Marina Del Rey Christmas Boat Parade: 2025 In-Depth Celebration Guide

Each December, Marina del Rey, the largest small-craft harbor in Los Angeles, transforms into a glittering amphitheater for the much-anticipated Holiday Boat Parade. Now in its 63rd year, this beloved tradition features yachts, sailboats, and dinner cruises festooned with thousands of holiday lights gliding gracefully twice around the marina’s main channel.

With up to 25,000 spectators lining the waterfront, the event melds classic Southern California holiday cheer with imaginative nautical pageantry, complemented by drone and fireworks shows, live music, and engaging entertainment for all ages.

Where the Fun Unfolds

Two loops, 75 boats, and endless sparkle—get your best views from Burton Chace Park or Fisherman’s Village.

The parade route circles the Marina del Rey at California 90292, US, main channel twice, beginning near Pacific Avenue as boats turn south, then looping back north at the end of “F” Basin. The best viewing areas include Burton Chace Park and Fisherman’s Village, both equipped with live parade commentary and excellent sightlines onto the water.

Burton Chace Park also serves as the hub for festivities, offering a festive village atmosphere with live entertainment, food vendors, family-friendly activities, and photo opportunities starting earlier in the day.

Mark Your Calendar: Saturday, December 13, 2025

One unforgettable night: live music, fireworks, and a floating festival you’ll talk about all year.

• Pre-Parade Festivities at Burton Chace Park: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (live music, food trucks, kid’s craft corners, roaming carolers)
• Drone Light Show: 5:45 PM – 6:00 PM
• Parade of Decorated Boats: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (up to 75 illuminated vessels)
• Waterfront Fireworks Display: Around 6:00 PM (at parade start)
• Awards Ceremony: 9:00 PM at Tony P’s Dockside Grill
• Admission: Free to the public

Who Should Come & Why

This festive celebration welcomes everyone:

• Families: Enjoy dazzling boats, music, and kid-friendly zones.
• Couples: A romantic evening with twinkling reflections on the harbor.
• Photography enthusiasts: Picture-perfect holiday postcards in the making.
• Groups: A SoCal holiday experience filled with fun—minus the snow.

What Makes It Special

63 years strong and themed “A Nightmare Before Christmas”—where spooky meets spectacular.

• 63-Year Tradition: From 20 boats in 1963 to 75+ now.
• 2025 Theme: “A Nightmare Before Christmas”—expect spooky-meets-festive boats, costumed crews, and live performances.
• Entertainment: Drone show, live music, fireworks, food trucks, children’s craft zones.
• Awards: Categories like “Best in Show,” “Best Lights,” “Best Animation,” and “Spirit Award” judged on creativity, theme, and animation.

Parking & Getting There

Score $8 lots near the action or hop a shuttle for a breezy entrance into holiday magic.

• Closest Public Lots: Lot #77 (13560 Mindanao Way) and Lot #4 (13500 Mindanao Way) – $8 event parking
• Other County Lots: Range from around $5–$15; self-pay machines do not give change
• Lot 2 Closure: Closed to the public 5:40 PM – 6:10 PM for drone safety
• Fisherman’s Village: Up to around $15
• Arrival Tips: Come early, use Rideshare, and watch for shuttles (like Circuit)

Features and Enhancements for 2025

Drone shows, light tunnels, food trucks, and fireworks—the parade’s biggest upgrades ever.

• Expanded Festivities: All-day programming at Burton Chace Park with carolers, artisan vendors, music, and a kid-friendly fun zone
• Drone Light Show: Hundreds of synchronized drones form holiday images like Santa and Christmas trees
• Fireworks: Brief but dazzling show at the parade start
• Food & Drinks: Gourmet trucks, themed drinks, restaurant specials
• Accessibility: Fully ADA-compliant; stroller and wheelchair-friendly with designated parking
• Holiday Boat Cruises: Charter cruises offer prime viewing (book early)
• Festive Extras: “Marina Lights” light installations, photo booths, art corners for kids (Dec 1–31)

Cruise Through Holiday Planning with Tripster

Why stop at just the parade? Tripster makes it easy to bundle your Marina del Rey getaway with nearby hotels, holiday harbor cruises, and LA’s top attractions—all in one sunny, stress-free booking.

With exclusive discounts, curated vacation packages, and flexible options, you can build a SoCal holiday that’s as chill or as packed as you want it to be. Book now on Tripster and turn the 2025 Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade into a weekend full of sparkle, surf, and seasonal magic.