Tips for Watching the Annual MDR Holiday Boat Parade
Our tips for watching the MDR Holiday Boat Parade are “shore” to make the annual event enjoyable for all. The hap-happiest season of all begins once you see boats in the Marina channel adorned in holiday lights, inflatables, other festive decorations. Whether it’s your first time or 50th time enjoying the annual Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade, read on for the tips below. And we hope you have a holly, jolly good time at this year’s Holiday Boat Parade!
Read if you’re a first time viewer:
The Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade begins with a dazzling fireworks show at 5:55 p.m., followed by the parade of boats at 6 p.m. For the best views, head to Burton Chace Park or Fisherman’s Village, where live music and announcements bring extra cheer to the evening. Burton Chace Park is a favorite spot, thanks to the magical Marina Lights display that transforms the 10-acre park into a festive wonderland. Plus, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on parade night, the park buzzes with fun—think food trucks, carolers, face painting, and a photo booth to capture the holiday spirit.
Arrive early!
Where is the best spot to view the parade?
If you’re bringing families and pets, then Burton Chace Park would be a fun spot with all the festivities happening from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. (see above). If you’re just showing up to view the parade, try spots like Fisherman's Village or near Marina del Rey Hotel and The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey's waterfront promenade. For a fun, unique way to watch, hop aboard the holiday dining cruise with City Cruises!
Dine and watch the parade
We’ve got plenty of food and drink options in L.A.’s Marina during the Holiday Boat Parade. Enjoy food truck fare at Burton Chace Park for a sunset picnic dinner. Order take-out from nearby restaurants such as HiHo Cheeseburger, KazuNori, Mendocino Farms, Fresh Brothers and more. As you make your way to the park, you can also pick up picnic goodies from Trader Joe’s on the corner of Admiralty Way and Mindanao. For some of the best waterfront restaurants with a view of the boat parade, check out Whiskey Red’s or El Torito located at Fisherman’s Village.
Bundle up!
Dress like Santa and the elves! It gets chilly by the sea once the sun goes down. Wear extra layers, scarves and hats. Bring blankets to stay warm especially if you’re sitting on the grass or on folding chairs.
Parking 101
Nearly all parking lots in Marina del Rey are metered and can be paid with credit card or exact cash ($1 or $5 bills only). The closest parking lots to Burton Chace Park are Lot #77 and Lot #4 along Mindanao Way. The Burton Chace Park lot within the park fills up quickly (about 50 spots and 4 accessible spaces).
For those with mobility issues, you’re welcome to drop off guests within the Burton Chace Park lot and then park your vehicle at Lot #77 or Lot #4. The paved paths are flat and wheelchair and stroller accessible. Make sure to display the parking permit (receipt side-up) on your dashboard. The parking lot at Fisherman’s Village offers plenty of spots, too. Try to park as close to the water for anyone with limited mobility.
Alternative ways of travel!
The Marina is only about 1.5 square miles and traffic delays naturally happen during major events. Consider helping cut down traffic by taking a carpool or rideshare, or riding a bike or scooter.
Click button to learn more about all of the magical Marina Holidays events in December.