HOLIDAYS IN THE HARBOR
A beloved local tradition , the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade continues through Dec . 18 with nightly displays of more than 100 boats making their way through a 14-mile route in Newport Harbor with synchronized light shows , over-thetop decor , singers , dancers and even pyrotechnics . The 114th iteration of the boat parade begins at 6:30 p . m . each night and may be watched from nearly 50 viewing locations on land or by boat . The festive event kicked off Dec . 14 with fireworks and a holiday market featuring food vendors , local makers , live music , kids activities and more . For those who missed the launch , fireworks will also conclude the event at 9 p . m . Dec . 18 . More than a dozen waterfront restaurants offer a front-row view while others near the water also offer a place to dine and watch the boats go by . Many eateries even offer special prix fixe menus during the boat parade . Or , bring some chairs and hot cocoa to Marina Park or other vantage points on the Balboa Peninsula , along Edgewater Place or at the Balboa Fun Zone . Notably , boats pass right in front of China Cove Beach and Lookout Point . Or head to Balboa Island for prime viewing locations of both the Boat Parade and the Ring of Lights , a home decorating competition featuring extravagantly themed decor along the boat parade route : Think thousands of lights and animated scenes on rooftops , which can be seen by walking around Balboa Island and Balboa Village or from the water by boat charter or rental . ( 949-729-4400 ; christmasboatparade . com )— S . S .
RIGHT : COURTESY OF ENVIRONMENTAL NATURE CENTER
Ashley Johnson has joined Newport Beach & Co .
THE TOURISM TEAM
Newport Beach & Co ., which handles destination marketing for the city of Newport Beach , has a new leader on its team : Ashley Johnson was appointed this fall as senior vice president and chief marketing officer . Johnson , who previously led Visit Laguna Beach as president and CEO , has taken the helm of the marketing department in her new role . Here , she will oversee storytelling , advertising , communications , social media , community relations and more with the goal of continuing to bring global jetsetters to this coastal community to increase tourist spending and drive revenue throughout the city . Johnson comes to the position with 16 years of marketing and communications experience in the hospitality industry . “ With her local destination marketing expertise , creative vision , discerning business acumen , and industry accolades , she is ready to hit the ground running and make positive impacts in Newport Beach ,” Gary Sherwin , President & CEO , Newport Beach & Company , said in a news release . Johnson received her Certified Destination Management Executive accreditation in 2015 and has won several honors including a 2020 Poppy Award for “ Best Overall Brand Identity ” by Visit California and was named one of “ 30 Emerging Leaders Under 30 ” by the California Travel Association . ( 949-719-6100 ; newportbeachandco . com ) — S . S .
Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary , managed by the Environmental Nature Center
FOR THOSE LOOKING TO GET OUTDOORS OVER THE HOLIDAYS , TUCKER WILDLIFE SANCTUARY — A 12-ACRE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY IN MODJESKA CANYON THAT WAS ACQUIRED LAST YEAR BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL NATURE CENTER IN NEWPORT BEACH — IS NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 10 A . M . TO 3 P . M . SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS ; THESE HOURS BEGAN OCT . 1 FOR THE PROPERTY ’ S TRAILS , NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM AND BIRD OBSERVATION DECK . ( ENCENTER . ORG )
NEWPORT BEACH MAGAZINE 19