There's something about lights dancing on the water that's simply magical. This month, you'll have lots of opportunity to enjoy the magic, because just about every harbor along the California coast has some sort of Christmas boat parade. Here's a small selection of some of the best.
December 11, 2005
Monterey - Brighten the Harbor
This midnight parade features boats decorated with Christmas lights. They'll sail from the Coast Guard Pier to Lover's Point and back. Afterwards, the festive boats will be judged at the Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club. For more information, call (831) 657-0855.
Dec. 9-10 , 2005
Marina del Rey's 43rd Annual Holiday Boat Parade
On Friday night, you can get a preview of the decorated boats as they circle the Marina's main channel. On Saturday night, enjoy a fireworks display, the main parade and boat judging and a Champagne Awards Ceremony at the Marina City Club. The best place to watch the parade and fireworks is at Burton Chace Park, or at Fisherman's Village. There will be music and live commentary during the parade.
December 14-18, 2005
97th Annual Newport Harbor Christmas Boat Parade
This is California's largest and most impressive holiday boat parade. Over 100 illuminated vessels cruise around Newport Harbor, and over a million spectators turn out to watch. The parade begins at Collins Island each evening at 6:30 pm and lasts about two and a half hours. The entire harbor glistens as waterfront homes and businesses try to outdo each other in the Ring of Lights competition.
December 9-10 and 16-17, 2005
Dana Point's 31st Annual Boat Parade of Lights, An Aloha Holiday
Festivities start at 7:30 pm as boaters vie for awards in various categories. You can view the parade for free from anywhere in Dana Point Harbor, or view it in style as you dine at one of the restaurants. You can also participate in the parade on a boat ride offered by Dana Wharf Sportfishing. Tickets are $25 for adults and $12 for children. Call (949) 496-5794.
Once again, the gray whales are on the move, beginning their winter migration from Alaskan waters to balmy Baja California. There are numerous locations along the California coast where you can spot the migrating whales, or you can take a whale watching cruise for an up close view.
You'll also find that many parks offer whale watching activities of one sort or another. Whale watching festivals are also popular in many places, from now until the whales finish their return migration in the spring.
One of my happiest memories is sitting on the deck at Lucia Lodge in Big Sur on a warm spring day. The sun was sparkling on the water, and the smell of chaparral was wafting up the hill. As we sat looking out to sea, a couple of whales swam by, spouting in the distance. What could be more perfect? Now, that's whale watching in style.
