Being new to Newport, I’ve had to learn a lot of things about this great place, including all of the amazing history, the hotels and generally the things to see and do. However, one of the big things coming out of this city that I already knew about even before joining the Newport Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau was that the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is a really big deal.  And rightfully so, this event is in its 101st year, that’s a longer run than the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, two other legendary and iconic holiday events.

For me, what sets this event apart is the unique history I’ve recently uncovered and how it all started with a gondolier who in 1908 took a group of visitors from Pasadena across Newport Bay in his gondola which was adorned with Japanese lanterns.  A year later that same gondolier, John Scarpa gathered a group of nine of his best buds and created a mini parade of lit vessels. And therein lies the story of the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade!  Of course these days, fancy sailboats and multi-million dollar yachts have taken the place of gondolas and paper lanterns, but it’s still a sight to see.  Check it out from December 16th - 20th starting at 6:30PM, nightly.  For more info go to http://www.christmasboatparade.com or http://www.visitnewportbeach.com.