You've probably seen the photos of the Long Beach Christmas Boat Parade 2024 and thought it looks like a total dream. It basically is. Picture this: huge yachts decked out in literal miles of LED lights, small electric Duffy boats turned into floating gingerbread houses, and even some paddleboarders wearing battery-powered reindeer antlers. It’s chaotic in the best way possible.
But here’s the thing. If you just show up to Naples Island or Belmont Shore on a Saturday night in December without a plan, you’re gonna have a bad time. I’m talking about circling for parking for forty-five minutes just to end up two miles away from the water.
Actually, the 2024 season was special because the Naples Island Christmas Boat Parade—which is the "big one" everyone thinks of—celebrated its 78th year. That’s a massive legacy. We aren't just talking about a few strings of CVS lights taped to a hull. These boat owners spend thousands of dollars and months of planning to win those trophies.
What Actually Happened at the 78th Annual Parade
The main event went down on December 14, 2024. The theme was "Christmas Around the World," which led to some pretty wild displays. Honestly, seeing a scale model of the Eiffel Tower glowing in neon purple on the back of a 40-foot catamaran while it cruises through a narrow California canal is something you don't forget easily.
The Large Boat Parade started right around 6:00 PM, hitting the outer Bay first. Then the Small Boat Parade followed at 6:30 PM. This is the part people love most. Why? Because the small boats actually navigate the narrow canals of Naples Island. You can literally stand on a public walkway and be five feet away from a boat blasting Mariah Carey while throwing candy canes to the crowd.
Wait, I should clarify something. People often confuse the "Long Beach" parade with the "Naples" parade. They are technically the same ecosystem, but the Naples Island Garden Club is the engine behind the December 14th madness.
The Logistics Nobody Tells You About
Parking is a nightmare. There, I said it.
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If you tried to park on the island itself during the Long Beach Christmas Boat Parade 2024, you likely failed. The city usually shuts down the bridges to vehicle traffic early in the evening. Most locals know to park over at the Alamitos Bay Marina or near the Second Street shops and just hike it in. It’s a bit of a trek, but the vibe on the walk is electric. Everyone is wearing ugly sweaters and carrying thermoses of "hot cocoa" (which may or may not be spiked).
Watching from the bridges is the "classic" experience. The Appian Way bridge offers a killer vantage point, but it gets packed three deep by 5:00 PM. If you want a seat, you bring a folding chair and you claim your territory early.
Why the 2024 Theme Mattered
"Christmas Around the World" wasn't just a generic title. We saw boats representing everything from Italian gondolas to tropical Hawaiian Christmases. One standout was a boat that featured a massive, glowing Taj Mahal. The reflection on the water at night makes the lights look twice as bright. It’s a photographer's dream, but a nightmare if you’re trying to use a phone camera without a tripod.
There's a specific spirit to this event. It’s not corporate. It’s the community. These are neighbors competing against neighbors. The judging is serious business. They have categories for Best Lights, Best Animation, and even the Best Music.
Shoreline Village and the "Other" Parade
Most people focus on Naples, but the Long Beach Christmas Boat Parade 2024 experience also includes the Parades of 1,000 Lights hosted by the Shoreline Yacht Club. This usually happens earlier in the month—specifically December 7th for the 2024 season.
This one is better if you have kids who get cranky in tight crowds. You can sit at a restaurant in Shoreline Village or the Pike and watch the boats go by in the harbor. It’s much more spacious than the Naples canals. You get the view of the Queen Mary in the background, which is basically the ultimate Long Beach photo op.
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The Secret Spots
Okay, let's talk about where to actually stand.
- The Peninsula: Most people crowd the Naples side. If you walk across to the Peninsula (the strip of land between the bay and the ocean), you can see the Large Boat Parade with half the crowd size.
- Bay Shore Avenue: This street gets closed to cars. It becomes a giant pedestrian party. It’s perfect for seeing the boats before they duck into the canals.
- Kayak or SUP: This is the pro move. You can actually be in the water. Multiple rental shops like Kayaks on the Water offer night rentals. You have to stay out of the way of the official parade route, obviously, but being at water level while the glowing hulls pass by is incredible. Just wear a wetsuit or layers. The Pacific air gets biting after 7:00 PM.
Common Misconceptions
A lot of people think you need a ticket. You don't. It’s a public event. It’s free.
The only thing that costs money is if you want to watch from a "Grandstand" area or if you’re booking a table at a waterfront spot like Gladstone’s or 555 East (though 555 is a bit further inland). If you’re going the restaurant route, you need to book those reservations in October. Seriously. By November, the prime window seats are gone.
Another mistake? Thinking the parade starts exactly on time. It’s a boat parade. Currents happen. Wind happens. Mechanical failures happen. If the flyer says 6:00 PM, expect the lead boat to hit the main viewing areas around 6:15 or 6:30.
Nuance in the Weather
Southern California isn't always warm. In December 2024, we had some crisp nights. The humidity off the bay makes 55 degrees feel like 40. I saw so many tourists in shorts and t-shirts shivering because they thought "California = Summer." Bring a heavy jacket. Better yet, bring a blanket you don't mind getting a little salty from the sea spray.
How to Plan for Next Time
If you missed the Long Beach Christmas Boat Parade 2024, or you went and felt overwhelmed, here is how you handle the next one like an expert.
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First, check the moon phase and tide charts. High tide is actually better for the parade because the boats sit higher in the water and are easier to see from the sea walls. Low tide means they’re sunken down, and if you’re short, you might just be looking at the tops of masts.
Second, use the water taxi. The Long Beach AquaLink is a hidden gem. For a few bucks, you can get a boat ride from the Aquarium to Alamitos Bay. It’s the best way to bypass the traffic on PCH and 2nd Street.
Third, eat early. Every pizza joint and burger spot in Belmont Shore will have a two-hour wait starting at 5:00 PM. Eat a late lunch at 3:00 PM, then just carry snacks.
The Actionable Takeaway
To truly experience the Long Beach boat parades, you have to embrace the walking. This isn't a "drive-by" attraction.
Your Checklist for a Successful Visit:
- Arrive by 4:00 PM: If you want any hope of parking within a mile.
- Download a Map: The Naples canal system is a literal maze of bridges (East Treasure Drive, West Treasure Drive, etc.). It’s easy to get turned around in the dark.
- Flashlight/Headlamp: Some of the walkways near the water are uneven and poorly lit. Don't trip into the bay.
- Cash: Some of the local scouts or school groups sell hot chocolate and cookies on the sidewalks. They don't all take Venmo.
The Long Beach Christmas Boat Parade 2024 proved that even after nearly 80 years, the tradition hasn't lost its charm. It’s a weird, bright, loud, and beautiful slice of SoCal culture that everyone should see at least once. Just remember to wear socks. Seriously, the ocean breeze is no joke.
Next Steps for Your Trip
Check the official Naples Island Garden Club website for the 2025 dates, which are typically announced in late summer. If you plan on staying overnight, look for hotels in the Downtown Long Beach area and use the AquaLink to travel to the parade site to avoid the inevitable gridlock of the Belmont Shore neighborhoods. For those interested in participating, boat registration usually opens in November and requires a small fee that goes toward the prize pool and event insurance.