After 111 years, Newport Beach still loves a boat parade

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A large vessel decked out in a Christmas circus theme moves along the route during the 111th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade on Wednesday evening. (Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

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A fishing vessel and a crewman stay in line along the route. (Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

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A small sailing vessel moves along the route during the parade. (Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

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Members of the surf rock band the Nomads play Christmas songs on the deck of a boat. (Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

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A fishing vessel moves along the route during the parade on Wednesday. (Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

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A colorful cruiser moves along the route. (Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

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A small boat with a big Santa theme is part of the parade. (Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

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A colorful pleasure cruiser moves along the route. (Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

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An elf with toy rocket was one of the decorations at the parade. (Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

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A colorful Duffy boat moves along the route. (Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

By Daily Pilot Staff

Dec. 18, 2019 11 PM PT

The boats are back.

They never actually leave in Newport Beach, of course. But this week, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade has vessels ranging from kayaks to yachts decorated with illuminated figures, pyrotechnics and all manner of twinkly lights and electronics cruising the harbor for the after-dark holiday tradition, now in its 111th year.

The parade set sail Wednesday with grand marshal Christina Anstead of HGTV and continues from 6:30 to about 9 nightly through Sunday.

The 14-mile procession starts and ends at the tip of Lido Isle, and spectators can watch for free from shore around most of Newport Harbor. Parade-watching cruises, boat rentals and waterfront dining packages also are available.

Closing festivities Sunday will include a fireworks show at the Balboa Pier at 9:05 p.m.

The grand marshal schedule for the rest of the parade’s run: