Deck the boats in Newport Harbor's parade

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Boats - one with flames shooting from its bow - set off at the start of the 108th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade on Wednesday. (Don Leach/Daily Pilot)

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“Star Wars” characters decorate the deck of a boat themed “I’m Dreaming of a Droid.” (Don Leach/Daily Pilot)

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Grand Marshal Mickey Mouse waves to the crowd from the Balboa Bridgeon Wednesday. (Don Leach/Daily Pilot)

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A colorful snowflake sailboat lights up the bay. (Don Leach/Daily Pilot)

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The popular Santa and his Sleigh theme boat cruises along. (Don Leach/Daily Pilot)

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Dinosaurs decorate the “Jurassic Boat.” (Don Leach/Daily Pilot)

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A festively-decorated powerboat takes part in the parade. (Don Leach/Daily Pilot)

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A powerboat decorated with gingerbread characters cruises along the harbor. (Don Leach/Daily Pilot)

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A powerboat decorated like a pirate ship takes part in the parade. (Don Leach/Daily Pilot)

By Alex Chan

Dec. 14, 2016 9:11 PM PT

In Newport Beach, holiday lights and decorations are a must-have for trees, houses and — last but certainly not least — boats.

Dozens of decked-out vessels sailed in Newport Harbor on Wednesday night for the opening of the 108th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, which begins at 6:30 nightly through Sunday.

Attending the boat parade has become a longstanding tradition for loyal viewers and sailors.

Newport Beach resident Scott Flamson, who is in his 18th year in the parade, said he had been decorating his boat with lights every night since the day after Thanksgiving.

Modjeska Canyon resident Greg Killingsworth, in his ninth year in the parade, has an 8-foot fire-breathing metal dragon accompanying him as he sails this week.

“Christmas wouldn’t be the same without the boat parade in Newport Beach,” Killingsworth said.

For more information, visit christmasboatparade.com.

Deck the boats in Newport Harbor’s parade