Every December, Huntington Harbour transforms into a winter wonderland on the water. Thousands of lights drape waterfront homes, boats don their holiday best, and the entire harbor sparkles with Christmas magic. It's one of Orange County's most beloved holiday traditions, and there's no better way to experience it than from your own boat.
While most people watch from the shore or pay for crowded public cruises, you can rent your own private boat and cruise through the lights at your own pace, with your own people, hot cocoa in hand, Christmas music playing, making memories your family will talk about for years.
"We've done the public Cruise of Lights, but having our own boat was a completely different experience. We could stop wherever we want, and the kids could run around. Truly magical."
- The Martinez Family, IrvineOrange County's Best Holiday Boat Events
Orange County is home to several spectacular holiday boat parades and light displays. Here's the complete guide:
🎄 Huntington Harbour Boat Parade
The 62nd annual boat parade features decorated vessels cruising through the harbor while residents compete for best-decorated home. An all-volunteer event benefiting youth music education programs.
✨ Cruise of Lights®
Voted "Top 10" by Coastal Living Magazine. 50-minute narrated boat tours through Huntington Harbour's magnificently decorated waterways. Thousands of lights and animated displays.
⛵ Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
The granddaddy of them all! Now in its 117th year, hundreds of decorated boats cruise Newport Harbor. Features fireworks and drone shows. The most famous boat parade on the West Coast.
🌟 Dana Point Boat Parade of Lights
Celebrating its 50th "Golden Jubilee" year! Local boaters transform vessels into floating festive displays competing for $10,000 in cash prizes. Carol of the Boats theme.
Why Rent Your Own Boat for Holiday Lights
Your Own Schedule
No fixed route, no time limits. Stop to admire your favorites, circle back, stay out as long as you want.
Private Experience
Just your family and friends. No strangers, no crowded boats, no rushing to fit the group tour schedule.
Bring Your Own Treats
Hot cocoa, cookies, mulled wine, holiday snacks, whatever makes your celebration special.
Your Holiday Playlist
Bluetooth speakers let you play your family's favorite Christmas songs as you cruise.
Photo Opportunities
Stop for as long as you need to get the perfect family photo with spectacular light displays.
Cozy Comfort
Our Duffy boats have enclosed cabins with heaters. Stay warm while enjoying the lights!
The Huntington Harbour Experience
Huntington Harbour offers one of the most spectacular holiday light displays in Southern California. Unlike larger harbors, the intimate waterways mean you're cruising right past the decorated homes, close enough to see every detail of the elaborate displays.
What makes it special:
- Over 100 decorated homes - Many residents hire professional installers for stunning displays
- Award-winning decorations - Annual contests inspire homeowners to outdo each other
- Animated displays - Dancing lights, moving figures, synchronized music
- Decorated boats - During parade nights, boats join the light show
- Intimate waterways - Get up close to the displays
- Protected waters - Calm, comfortable cruising conditions
Planning Your Holiday Lights Cruise
Best Times to Go
5:00 - 5:30 PM
Perfect for families with young kids. Watch the sunset, then the lights come on as darkness falls. Magical transition!
6:00 - 7:00 PM
Prime time! Full darkness means maximum sparkle. This is when the lights really shine.
7:00 - 8:00 PM
Great for couples or adults. Fewer boats on the water, romantic atmosphere, cooler temps.
Weeknights vs. Weekends
Weeknights are less crowded. Boat parade nights (Dec 13-14) are busiest but most festive!
What to Bring
🧥 Stay Warm
- Warm jackets and layers
- Blankets (we have some, bring extras!)
- Gloves and beanies
- Warm socks and closed-toe shoes
- Hand warmers (optional but nice)
🍪 Holiday Treats
- Hot cocoa in thermoses
- Coffee or hot cider
- Christmas cookies
- Snacks and appetizers
- Mulled wine for adults
🎄 Make It Festive
- Santa hats for everyone
- Ugly Christmas sweaters
- Battery-powered string lights
- Holiday music playlist
- Jingle bells!
📱 Capture It
- Fully charged phone
- Portable charger
- Camera with night mode
- Mini tripod for steady shots
- Extra storage space
Tips for the Best Holiday Cruise
Make Your Lights Cruise Unforgettable
- Book early! Holiday rentals fill up fast, especially parade nights
- Dress warmer than you think - it's colder on the water at night
- Bring the heater blankets - our boats have heaters, but blankets add coziness
- Start your playlist before you even leave the dock
- Go slow - there's no rush, soak in every display
- Wave to other boats! Everyone's in the holiday spirit
- Look for the award winners - they're often the most elaborate
- Don't forget the hot cocoa - it's basically required
Group Ideas for Holiday Cruises
Holiday light cruises work for all kinds of groups:
- Family traditions: Make it an annual event the kids look forward to all year
- Date night: Romance under the twinkling lights
- Friends' holiday gathering: Better than another house party!
- Office holiday party: Unique team celebration
- Visiting family: Show out-of-town guests SoCal's holiday magic
- Kids' groups: Scouts, sports teams, school friends
- Multi-generational: Grandparents to grandkids all love the lights
What to Expect on Parade Nights
If you're on the water during the actual boat parade (December 13 & 14), here's what to expect:
- More boats on the water - It's festive and busy!
- Decorated parade boats - Watch the official entries cruise by
- Stay to the sides - Let parade boats have the main channel
- Enhanced atmosphere - Music, crowds on shore, excitement in the air
- Book a longer rental - You'll want extra time to see everything
Even if you're not on the water during parade nights, the lights remain on throughout December, so any evening cruise is spectacular.
Photography Tips
Want to capture the magic? Here's how to get great holiday light photos from the boat:
- Use night mode on your phone for best results
- Brace against the boat to reduce shake
- Include your group in shots with lights as backdrop
- Take videos too - animated displays look better in motion
- Don't over-edit - the lights are already colorful!
- Capture candid moments - the kids' face, the lights are priceless
A Holiday Tradition Worth Starting
There's something magical about cruising through the holiday lights with people you love. The gentle hum of the boat, the twinkling reflections on the water, the "oohs" and "ahhs" as you round each corner to discover a new display. It's Christmas magic at its finest.
Many of our families have made the holiday lights cruise an annual tradition. The kids start asking about it in November. Grandparents request it as their Christmas gift. It becomes the thing your family does every December.
This year, skip the crowded malls and endless shopping. Give your people an experience they'll remember, a private boat cruise through Orange County's most spectacular holiday lights.
Hot cocoa. Christmas carols. Twinkling lights. Your people. That's the holiday magic right there. 🎄
Book Your Holiday Lights Cruise 🎄
Make this December unforgettable. Book early, holiday cruises fill up fast!
Call (562) 592-7877 (562) 592-7877
