Sail into the most wonderful time of the year at the 22nd Annual Newport Harbor Illuminated Boat Parade on Friday, November 29th, 2019 at 6:00pm Spectators can view this highly anticipated dazzling display of nautical holiday spirit along Newport Harbor’s waterfront from the Newport Yacht Club (open to the public for the event), Perrotti Park, Bowen’s Wharf, Bannister’s Wharf, and points around Newport Harbor.
Viewing of the parade is free of charge, making this a great family event to get into the spirit of the holiday season. At 6pm, parade boats will rendezvous just south of the Goat Island Causeway and then proceed east leaving Newport Yacht Club. Boats will then travel south along the downtown waterfront and then return to the Goat Island Causeway area.
Magnificently decorated vessels will compete for prizes in the following categories: Best Decorated Sailboat (commercial and recreational), and Best Decorated Powerboat (commercial and recreational), Best Decorated Fishing Boat, Best Decorated Porch or Docks, and finally, arguably the parade’s most entertaining category, Most Team Spirit.
Parade organizers encourage all Newport Harbor waterfront owners to decorate porches and docks for the event through the holiday season. An award will be presented to the most dazzling landlubbing display as observed by the Harbormaster from the water that evening.
To contribute to the community this holiday season, participants and spectators are asked to bring a non- perishable food item to donate to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center. There will be a donation box set up inside the Newport Yacht Club.
Any organization, business, or boat owner that would like to get involved in the 22nd Holiday Harbor Lights Illuminated Boat Parade should contact Newport Harbormaster Tim Mills at (401) 845-5815.
Newport tips:
Where to stay:
If you’re visiting Newport, book your stay at Gurneys Newport Resort & Marina, they are hands down the nicest hotel in Newport and their seaside location on Goat Island with 360° water views and the seclusion of a private island is just a jaunt from the shops and eateries of downtown Newport.
Eats:
If you’re looking for some great spots to dine, we recommend hitting up local favorites such as ,LaForge Casino Restaurant (piano bar every Friday and Saturday night), Scarpetta, The Reef and Tavern on Broadway!
Party:
The party never stops at Gurney’s, The Reef, Tavern on Broadway, LaForge and the Clarke Cooke House are the goto spots for locals all year round
Don’t miss:
No trip to Newport is complete without a trip to the Audrain Automobile Museum. The Audrain Automobile Museum has a mission to preserve and present automotive history while connecting and engaging with other non-profits and the community as a whole. Established in 2014, the Museum transformed the historic Audrain Building into a captivating display floor, fit specifically for our cultural needs. The Museum has access to collections with of over 200 cars, allowing for three fresh and unique exhibits per year. Ranging from Brass Era pre-War cars to Supercars of the 2000s, the Museum is dedicated to entertaining all generations and stylistic preferences.
Taste the flavor:
Swing by the Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co. and sample some of their award winning creations.
Founded in 1999 by four college friends, Newport Storm Brewery was the original production craft brewery in Rhode Island. They created more than 100 distinctive beers while keeping things local and authentic. From their flagship Hurricane Amber Ale to seasonal brews made with Rhode Island grown ingredients, to beers aged in rum barrels, the brewery has been in the vanguard of craft brewing for nearly 20 years.
In 2006 the crew began distilling craft spirits. They were the first distillery in Rhode Island in 135 years and currently produce whiskey, a single barrel rum, and an overproof white rum.
Dress for success:
Newport’s former First Lady Deborah Winthrop owns the premier women’s boutique on Aquidneck Island with hip and chic clothing, bra sized swimwear and a the largest selection of lingerie around. Deborah and her staff are all expert bra fitters. The right bra will make you look and feel 10 years younger and 10lbs lighter!! Swing by and see for yourself.
Pizza:
If you’re looking for the best pizza in Newport, RI, look no further than Karma Pizza. This Thames Street pizza place has the best pizza and the best wings in town. Free delivery.
