Boats to rock around Newport Harbor for this year’s Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

There are only eight months left until Christmas.

While it might be too early to go shopping for presents or to put up Christmas trees, the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce announced last week it’s about time to start planning for the 113th annual Christmas Boat Parade. The countdown to Dec. 15 began last Friday, and organizers are now seeking submissions of themes for this year’s parade.

Through June, interested readers can visit christmasboatparade.com to submit up to three theme ideas for the five-night parade.

The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade was canceled last year as coronavirus cases increased in Orange County and statewide. State officials transitioned nearly 40 counties into more restrictive tiers of the state‘s reopening blueprint in November.

At the time, Steven Rosansky, the president of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, said the decision came down to public safety and there was no way to ensure that all visitors would be wearing masks or staying socially distanced, particularly in popular viewing spots such as Balboa Island, Balboa Village or the public docks around the harbor.

In response, residents and boat owners held their own boat parade following the traditional route around Newport Harbor.

“After this past year, we are ready for good news and as optimism in reopening grows, the light at the end of the tunnel is that much brighter today as we announce the dates of this year’s Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and the return of celebrating together again,” said Rosansky in a statement released with the announcement.

Support our coverage by becoming a digital subscriber.