Newport Beach’s Christmas celebrations shine brightest on the water. The harbor’s famous Christmas Boat Parade offers the city’s most memorable holiday experience. I love watching the procession of decorated vessels from either the shore (free) or aboard a cruise ship (worth the splurge for the best views).
For a classic Newport Beach Christmas, two experiences stand out: The private harbor cruises, which let you customize your parade viewing experience, and the holiday buffet cruises – particularly enjoyable on Christmas Day when the crowds thin and the atmosphere turns intimate.
Both options include wheelchair access and comfortable seating. These well-organized boat tours showcase Newport Harbor’s festive spirit while providing excellent value with their included amenities and expert commentary.
Check out these top-rated Christmas tours in Newport Beach:
Key Points
- Enjoy a private Christmas boat parade cruise in Newport Harbor, with amenities like complimentary beverages and wheelchair accessibility.
- Indulge in a scenic Christmas Eve buffet brunch or dinner cruise, with live music, holiday decor, and unlimited mimosas.
- Experience a Christmas Day brunch buffet cruise featuring unlimited champagne, sparkling cider, and live entertainment.
- Savor a relaxing Christmas Day buffet brunch or dinner cruise, with a chef-prepared spread and free-flowing beverages.
- Explore various Christmas experiences in Newport Beach, including harbor cruises, buffets, and festive holiday settings.
Private Newport Harbor Christmas Boat Parade Cruise From Baywatch Boat Charters
The Newport Harbor Christmas Boat Parade Cruise from BayWatch Boat Charters offers a private and enchanting way to experience the annual holiday spectacle.
This two-year tour runs from December 13, 2023, to December 1, 2025, operating Wednesday through Sunday from 5 PM to 10 PM. The cruise departs from 2801 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, with the captain meeting guests at the top of the ramp near Billy’s at the Beach restaurant.
The cruise includes complimentary coffee, tea, and apple cider, as well as blankets for warmth. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. Most travelers can participate, and the cruise is a private experience for your group only.
However, with a 3.0 rating based on 2 reviews and no 5-star ratings, the experience may not meet the highest expectations.
Nonetheless, it offers a unique way to enjoy the festive boat parade in Newport Beach during the holiday season.
Read our full review: Private Newport Harbor Christmas Boat Parade Cruise From Baywatch Boat Charters Review
Book now: Check availability
Newport Beach: Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
Celebrate the holiday season with the Newport Beach: Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise. For $107.72 per person, you can enjoy a 2-2.5 hour scenic harbor cruise with stunning views of Southern California.
The all-inclusive experience features a chef-prepared buffet, live music entertainment, and holiday-themed decor.
The brunch menu offers both early and late risers’ options, including smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, French toast, and a variety of salads and entrees. During brunch, you’ll also enjoy unlimited mimosas.
The dinner menu features a selection of salads, main courses like baked macaroni, salmon, and carved meats, and delectable desserts.
This wheelchair-accessible cruise includes complimentary coffee, tea, and water, a guaranteed table, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
While non-refundable, it’s sure to be a Christmas Eve to remember. Check availability for start times and secure your spot for this festive Newport Beach experience.
Read our full review: Newport Beach: Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
Newport Beach Christmas Day Brunch Buffet Cruise
For those looking to continue the Christmas celebrations, the Newport Beach Christmas Day Brunch Buffet Cruise offers a delightful way to spend the holiday.
This 2-hour cruise features a holiday brunch buffet, unlimited champagne, sparkling cider, and mimosas, as well as live entertainment to set the festive mood. With a maximum capacity of 200 travelers, the cruise guarantees a table for your party size, and all gratuities are included.
Parking is available on-site for $15 per car, though public lots and metered street parking are also options. The cruise departs from and returns to the meeting point at 2431 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663.
Confirmations are provided within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. While the cruise isn’t wheelchair accessible, service animals are allowed, and infant seats are available. Most travelers can participate in this Christmas experience.
Read our full review: Newport Beach Christmas Day Brunch Buffet Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
Newport Beach: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
Spend Christmas Day enjoying a relaxing 2 to 2.5-hour harbor cruise in Newport Beach. The “Newport Beach: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise” offers a chef-prepared buffet, full bar service, and live music entertainment, all while taking in the scenic views of the Newport Beach harbor.
Priced from $121.19 per person, the cruise features a diverse menu catering to both early and late risers. The brunch buffet includes favorites like scrambled eggs, breakfast meats, and a selection of salads and entrees, plus a signature dessert station.
The dinner buffet offers hearty options like three-cheese baked macaroni, oven-roasted salmon, and hand-carved turkey and tri-tip steak. Included in the price are unlimited coffee, tea, and water, plus free-flowing champagne, mimosas, and sparkling cider for the brunch.
This wheelchair-accessible experience also provides hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as holiday decor to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Read our full review: Newport Beach: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
Recap
Newport Beach offers a variety of festive Christmas experiences on the water. Visitors can enjoy a private boat parade cruise, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day brunch or dinner cruises, and more. With plenty of options to choose from, there’s sure to be a perfect holiday excursion for every traveler in Newport Beach.