holiday themed boat

50 Years of Boat Parade Lovin

The big 5-0 is the golden jubilee of anniversaries. A semi-centennial, exactly half way to the full-grown maturity of centennialhood. In the ADD-addled age of 140-character Tweets and slang that shortens real words into beloved yet unidentifiable fragments (exhibit A: totes the best hun-cal fro yo) a 50-year tradition is something to celebrate.

As it so happens, the Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade reaches the 50-year mark this Saturday (didn’t see that one coming, did ya?) with the procession entitled “Celebrating 50 Years, A Solid Gold Christmas.” As if a fireworks kickoff show, live music and an awesome Grand Marshal (3-time Gold Medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings!) weren’t enough, we will be handing out light-up Santa Hats to the first 1,500 spectators at Burton Chace Park! Those in-the-know will show up early (from 1-4pm) for face painting, balloon animals and winter-themed crafts for the little kiddos and older kids-at-heart.

In preparation for this milestone, it’s important that we take a moment to honor the festively-decorated boats of years past, paving the way for those to come.


This red-suited sailor wishes you a Merry Christmas from his tropical private island boat.


Even the smaller boats get to participate in the parade, but wait – how did that chimney get there?

So grab your thermos of hot chocolate and tartan holiday scarves and join us for this beloved community tradition this Saturday, December 8 from 6-8pm. Bring your camera smart phone and snap a few gems to cheer-ify your Instagram. #MdRBoatParade #yourfriendswillbejealous #HappyHolidays

Marina Love,

Chelsea