I know it’s early to be thinking Christmas things, but I found out about this event last year after the fact. This year we live just a few minutes from Newport Beach so I really want to see it.
We went to the Marina del Rey Christmas Boat Show last year and it was beautiful! I hear this one is bigger and more beautiful.
For those of you who have done this before, where is a good place to go to see it? I’m thinking that if I can make a reservation at a restaurant to see it from that would be great and probably something I need to make in advance so I’m coming to you to educate me.
It’s probably not a wise thing to invite people to tell me where to go right here on a messageboard. :eek: But this is your chance.
Anyone else ever see a Christmas Boat Parade? I’d love to hear about your experience.
We went a few years ago and hung out by the Fun Zone[sup]1[/sup] but it was a little colder than we would have liked it. There’s a website with tips here.
If the ferry’s running, you might try taking a ride on it through the parade.
[sup]1[/sup] The Fun Zone is an area about halfway down Balboa peninsula that, to be honest, is pretty zonal but not extraordinarily fun.
When we weren’t actually in the parade, we would watch it from the Cannery (a nice restaurant) on Lido. Of course, ask for a bayfront table when you make reservations.
I haven’t been since I was a kid, but it was really a cool thig to see. There’s a beach on the inside of the Balboa peninsula about 3/4 mi past the Newport Pier. Dress warm and bring a picnic.
A restuarant is not gonna want you to hog a window table for the whole parade time on a premium night. I also find the crowds the biggest turnoff when I return to OC. The beach is a lot less likely to be mobbed.
Looking at the website RadioWave provided I see they’re keeping the two routes a secret. Idiots. So you’ll need to check with them in person to ensure you go on a night when they’ll be cruising by whereever you are.
