Boat Parade gives nautical approach to holidays

The decorating has already begun on the boats participating in this year’s annual Christmas Boat Parade, hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce.

The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and continues every night through Dec. 16.

More than 100 boats are expected to be entered in the parade, and this year’s theme is “’Twas the Lights Before Christmas.”

In addition to the boats, homes and businesses lining the harbor will be illuminated and can enter to compete in the Ring of Lights decorating contest.

Prizes for boats will be awarded in a number of categories.

Many of the restaurants along the parade route will offer views of the parade at about 8 p.m. Reservations for dinner are recommended.

To enter your boat in the parade or your home in the decorating contest, go to www.christmasboatparade.com.

For more information, call (949) 729-4414.

— Sue Thoensen