The Newport Harbor Christmas Boat Parade is sponsored by the Commodores' Division of the Newport Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce, which estimates that about a million people see the parade each year. Boats will line up each evening at 6:30 at Collins Island and continue to parade through the harbor for about 2 1/2 hours. For viewing information, call the Chamber of Commerce at (714) 729-4400.
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Dana Point. Newport Beach isn't the only place with action on the water this December. Approximately 70 boats will participate in Dana Point's 19th annual boat parade Dec. 10 and 11. The parade will start at 7:30 both evenings, beginning in the east basin.
Theme for this year's parade is "A Dickens of a Christmas." If you want to watch the parade as a participant, Dana Wharf Sportfishing will offer tours for $15 for adults and $10 for children. For information call (714) 496-5794.
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Huntington Harbour. More than 25,000 people are expected to tour the waterways of Huntington Harbour this year during the 31st annual Cruise of Lights. The event will run from Dec. 14 to 22 and is sponsored by the Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Committee.
During the Cruise of Lights, visitors pay for narrated boat rides to view waterfront homes decorated for the holiday season. Tickets for cruises Monday through Thursday are $8.50. Friday, Saturday and Sunday night tickets cost $9.50. Children's ticket prices are $5. Tours are held each evening at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m.
The Huntington Harbour Philharmonic will also sponsor a boat parade on Dec. 11 and 12 as a kickoff to the Cruise of Lights. About 60 decorated boats are expected to participate in the event, according to Burton Willis, grand marshal. The parade will begin at 5:15 both evenings in the main channel. For information about both events call (714) 840-7542.
