Picture million dollar yachts, kayaks, electric boats
and other watercrafts gliding through the Newport
Harbor - and you have the Newport Beach Christmas
Boat Parade.  The parade features dazzling holiday
lights that light up the bay, amazing the nearly
one million visitors that crowd Newport Beach and
Newport Harbor.

From December 18 - 22, there are more than 200 vessels
participating in this holiday celebration.  Several
of these vessels will be decorated for the season,
playing music and displaying Christmas decorations
and costumed carolers.  In the past, some yacht
owners have spent as much as 50,000 dollars in
decorations for their yacht.

Over the course of 14 miles, the yachts and watercraft
will amaze the spectators.  For more than 90 years,
the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade has dazzled
spectators and locals.  All along the beach, the parade
provides views for restaurants, locals, private home
owners, and even those on public beaches.

Along with the private boats, many charter companies
offer the chance for parade goers to participate in
the parade and view the “Ring of Lights”, a group of
spectacular homes all around the harbor.  The “Ring of
Lights” is a popular addition to the parade, with
prizes given for those who have the best decorations
on their homes.

If you enjoy exotic yet superb food and great wine,
the Newport Beach Food and Wine Festival is where
you need to be.  Lasting a weekend long, the festival
is held annually at the Balboa Bay Club.  Normally
held the first week of May, this is the perfect time
to visit Newport Beach.

Although you won’t need martinis at the festival, you
can bet on some of the best wineries in California
being on hand to pour their distinctive wines.  You
should also come hungry as well, as the food is to
die for.

On a typical night, you can find mounds of shrimp, a
variety of oysters, fish, pasta, and many other types
of seafood and exotic treats.  Along with the wine,
this festival is a great attraction to Newport Beach.

A highlight for the festival is the cognac and cigar
seminar, provided by Martel Cognac and Hamilton Cigars.
During the seminar you can sip superb cognac while
learning all about them.  Also, you can learn all
about fine cigars as well.

During May, the Newport Beach Food and Wine Festival
is reason enough to visit the area.  There are plenty
of other things to do and see as well.  If you love
food, wine, and the water - Newport Beach is the place
to be in May.