Huntington Beach’s annual Boat Parade is a local tradition held every holiday season to kick off the Cruise of Lights. The event is organized by the Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Committee as a way to thank the residents of Huntington Harbour for decorating their homes for all to enjoy, and is an all-volunteer effort.
Festively decorated boats travel through Huntington Harbour and around the islands for all to enjoy. Each year there is a special theme, and participants, both boats and homes, can enter to win the People’s Choice Awards for best decorations. Judging occurs on the first night, and the honorees show off their awards on the second night.
The five manmade islands with multi-million-dollar homes include docks with yachts and boats, residents often hire a professional light installer to decorate their estates, mansions and houses for the holiday season.
Huntington Harbour Boat Parade Details
Huntington Harbour Boat Parade Website
Cruise of Lights Website
Boat Parade Dates/Times: December 9-10, 2023 – 5:00PM – 8:00PM
Cruise Of Lights Dates/Times: December 16-18 & 21-23, 2023
Cost: Free to watch
Facebook: @HuntingtonHarbourBoatParadeHHPC
Instagram: @hhboatparade
Boat Parade Theme: “The Power Of Music…Celebrating 61 Years”
Parking is limited to available street parking in nearby neighborhoods.
Davenport Beach Park: 4031 Davenport Drive, Huntington Beach 92649
Humboldt Park: 4141 Humboldt Drive, Huntington Beach 92649
Trinidad Park: 3601 Sagamore Drive, Huntington Beach 92649
French Park: 3482 Venture Drive, Huntington Beach 92649
Seabridge Park: 16252 Countess Drive, Huntington Beach 92649
Portofino Cove: 3109 Countess Drive, Huntington Beach 92649
Viewing Locations: Where to Watch
The best options for public viewing are along the beach areas on the following islands: Davenport Island, Humboldt Island, Trinidad Island and Gilbert Island. Viewing spots can also be found near Peter’s Landing and Admiralty Island. The Huntington Harbour bridges and Seabridge Park have great views as well.
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Parking
Parking is limited but there is a free shuttle from the Huntington Harbor Mall (16897 Algonquin
Huntington Beach, CA 92649). The shuttle is a few short-blocks ride to the public dock next to Huntington Harbour Yacht Club where ticketed guests board for their cruise.
Huntington Harbour Cruise Of Lights
The Cruise of Lights are narrated boat tours through the waterways of Huntington Harbour. Locals and visitors can see the beauty of thousands of lights and animated displays on brightly decorated homes, docks, decks and boats.
Reservations are required for this 45-minute narrated boat tour through the waterways of Huntington Harbour with cruises departing the dock at 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm, and 8:30 pm.
Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Committee
The Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Committee supports the Philharmonic Society of Orange County. OC’s oldest non-profit music organization promotes the knowledge and appreciation of the arts through national and international musical performances and presentations and music outreach education programs.
Over a quarter of a million students in Orange County benefit from youth programs provided by the Committees of the Philharmonic Society.
The funds raised from the Cruise of Lights support these highly-regarded educational youth programs of Orange County.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Huntington Harbour Boat Parade?
The parade will take place on December 9 and December 10, 2023.
What time does the Huntington Harbour Boat Parade Start?
The parade starts 5:15 p.m. sharp on December 9 and December 10, 2023.
How long does Huntington Harbour Boat Parade last?
The parade lasts approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes and goes from 5:15 p.m. to 7:50 p.m.
Where can I watch the Huntington Harbour Boat Parade?
You can view the parade for free from the many beach areas, Seabridge Park or from one of the Huntington Harbor Bridges.
What should I wear?
Dress in layers including a jacket. Bring a jacket, gloves, a winter hat, scarf, and leggings. Wear warm shoes and socks.
For more holiday fun see our list of Winter Events
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Heidi Deal is the author of the Newcomers Handbook to Living In Los Angeles & Orange County, and a children’s book author specializing in history and human rights.