SATURDAY
DECEMBER 2, 2023
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Join us at the Port of Los Angeles for the annual L.A. Harbor Holiday Boat Parade, a 62-year-old tradition of festive lights and community spirit. Furthermore, as the leading holiday event in the Port of Los Angeles, including Wilmington and San Pedro, the parade showcases a vibrant array of decorated boats. As the leading holiday event in the Port of Los Angeles, including Wilmington and San Pedro, As the Los Angeles Harbor Holiday Afloat Parade winds its way through the channel, each boat becomes a beacon of holiday cheer, reflecting the community spirit of L.A. This year, we invite you to join us and experience this unforgettable night of lights, community, and holiday joy.
Stay updated with our latest news and share your experiences on social media using #LAHarborafloat. Don’t miss the chance to be part of a cherished LA tradition.
Additionally, officials and community leaders serve as judges or passengers on approximately 50 parade boats, encompassing vessels of all shapes and sizes. Powerboats, sailboats, tall ships, and harbor working craft are all taking part in the parade sponsored by the Port of Los Angeles and the Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club.
Discover the Los Angeles Harbor Boat Parade Magic
Moreover, the main body of decorated boats will stretch about one mile, creating a spectacular view as the parade passes the designated Viewing and Judges’ Stations. Below are estimated viewing times for various locations along the parade route.
6:00 PM: START – E. Basin proceeding up Cerritos Channel, past Wilmington Marinas
6:30 – 7:00 PM: Cruise Ship Plaza, Battleship Iowa (Judges Station), LA Maritime Museum, Port Police Dock proceeding towards West Harbor (Old Ports O’ Call Village)
7:15 – 7:30 PM: West Harbor (Old Ports O’ Call Village) Viewing Areas
7:45 – 7:50 PM: Warehouse 1, SS Lane Victory
8:00 PM: Cabrillo Way Marina (Judges Stations), Cabrillo Marina (Last Judges Station at the former Fuel Dock) END.
L.A. Harbor Holiday Boat Parade Viewing Spots
Starts at East Basin near Banning’s Landing Community Center in Wilmington and takes approximately 90 minutes to cover the entire parade route up the Port’s Main Channel. Several viewing points along the Main Channel, include the California Yacht Marina and the California Cafe in Wilmington; The Battleship IOWA, the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, 600 Sampson Way, San Pedro; West Harbor (old Port O’ Call Village), 1100 Nagoya Way, San Pedro; the Cruise Ship Promenade at Harbor Boulevard and Swinford Street in San Pedro; 22nd Street Landing, 141 W. 22nd Street, San Pedro; and Cabrillo Way Marina 2293 Miner St. San Pedro and Cabrillo Marina, 224 Whaler’s Walk, San Pedro.
Boat parade categories: Theme, Children’s Choice, and Grand Marshal’s Award. Yacht Clubs and Marinas will be vying for the coveted Perpetual Trophy, awarded to the club/marina with the most entries.
Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.
L.A. Harbor Holiday Boat Parade Gallery
Rules and Guidelines
2023 Parade Theme: “Light Up The Holidays”
December 2, 2023 – 6:00 PM – East Basin (assemble by 5:45)
Please follow instructions from Port Police, USCG/USCGA, or Parade Committee boat. VHF Frequency for Parade: channel 68 (alternate freq. 69). Emergency – Port Police on VHF channel 16 or (310) 732-3500
In case of inclement weather, stand-by and monitor channel 68 for operations announcements between 5:00 – 5:15 PM and 5:45 PM.
Trophies will be awarded in several categories based on originality, appearance, holiday spirit, and best representing parade theme.
PLEASE NOTE! Lighted boat entry numbers MUST be clearly displayed on starboard bow in order for your vessel to be identified, scored and judged. Please return boat numbers and banners at Awards dinner.
Skippers must pick up BOAT NUMBER & SKIPPER PACKET at CBYC:
Sunday, November 26 at CBYC, 5:00 to 7:00PM
Wednesday, November 29 at CBYC, 5:00-7:00PM
Registration Fee-$30.00 (includes: Participation Plaque) Awards Dinner tickets can be purchased separately for $15.00. For your convenience, you may download the registration form.
For more information contact any of the committee members listed below:
Henry Rivas – 323-487-2101 email: harborparade@gmail.com
Pamela Botis – CBYC – 310-519-1694 email: pamela@cbyc.org