Experience the top holiday highlights in Marina! Our guide showcases all the must-see events. For both locals and travelers, this guide reveals the best holiday activities in Marina.
One of the standout attractions during the holiday season is the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, where beautifully decorated boats light up the harbor, creating a festive spectacle on the water. Another highlight is the Hollywood Christmas Parade, featuring extravagant floats and celebrity appearances, making it a quintessential part of the holiday spirit. And the Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing a dazzling display of illuminated vessels gliding through the picturesque marina. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Join the Marina Discussion!
Top Holiday Events In and Around Marina
- Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade (Newport Beach)
- Hollywood Christmas Parade (Hollywood)
- Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade (Marina del Rey)
- Mariah Carey Christmas (Hollywood)
- Santa Ana Winter Village (Santa Ana)
- Fontana Festival of Winter (Fontana)
- Monterey Yacht Club's Brighten the Harbor (Monterey)
- Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico (Rancho Cucamonga)
- Cannery Row Holiday Tree Lighting (Monterey)
See these and even more events listed below!
Marina Holiday Light Displays
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Dazzling boat decorations with festive lights and fireworks.
Description:
The Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade features a spectacular display of boats decorated with festive lights and decorations, creating a dazzling spectacle on the water. The event includes a fireworks display and live music, with participants wearing costumes, dancing, and playing music.
Where: Marina del Rey | More Info: Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Spectacularly decorated boats and waterfront festivities.
Description:
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is a spectacular event featuring beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes sailing through Newport Harbor. The 116th edition will take place from December 18 to 22, 2024, with nightly parades starting at approximately 6:30 p.m. The event includes a waterfront decorating competition, fireworks, and drone shows, making it a highlight of the holiday season.
Where: Newport Beach | More Info: Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Monterey Yacht Club's Brighten the Harbor
What to Expect:
Decorated boats with holiday lights and decorations.
Description:
The Monterey Yacht Club's Brighten the Harbor features beautifully decorated boats cruising along the Monterey Coast, showcasing their holiday lights and decorations.
Where: Monterey | More Info: Monterey Yacht Club's Brighten the Harbor
Cannery Row Holiday Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Free photo opportunities with Santa Claus.
Description:
The 30th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Cannery Row features family entertainment beginning at 12:00 PM, culminating in a tree lighting ceremony at approximately 5:45 PM in Steinbeck Plaza. Following the ceremony, children can meet Santa Claus in his new toy factory located inside 685 Cannery Row.
Where: Monterey | More Info: Cannery Row Holiday Tree Lighting
Marina Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Hollywood Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Iconic parade with legendary celebrities and charitable mission.
Description:
The Hollywood Christmas Parade is a cherished tradition that brings the Hollywood community together with dazzling floats, marching bands, and performances. It features legendary celebrities and a profound charitable mission, including Toys for Tots, to help underprivileged children during the holiday season.
Where: Hollywood | More Info: Hollywood Christmas Parade
Mariah Carey Christmas
What to Expect:
Legendary singer Mariah Carey performs holiday classics with DJ Suss One.
Description:
Mariah Carey's "Christmas Time" at the Hollywood Bowl features the iconic singer performing her most recognizable holiday hits and festive music, accompanied by DJ Suss One.
Where: Hollywood | More Info: Mariah Carey Christmas
Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico
What to Expect:
Traditional Mexican music and dance celebrating the holiday season.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season with Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico, featuring Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande. This vibrant show weaves cherished Mexican traditions into a heartwarming story of the season, capturing the spirit of Posadas, the majesty of the Reyes Magos, and the thrill of breaking piñatas.
Where: Rancho Cucamonga | More Info: Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico
Marina Other Holiday Activities
Santa Ana Winter Village
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating in Southern California's Civic Center Plaza.
Description:
The Santa Ana Winter Village is a month-long celebration featuring ice skating, a holiday light show, food vendors, and special events like a toy giveaway and breakfast with Santa.
Where: Santa Ana | More Info: Santa Ana Winter Village
Fontana Festival of Winter
What to Expect:
Snow play and train rides.
Description:
The Fontana Festival of Winter is a free community event at Miller Park featuring train rides, attractions, live entertainment, photo opportunities with Santa, and a variety of vendors and activity booths. It includes snow play and the chance to sled down over 40 tons of fresh snow.
Where: Fontana | More Info: Fontana Festival of Winter
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Seaside (6 miles)
- Monterey (8 miles)
- Salinas (8 miles)
- Watsonville (16 miles)
- Santa Cruz (24 miles)
- Hollister (25 miles)
- Gilroy (26 miles)
- Morgan Hill (32 miles)
- Soledad (32 miles)
- Los Gatos (39 miles)
- Saratoga (42 miles)
- Campbell (42 miles)