A holiday tradition born on the water.
The story of the L.A. Harbor Holiday Afloat began in December 1962, when a small group of boat owners decorated their boats and cruised the Port’s Main Channel, calling holiday greetings to one another and to people along the waterfront. The following year, the San Pedro Chamber formally organized the parade.
- 1962
A small group of boat owners decorates their boats and cruises the Port's Main Channel, shouting holiday greetings to each other and to people along the waterfront.
- 1963
The San Pedro Chamber of Commerce formally organizes the parade. The first official "Christmas Afloat" parade is held on December 23 with an estimated 40,000 spectators and 57 boats.
- 1979
A community committee of residents, boat owners, and sponsors is formed, with the Port of Los Angeles as sustaining sponsor.
- 1993
The San Pedro Yacht Club begins the tradition of the perpetual Challenge Cup for the yacht club with the most entries.
- 2002
The parade becomes the LA Harbor Holiday Afloat, is held on the first Saturday in December, and becomes a toy drive and fundraiser for harbor-area youth organizations and nonprofits.
- 2012
The parade celebrates its 50th anniversary with the theme "50 Golden Years of Holiday Lights."