Marina Del Rey Boat Parade - Los Angeles Hotels .com

If you've never seen a floating Christmas tree twinkling in the middle of picturesque Marina Del Rey, then you haven't properly celebrated the holiday season. Established in 1963 with a modest 20 lighted boats, this annual tradition now includes a nearly endless water parade of glittering, festively decorated boats.

From Santa's boating workshop complete with real live dancing elves, to a 20-foot-tall, tap-dancing penguin made entirely out of holiday lights, there is no end to the imagination and hard work that people put into their boat displays.

While hard work is usually its own reward, the Marina Del Rey Boat Parade also offers a generous number of awards and prize packages to winners in categories such as Best Sail, Best Theme, Best Spirit, and Best Lights. The winners of the Best Overall boat are rewarded with a trip for two to Tokyo to judge the Tokyo Bay Boat Parade.

This popular community event takes place in early December. It kicks off with a fireworks display and the boat parade runs from 6 to 8 p.m.. Prime viewing spots include Burton Chace Park and Fisherman's Village. Bring some egg nog, spiced cider, and holiday cookies and let the holiday spirit overtake you.

URL: http://www.mdrboatparade.org