HOLIDAY DINING : Viewers Can Go With the Float

Don’t listen to those recession-minded grinches who would have you believe there will be no Christmas boat parade in Newport Harbor this year. The parade, with all its festive color and lights, is definitely on, for the evenings of Dec. 17 through 23. And most bay front restaurants are preparing to give you snug vantage points while you wine and dine. But better make your reservations. Some, such as Villa Nova, are already booked solid.

In the Balboa Pavilion, the Tail of the Whale does not take reservations during the parade, so it’s first come, first seated beginning at 4 p.m. Dinners range from $16 to $24.95 at Tail of the Whale, which is on Balboa Peninsula at 400 Main St. Information: (714) 673-4633.

Those who dine early at the Tail of the Whale might want to take a boat from the pavilion to watch the parade. Catalina Passenger Service still has some days open for viewings from the Pavilion Patty ($10 for a one-hour cruise, 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. or 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.), the Pavilion Queen ($12 for a 5:30 to 7 p.m. trip) or the Catalina Flyer. ($12 for harbor cruises on Dec. 17 and 18 only, 5:30 to 7 p.m. and 7:30 to 9 p.m.) Information: (714) 673-5245.

At Parker’s Seafood Grill, reservations are still available for two seatings on each of the parade nights, at 6 and 8:30 p.m. Dinners, with the accent on the catches of the day, average $16 to $18. The restaurant is at 309 Palm Ave., Newport Beach. (714) 673-3741.

Newport Landing will feature a special boat parade menu, with prices ranging from $12.95 to $29.95; seatings start at 5 p.m. After dinner, you can go upstairs for live entertainment in the view lounge. The restaurant is at 503 Edgewater Ave., Newport Beach. For reservations, call (714) 675-2373.

Here, too, you have the option of dining first at the restaurant and going out on a boat from Newport Landing Sportfishing. You’ll be part of the parade in a decorated boat, and refreshments will be served at a nominal fee. Cruise from 6 to 8 p.m. or 8 to 10 p.m. Adults, $15; children under 12, $6. Information: (714) 675-0550.

At the Warehouse in the Lido Village area, for the fifth year, the traditional boat parade buffet will be served. It’s still $24.95, and includes carved roast beef, mahi-mahi, cashew teriyaki chicken, seafood salads and such desserts as Christmas trifle and chocolate mousse in chocolate cups. The regular menu will also be available. Dinner service begins at 4 p.m., and reservations are still available. 3450 Via Oporto, Newport Beach. (714) 673-4700.

Barbacoa, near the Lido bridge, will schedule three seatings of an hour and a half each: at 5:30, 7 and 8:30 p.m. The menu varies from island pizzas at $9.95 to entrees priced up to $19.95, and seasonal specials will be available. 3333 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach. (714) 646-6090.

John Dominis will offer its regular menu of Pacific seafoods, with entrees priced from $12.95 up, and its award-winning wine list. The restaurant opens for dinner at 6 p.m., and tables are still available. 2901 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach. Call for reservations: (714) 650-5112.

The Chart House will seat guests throughout the parade evenings, beginning at 5 p.m., but you’ll be asked to limit your stay to two hours. Order beef, chicken or seafood from the regular menu, with prices of $15 to $23. 2801 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach. (714) 548-5889. The Rusty Pelican has begun accepting reservations for two seatings on each of the parade nights, during which a menu of seven to 10 fresh fish items will be available. 2735 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach. Call for seating times and reservations: (714) 642-3431.

At the Ancient Mariner, seatings will be at 5:30 and 8 p.m. for a boat parade menu that includes 12 to 15 selections of seafood, beef and pastas, priced from $13.50 to $36. 2607 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach. (714) 646-0201.

Josh Slocum’s will seat guests at 5:30 and 8 p.m. Its regular menu, including the 40-item salad bar, will be available, with prices averaging about $20. 2601 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach. Reservations: (714) 642-5935.

You can view the parade through 25-foot floor-to-ceiling windows at Cano’s, which will offer two seatings, with a fixed menu and complimentary valet parking. The restaurant is at 2241 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach. For information on seating times, prices and for reservations, call Nili Stevens at (714) 631-1381 or (714) 262-7601.

Although the boat parade does not pass the Cannery, it has put together a package featuring dinner in the restaurant and viewing of the festivities via boat. It’s $55 per person and includes tax and tip but not bar service. There’s a choice of eight entrees in the restaurant, plus dessert and coffee will be served on board. Dinner begins at 4:30 p.m.; the cruise is from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The restaurant is at 3010 Lafayette Ave., Newport Beach. (714) 675-5777.

For dinner on a boat, an anchored paddle wheel boat, try Charlie Brown’s, formerly known as the Reuben E. Lee. Dinners, ordered from the regular menu, are $10.95 to $24.95. Reservations will be taken beginning the day after Thanksgiving, so call then for seating times and to reserve your table. 151 E. Coast Highway, Newport Beach. (714) 673-5790.

And finally, how about dinner afloat, cruising the harbor aboard a 300-passenger Hornblower Dining Yacht? It will serve a three-course dinner (with choice of filet mignon or catch of the day entree) prepared fresh on board, with fine china and white linen service. The cost is $54 per person. Tax, gratuity and beverage are additional. You’ll be out on the water from 6:30 to 10 p.m., and boarding is at 6 p.m. at Mariners Mile Marine Center, 2431 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach. Parking is available. Reservations: (714) 631-2469, ext. 7.