It was like Lite Brite on water as the 103^rd Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade kicked off Wednesday in Newport Harbor with a little under 100 boats taking to the water.

The parade is shown to nearly 1million visitors from around the world who come to Balboa Island to see the light show.

“We come down here around this time to visit family and one of the highlights is seeing the Boat Parade. I love it. It’s become a family tradition,” said Denise Long of Toronto, Canada.

The Christmas Boat Parade is hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce. The parade runs nightly through Sunday, December 18 starting at 6:30pm.

“It’s a very special event every year and we work hard to make sure the boats are well presented to the public,” said Richard Luehrs of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce.

The boats this year range from small Duffy boats to majestic yachts. The Meadows family whose boat, “The Last Hurrah” won the big Sweepstakes prize last year has outfitted their boat in true Pirate Ship attire. Gleaming lights in Christmas colors for the sails and a crew donned in Pirate hats, swashbuckling boots and gold hoops.

Boats are given prizes based on their size and light display, these awards are given out Saturday evening and the boats will sail on Sunday with their award banners displayed.

Each night the parade passes through Balboa Island at approximately 7:11pm. It begins at Bay Island and continues through the Balboa Peninsula Ferry Landing onto Harbor Island and pass the many restaurants like the Rusty Pelican and Charthouse at approximately 8pm. The finish is back at the Bay Island Channel at 9pm.

Balboa Island is a key place to view the final day of the parade, Sunday, as there will be a glittering firework show over the Balboa Pavilion near the Fun Zone. Visitors on Balboa Island will get a front row seat from the bayfront.

For an even closer view of the festivities, join Newport Landing this holiday season with cruises in the Balboa Christmas Boat Parade.  Newport Beach begins its holiday decorations after Thanksgiving and by the first of December the bay will be richly illuminated with thousands of lights and hundreds of themed estates.

Each cruise is in the Balboa Christmas Boat Parade and not only views the parade but travels in the actual  parade.  Each cruise gets the full parade experience.  Can’t make the parade dates? Be sure to check out the holiday cruises that will be offered each night for all of December.  To make reservations for parade cruises or holiday cruises visit www.christmasparadeboats.com or call 949-675-0551. For the special $20 offer on all holiday cruises go to: http://christmasparadeboats.com/newport_beach_christmas_boat_parade_20offer.html.