Boats covered in Christmas lights are exactly the kind of holiday tradition I want to see at the beach.
Disclosure: The Portofino hosted my earlier birthday stay. The parade photo is from the hotel’s press kit, not from my own visit to the parade.
The official King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade page is Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Redondo Beach. If you’re making a day of it, the King Harbor Holiday Market runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. between R10 and California Surf Club. I’d do the market first, then head toward the water before the boats start.
Where to watch
The event organizer lists Moonstone Park and Mole D along the Splash Wall as public viewing options. The yacht club is private, so don’t plan on watching from there without access. I’d get there before sunset, bring a layer for the waterfront, and pick your viewing spot before it gets dark.
Where I’d stay: The Portofino Hotel & Marina
The Portofino would be my first pick if I wanted to make a weekend of the parade. I stayed here for my birthday, and having the water right outside made it feel like a getaway. See my Portofino birthday-weekend recap for what my room view actually looked like.
If you’re booking specifically for the parade, call the hotel and ask which room categories and balconies face the route. A marina view alone doesn’t guarantee a view of the boats, so I’d keep the public spots as a backup. The hotel’s Living Room is also home to The Portofino’s Coastal Christmas Bar page, an optional stop before or after you watch.
📍 260 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
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