Newport boat parade lights up the night to begin 109th run

Newport Harbor was aglow Wednesday evening as the 109th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade began its five-night stand.

Cheerfully and intricately decorated yachts, sailboats, small electrics and even canoes and kayaks converge on the water for the holiday tradition, which draws thousands of viewers each night.

The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. daily through Sunday at the tip of Lido Isle. Admission is free, though some waterfront businesses offer reserved seating, charter cruises or rental boats.

Vicki Gunvalson of “The Real Housewives of Orange County” was grand marshal for opening night. Grand marshals for the remaining nights are:

• Thursday: Newport Beach’s firefighter, seasonal lifeguard, lifeguard supervisor and police officer of the year
• Friday: Montage, the Orange County School of the Arts’ vocal and dance troupe
• Saturday: Los Angeles Chargers cheerleaders, the Charger Girls
• Sunday: USC marching band and song girls