Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Picture million dollar yachts, kayaks, electric boats and other water crafts gliding through the Newport Harbor – and you have the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. The parade features dazzling holiday lights that light up the bay, amazing the nearly one million visitors that crowd Newport Beach and Newport Harbor.
From December 18 – 22, there are more than 200 vessels participating in this holiday celebration. Several of these vessels will be decorated for the season, playing music and displaying Christmas decorations and costumed carolers. In the past, some yacht owners have spent as much as 50,000 dollars in decorations for their yacht.
Over the course of 14 miles, the yachts and watercraft will amaze the spectators. For more than 90 years, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade has dazzled spectators and locals. All along the beach, the parade provides views for restaurants, locals, private home owners, and even those on public beaches.
Along with the private boats, many charter companies offer the chance for parade goers to participate in the parade and view the “Ring of Lights”, a group of spectacular homes all around the harbor. The “Ring of Lights” is a popular addition to the parade, with prizes given for those who have the best decorations on their homes.
Newport Beach Food And Wine Festival
If you enjoy exotic yet superb food and great wine, the Newport Beach Food and Wine Festival is where you need to be. Lasting a weekend long, the festival is held annually at the Balboa Bay Club. Normally held the first week of May, this is the perfect time to visit Newport Beach.
Although you won’t need martinis at the festival, you can bet on some of the best wineries in California being on hand to pour their distinctive wines. You should also come hungry as well, as the food is to die for.
On a typical night, you can find mounds of shrimp, a variety of oysters, fish, pasta, and many other types of seafood and exotic treats. Along with the wine, this festival is a great attraction to Newport Beach.
A highlight for the festival is the cognac and cigar seminar, provided by Martel Cognac and Hamilton Cigars. During the seminar you can sip superb cognac while learning all about them. Also, you can learn all about fine cigars as well.
During May, the Newport Beach Food and Wine Festival is reason enough to visit the area. There are plenty of other things to do and see as well. If you love food, wine, and the water – Newport Beach is the place to be in May.
