Hello Back Bay Buoys and Gulls, happy Monday.

We would like to sincerely apologize to anyone who attended the event at Westcliff Village expecting live reindeer on Saturday. Field reports indicate there were in fact, no reindeer, live or otherwise, onsite. While the organizers have not responded for comment, we can only assume the Irvine Company was involved. They are notorious humbugs. Any who, this week we can expect a quiet buildup to Christmas which is next week. Oh My. Time flies when you are trying to find gifts for everyone and their literal mother. We will see you at the boat parade.

To our new readers—welcome! The Back Bay Buzz delivers just the right amount of news and events for locals in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. No crime, no politics, no spam—just the good stuff. We scan newspapers, blogs, social media, business journals, and Google alerts so you don’t have to.

In today’s Buzz:

• Newport Boat Parade Hot Spots

• Holiday Pop-up Markets

• Ugly Sweater Party

— Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz

The Best Spots to Watch the NB Boat Parade

Often called one of the nation's top holiday happenings, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade features over 100 decorated vessels—from multi-million dollar yachts to humble kayaks—circumnavigating the 14-mile harbor. The 117th annual parade is scheduled for December 17–21, 2025, kicking off nightly around 6:30 PM. In addition to fireworks on opening night (Wednesday), there will also be drone light shows this year to augment the festivities (weather permitting).

Best Spots to Watch

• Marina Park (1600 W. Balboa Blvd): This is the largest public viewing area (10.5 acres). It is particularly family-friendly, offering a nautical-themed playground, ample parking (177 spaces), and plenty of room to set up chairs. The parade passes here relatively early, around 6:45 PM.

• Balboa Island: Walking the perimeter of Balboa Island offers a dual treat. You get a front-row seat to the boats passing by and can simultaneously view the "Ring of Lights"—the elaborate holiday displays on the bayfront homes.

• The Fun Zone (Balboa Village): A classic local spot that offers free admission and a lively atmosphere. It is a great option for those who want to enjoy the boardwalk energy along with the parade.

• Dine & Watch: For a warmer experience, book a reservation at a waterfront restaurant. Top picks include Billy’s at the Beach, The Rusty Pelican, Newport Landing, and The Winery Restaurant. (Note: by the time you are reading this, most reservations are fully booked. Always worth a shot though: things change, people die.)

• Lido Marina Village: The boardwalk and deck areas here offer excellent views, especially for the start and end of the parade, as the route begins near the tip of Lido Isle.

• John Wayne Park: If you are ok with viewing the parade from a distance, this Newport Heights neighborhood park offers a commanding view of the harbor. A grassy knoll offers the perfect spot to bring a Pitfire pizza and make a picnic of it. Note: This park used to be a neighborhood secret, but no longer. Expect a crowd and limited parking.

A Brief History

The parade’s humble origins date back to 1907, when an Italian gondolier named John Scarpa and local developer Joseph Beek (who established the Balboa Ferry) began the tradition. Originally called the "Tournament of Lights," the first event in 1908 consisted of just one gondola and eight canoes illuminated by Japanese lanterns.

Over the last century, it has evolved from that loosely organized procession into a massive, professionally judged spectacle hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce. Despite pauses during WWI and WWII, the parade has grown to become a defining century-old tradition for the community.

THIS WEEK:

• Newport Beach Boat Parade

  Wednesday, December 17th-21st

  6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  Info

• Holiday Pop-Up Market - Lido Village
  Wednesday Dec 17th-21st
  11am-8pm
  Info

• Holiday Night Market at CAMP in Costa Mesa

  Thursday, 18 December

  4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
  Info

• Silent Night Silent Disco at Segerstrom Center for the Arts ($17+)

  Friday, 19 December

  7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
  Info

• Santa Visits at Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach

  Friday, 19 December

  4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  Info

• Ugly Sweater Party - Milligram Costa Mesa
  Friday Dec 19th
  5pm-late
  Info

UPCOMING:

• Holiday Night Market - The Camp
  Thursday Dec 18th
  4-9pm
  Info

• Ugly Sweater Holiday Party - Milligram Costa Mesa
  Friday Dec 19th
  5pm-late
  Info

• Breakfast with Santa - Helmsman Ale House
  Sat Dec 21st
  10am
  Info

• Vintage Holiday Market - Lido Village
  Sat Dec 20th 12-5pm
  Info
  

WHAT’S GOING ON IN SOUTH OC?

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THIS WEEK:

• Coffee & Mom Walk at Castaways Park in Newport Beach

  Monday, 15 December

  9:30 am - 10:30 am
  Info

• No-Bake Gingerbread Houses at Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library

  Tuesday, 16 December

  4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
  Info

• Beeswax Candle Making at Costa Mesa Mesa Verde Library

  Tuesday, 16 December

  5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
  Info

• Movie Night: Elf - Pendry Hotel in Newport Beach

  Tuesday, 16 December

  5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
  Info

• Newport Beach Boat Parade

  Wednesday, December 17th-21st

  6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  Info

• Little Explorers: Snow! - William R Mason Regional Park Irvine

  Thursday, 18 December

  9:30 am - 10:30 am
  info

• Holiday Night Market at CAMP in Costa Mesa

  Thursday, 18 December

  4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
  Info

• Silent Night Silent Disco at Segerstrom Center for the Arts ($17+)

  Friday, 19 December

  7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
  Info

• Wild Tales Storytime, Hike, and Craft in Newport Beach (RSVP!)

  Friday, 19 December

  10:00 am - 11:00 am
  Info

FAMILY PLAN AHEAD:

• Breakfast with Santa - Helmsman Ale House
  Sat Dec 21st
  10am
  Info

• Dream Glow Fest at Wild Rivers Waterpark ($25-$36)

  Nov 14th - Dec 31st

  4:30 pm - 9:00 pm
  Info

• Holiday Hootenanny - Bump Out Park
  With Little Folk Club Sing-a-long
  Sat Dec 19th
  10am
  Info

• Park Habitat Restoration Days in Costa Mesa

  Saturday, 20 December 9:00 am

  Saturday, 27 December 10:00 am
  Sign Up

• New Year's Eve Around the World at Pretend City ($22)

  Wednesday, 31 December

  10:00 am - 3:00 pm
  Info

Thanks! Please ignore any typos, our editor was not aware that when the Santa Anas’ blow, all bets are off. Anything can happen.

PS: Feel free to let me know any feedback or inside scoops you have for the newsletter. Just reply to this email, I read every one. Thanks!