Illuminated Boat Parade Returns to Newport

Bundle up the night after Thanksgiving for the Illuminated Boat Parade in Newport Harbor.

The water in Newport will be lit up with dozens of colorful boats helping to ring in the holidays on Friday November 29th.

Starting at 6 p.m. sharp you can take in the dazzling light display as it parades past the Newport Yacht Club, Perrotti Park, Bowen’s Wharf, Bannister’s Wharf and points around Newport Harbor.

Of course viewing the parade is totally free all along Newport Harbor's Waterfront. Though spectators are asked to bring a non- perishable food item to donate to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center.

And yes, there are plenty of indoor viewing options for those who may not want to be outside by the water at the end of November for hours.

The Newport Yacht Club will be open to the public for the event and many waterfront restaurants are promoting their dinner and a show angle to watching the parade go by.

All sorts of boats and ships are part of the event. Commercial fishing boats, leisure boats, tugboats along with Coast Guard and Navy vessels will be a part of the parade.

And they will be competing for Illuminated Boat Parade honors as well. Like Best Decorated Fishing Boat, Best Decorated Powerboat, Best Decorated Sailboat and the coveted Most Team Spirit.

The entire event sounds like a great family night out in Newport.

And if you have a boat you want in the parade there is still time to join in the fun.

You can learn more on the Illuminated Boat Parade event page.