by Noella Noelophile®
(Photo courtesy of Bleu Cotton Photography, Inc., and used with permission.)
The air is just this side of chilly. People are smiling, laughing and wearing reindeer antlers and Christmas-light necklaces. It’s time to embark.
Casting off her moorings, your boat eases into the harbor. Looking back, you see the giant lighted star, atop the pier, growing smaller against the night sky. Your craft is one of roughly 100 plying the waters.
And every one of them is decked out. Lighted Christmas trees, lighted inflatable seasonal characters, red and green lettering spelling out “SEASONS GREETINGS” and even a sparkling dance floor with enthusiastic participants, are just a few of the entries you see.
But rivaling the festive boats is the “Ring of Lights” competition. Bayfront homes are festooned with lights in imaginative displays. Gold, white and multicolored lights gleam from Christmas trees in many a window. Residents wave and call Christmas greetings.
Not to be outdone, the boats begin tooting their horns in a festive chorus. “MERRY CHRISTMAS!” call the passengers to their fellow vessels.
(Royalty-free image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay.)
All of the above are among my favorite memories of the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. While watching a parade like this one is fun, the experience of actually riding in it is even better.
And you’re just about to have that opportunity.
Next Wednesday, December 14th, the 114th Newport Beach Boat Parade sets sail. Each night through Sunday, the 18th, the harbor cruise takes place. Sailing times are from 5 to 8:30 pm, and you can find more information here. Tickets are still currently available, but you may want to book fairly soon. The parade has sold out in the past!
Now–what to take with you? I’ve found a jacket works well, plus gloves–it gets “California cold” (read: in the 60s) on the bay. And, of course, either your phone or a camera. You will want to take pictures!
(Royalty-free image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay.)
And do you need to worry about seasickness? Well–probably not.
The boats sail Newport Harbor, and the waters are smooth. Unless you’re extremely motion-sensitive (and their FAQs page does suggest a remedy for anyone who is!) all you’ll feel is highly festive.
As well as, perhaps, ready to make plans, after disembarking, for next year’s Christmas Boat Parade.