celebrate its 50th Annual Boat Parade from December 12 to 14 at 6:30 p.m. each night. Boats will compete in categories like Best Use of Lights and Peoples’ Choice, with professional photos available on December 14 starting at 10 a.m.
Marina del Rey’s parade begins on December 13 at 6 p.m., preceded by fireworks. The event starts festivities in Burton Chace Park at 10 a.m., offering viewing spots in both Burton Chace Park and Fisherman’s Village.
Sausalito’s Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks is scheduled for December 13 from 6 to 7:15 p.m., hosted by the Sausalito Yacht Club. Attendees can view yachts and boats along the Sausalito Waterfront.
Huntington Harbour will hold its parade on December 13 and 14 starting at 5:15 p.m., with over seventy-five boats expected this year. Additional narrated boat rides through decorated waterways are available from December 19 to 23 during the Cruise of Lights event.
Santa Barbara’s Parade of Lights is set for December 14 at Stearns Wharf, beginning with Winter Wonderland activities at noon that include music and artificial snow. The parade starts at dusk, followed by fireworks.
San Diego Bay hosts its annual Parade of Lights on two Sundays—December 14 and December 21—attracting about eighty vessels passing sites such as Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Seaport Village, and Coronado Island. City Cruises offers an option for guests to watch from aboard a dinner cruise.
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade runs nightly from December 17 to December 21 starting at Lido Isle. With hundreds of participating boats, it is one of California’s largest holiday parades; dinner cruises are also available throughout much of the month for those wishing to see more illuminated displays up close.
Ventura rounds out the list with its Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks on December 12–13 between 4–8 p.m., featuring a Candy Land theme this year. Families can enjoy carnival rides, live performances, treats, faux snowfall, and fireworks from Ventura Harbor Village Lawn.
