2 newportbeachindy . com DECEMBER 8 , 2023

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Christmas Boat Parade opening night Grand Marshals : Hallmark Channel stars Andrew Walker and Nikki Deloach

177 parking spaces and is the largest public viewing area along the parade route , creating an optimal location to gather and enjoy the festivities , which includes an opening ceremony , frontrow parade viewing and the thirdannual Holiday Market in partnership with Creative Communal .

The Holiday Market will feature three dozen local makers , food vendors , live music , entertainment , photo ops and kid activities .

The Opening Night event starts at 4 p . m . with the holiday market , which runs until 8 p . m . A spectacular fireworks show starts at 6:15 p . m . The parade sails past Marina Park at 6:45 p . m . The event is open to the public and admission is free — but get there early to nab a parking spot .

Boat parade yachts in the 2021 parade ( photos by Lawrence Sherwin )

Christmas Boat Parade Grand Marshals

Leading the way as opening night Grand Marshals are Hallmark Channel stars Andrew Walker and Nikki Deloach . Known for their heartwarming and enchanting roles in a variety of Hallmark Channel classics , Walker and Deloach are ready to add an extra layer of magic to the parade .

Andrew Walker has a portfolio of feel-good films including “ Merry & Bright ,” “ Christmas on My Mind ,” and this year ’ s “ Christmas Island ” plus a

new extended cut of the 2022 hit “ Three Wise Men and a Baby .”

Nikki Deloach , another Hallmark fan favorite , has captivated audiences in movies like “ Five More Minutes ” and “ A Dream of Christmas .” “ A World Record Christmas ” will be Deloach ’ s forthcoming Hallmark film .

“ We are absolutely thrilled and deeply honored to be named Grand Marshals of the 115th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade . Just like Hallmark , Newport Beach truly embodies the magic of the holiday season , and to be a part of this cherished tradition is a

dream come true ,” says Nikki Deloach . “ The city ’ s transformation into the most festive coastal destination is truly enchanting , and we can ’ t wait to share in the joy and love that this parade represents ,” added Andrew Walker .

On opening night , Andrew and Nikki will reportedly ride on the boat parade ’ s grand marshal boat , visible to paradegoers on route via the vessel ’ s deck-tosail LED screen that will showcase some of Hallmark ’ s iconic movie moments .

“ We are absolutely thrilled to honor

BOAT PARADE Page 8

SUNDAY , DEC 10TH • 11AM-4PM tour 8 homes ••

live music

holiday market

refreshments

Tickets are $ 40 and available at THESE BUSINESSES : BALBOA ISLAND MUSEUM CRUSH blue springs home BLISS HOME DESIGN crown meets sea SEASIDE GALLERY & GOODS online : crews quarters newport biia . org

Georgie Fenton

REAL ESTATE kimberleedrake . com