51st Annual Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights

What It Is

The Boat Parade of Lights is Dana Point Harbor's annual December procession of decorated, lit-up boats, now in its 51st year. The 2026 parade runs three nights, Friday through Sunday, December 11 to 13, starting at 6:30 p.m. each night. This year's theme is Harboritaville. The parade is organized by The Marina at Dana Point, and participating boaters compete for up to $10,000 in cash prizes sponsored by Dana Point Harbor Partners.

Why Go

This is South County's boat parade, with no drive up to Newport Harbor required. Viewing from land is free, and the harbor's holiday light display is already on by then (the lights start Thursday, November 12), so the parade caps a full evening at the water. Three consecutive nights also means you pick the night that fits your week instead of fighting one crowded date.

What To Know Before You Go

Dates: Friday through Sunday, December 11 to 13, 2026. Time: 6:30 p.m. nightly. Where to watch: the park areas on the Island and the harbor boardwalk are open to the public. On the water: holiday parade charters run through Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching and Captain Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari; the harbor notes that these cruises sell out. Cost: free from land; charter pricing is set by each operator. Pro tip: Santa Paws pet photos run on the Island on December 12 and 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ($15 donation), so a weekend visit can stack both.

The Honest Take

A harbor parade is only as good as your vantage point. The Island park areas give the widest view, which is exactly why they fill first, so arrive well before 6:30. A charter is the premium seat, but book early; the harbor is plain that they sell out. Dress for a December evening on the water, which runs colder than the daytime forecast suggests. If you live in South County and only do one boat parade this year, this is the one that keeps you off the freeway.