You’ve probably seen the postcards of Venice, Italy. Gondolas, narrow waterways, and that specific glow of lights reflecting off ripples. Now, imagine that, but swap the Renaissance cathedrals for multimillion-dollar beach houses in Long Beach, and drench the whole thing in enough LEDs to power a small country. That’s the Naples Island holiday display. It isn’t just a neighborhood putting up a few wreaths. It’s a full-scale, water-integrated light show that’s been running since about 1946.
Most people call it Naples California Christmas lights, but locals just call it "The Canals."
Honestly, it’s a bit of a logistical nightmare if you don't know what you're doing. You can’t just roll up at 7:00 PM on a Saturday and expect to park. You’ll end up circling Second Street until you’re ready to scream. But once you actually get onto the bridges and start walking the narrow walkways—some of which are barely wide enough for two people to pass—the stress kinda melts away. There is something fundamentally different about seeing holiday decor from the water level. The houses don’t just have lights; they have themes. One year you’ll see a giant inflatable "Grinch" stealing a boat, and the next, a sophisticated display of dripping "icicle" lights that cost more than my first car.
What Actually Happens During the Naples Boat Parade?
If you want the peak experience, you have to time it with the official Naples Island Boat Parade. It usually hits in mid-December. This isn't your standard Macy’s style parade. It’s divided. You’ve got the large powerboats and sailboats that do a lap around the outside, and then the small boat parade that snakes through the inner canals.
The inner canal parade is where the real charm lives.
We’re talking about canoes, kayaks, and Duffy electric boats decked out in tinsel. People get competitive. There are trophies involved. The Naples Island Garden Club and various local associations take this very seriously. I’ve seen people dressed as elves paddling a 12-foot outrigger while singing carols. It’s chaotic. It’s loud. It’s undeniably Long Beach.
If you aren't on a boat, you’re on the "sidewalks." These are basically the public right-of-ways that run between the front of the houses and the water. It’s a strange feeling, basically walking through someone’s front yard while they’re inside having a dinner party. Most residents are cool with it; they leave their curtains open so you can see their massive trees. Some even set up little stations to give out cider, though that’s becoming rarer with the massive crowds.
The Geography of the Lights
Naples isn't just one big blob. It’s three islands located in Alamitos Bay. You have the Big Island, the Little Island, and Treasure Island. They’re all connected by bridges with names like the Ravenna Bridge or the Toledo Steps.
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- The Colonnade Park: This is the "hub." There’s a big fountain here (the La Bella Fontana Park) that usually serves as a meeting point.
- The Rivo Alto Canal: This is the main loop where the best house displays usually sit.
- The Treasure Island Bridge: Great for photos, but it gets packed.
If you want to avoid the worst of the human traffic jam, go on a Tuesday night. Serious. The lights are still on, the houses are still glowing, but you won't be shoulder-to-shoulder with five thousand strangers. Most homeowners keep the displays active from early December through New Year’s Eve, usually turning them off around 10:00 PM to keep the peace with neighbors.
Getting on the Water: Gondolas vs. Kayaks
Look, walking is free, but being on the water is the "pro" move for seeing the Naples California Christmas lights. You have a few distinct ways to do this, and they vary wildly in price and effort.
First, the Gondolas. The Long Beach Gondola Company operates right out of the area. It is expensive. You are paying for the "vibe." They provide blankets and sometimes bread and cheese. It’s very romantic, or whatever, but they book up months in advance. If you’re reading this in December and haven't booked, you're probably out of luck unless there’s a cancellation.
Then there’s the DIY approach.
I’ve seen people launch paddleboards from Horny Corner (the local name for the beach area at 55th Place and Ocean Blvd). If you do this, for the love of everything, wear a life vest and put lights on your craft. The canals get congested. There are Duffy boats—those little electric golf carts of the sea—everywhere. Those Duffy drivers are often "celebrating" with some spiked eggnog, so you have to be your own advocate out there.
Why the Lights Matter for Long Beach
It’s easy to be cynical about a bunch of wealthy people showing off their mansions. But there’s a history here. Naples was designed in 1903 by Arthur Parrington, who wanted to recreate Venice in Southern California. It didn't really take off until much later, but the holiday tradition helped cement the neighborhood's identity.
It’s one of the few places in Los Angeles County where the "public square" is actually a waterway.
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The complexity of the displays is honestly staggering. Because the houses are so close to the water, the reflections double the light output. It creates this shimmering, neon environment that feels completely disconnected from the nearby traffic of PCH or the industrial grit of the Port of Long Beach. It’s a pocket of pure artifice, and it’s beautiful for it.
The Parking Survival Guide (The Part Nobody Tells You)
Parking is the "Final Boss" of the Naples lights.
If you try to park on the island itself, you will fail. Don't even try. You’ll get stuck in a one-way street loop and spend forty minutes moving three blocks. Instead, look for parking in the Belmont Shore area, specifically in the metered lots along Ocean Blvd or near the Alamitos Bay Marina.
Expect to walk. A lot.
Wear comfortable shoes. This isn't the place for heels or fancy dress shoes. The pavement is uneven, the bridges have stairs, and you’ll likely be walking at least a mile or two by the time you loop the island. If you’re bringing kids, strollers are a nightmare on the narrow canal walkways. If you can use a carrier instead, do it. Your sanity will thank you.
Eating and Drinking Around the Canals
You’re going to get hungry. Second Street in Belmont Shore is the move. It’s a short walk from the Naples entrance.
- Nick’s on 2nd: Good for a "real" dinner, but expect a wait.
- Rance’s Chicago Pizza: Heavily debated, but good for a group.
- Local Coffee Shops: Grab a hot chocolate before you hit the bridges.
Pro tip: Use the restroom before you head into the residential canal area. There are no public "port-a-potties" inside the neighborhood. You have to go back toward the parks or the commercial strips. I’ve seen many a parent looking desperate halfway through the Rivo Alto loop. Don't be that person.
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Common Misconceptions About the Naples Lights
A lot of people think the boat parade is every night. It’s not. It’s one night. If you show up on a random Thursday, you’ll see the houses, but the water will be relatively quiet. Honestly? That’s better for most people. The parade night is "festival" energy—loud music, screaming, crowded bridges. A random weeknight is "strolling" energy.
Another misconception: it’s "gated."
Nope. Naples is a public neighborhood. You don't have to pay an entry fee to walk the canals. You just have to be respectful. Remember, these are people's actual bedrooms three feet away from your conversation. Don't be the group shouting at 9:00 PM.
Also, it isn't just about the lights. Pay attention to the architecture. You’ve got Mid-Century Modern masterpieces sitting right next to faux-Tuscan villas. The holiday decor usually highlights the lines of these houses in ways you don't notice during the day.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to head down this year, here is the exact sequence I’d follow to actually enjoy the experience instead of fighting it.
- Check the Tide Tables: Seriously. If you’re going on the water, high tide makes the bridges lower. If you’re in a tall boat, you might not clear them. If you’re walking, it doesn't matter, but the water looks "fuller" and more reflective at high tide.
- Arrive at 4:30 PM: This is the "golden hour." You get to see the sunset over the bay, and you can snag a parking spot while the daytime crowd is leaving and before the nighttime crowd arrives.
- Start at the Fountain: Use La Bella Fontana Park as your base. Walk one direction, hit the bridges, and do the full loop.
- Bring a Camera with Night Mode: Most phone cameras are fine now, but the contrast between the dark water and the bright LEDs can blow out your photos. If you have a "Night" setting, use it.
- Check the Weather: It’s Southern California, sure, but the air off the water is damp and cold. It feels 10 degrees colder on the canals than it does three blocks inland. Bring a jacket.
The Naples California Christmas lights are a weird, wonderful piece of local culture. It’s a mix of high-end real estate and genuine community spirit. While places like "Christmas Tree Lane" in Altadena or "Candy Cane Lane" in El Segundo offer that classic suburban feel, Naples gives you something maritime and specific. It’s worth the trek, the parking headache, and the cold feet. Just get there early, stay quiet on the walkways, and don't forget to look at the reflections in the water—that’s where the real magic is happening anyway.