Just because Orange County lacks picturesque snowy white Christmas landscapes, doesn’t mean it can’t have treasured holiday traditions. This year marks the 104th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, themed “Surf, Sand and Santa”—an event that locals look forward to all year and visitors travel from far and wide to witness. From kayaks to Duffy boats to yachts fit for a king, watercraft of all shapes and sizes don their most festive and creative décor for a cruise around Newport Bay every night beginning at 6:30 pm from Bay Island, Dec. 19-23. On Sunday, the city of Newport Beach concludes the parade with a fireworks show launched from the Balboa Pier, but visible all around the harbor, at 9 pm. The parade can be viewed from public beaches and parks, yacht clubs and restaurants such as the First Cabin at the Balboa Bay Club and Resort, the Cannery or the Chart House. Newport Beach Harbor, 949.729.4400. christmasboatparade.com