The waterfront was packed Friday evening with what seemed like thousands of holiday merrymakers squeezing onto docks and wharves, on roofs and balconies, and into bars and restaurants that overlook the harbor to get a decent vantage point of the 2024 Newport Illuminated Boat Parade. 

The parade started at 6 p.m., and for the merrymakers clustered further down the parade route, the anticipation of the first boat was high as boat engines revved, jingles and carols rang out from speakers, and the occasional boom from what sounded like a cannon echoed across the harbor. Cheers erupted from both sides – from the crowds along the waterfront and the crews on the boats – as each boat sailed along the parade route.  

Fishing vessels, powerboats, sailboats, and harbor cruise ships were decorated for the season as they circled the harbor. Rudolph made an inflatable appearance, as well as giant snowmen, ice cream cones, and a plethora of jolly Santa Clauses. The Newport fireboat even made an appearance at the end of this year’s parade. White lights, multicolored lights, and even an illuminated Christmas tree out on the water made the boat parade feel as merry as any well-decked neighborhood. 

The Newport Yacht Club hosted sailors, judges, and the public during and after the parade. Light fare, Christmas cookies, and drinks were served on the first floor of the yacht club. At 7:30 p.m., between bites of warming soup and chocolate chip cookies, the Best Decorated awards were announced. 

Shanty Three won for the sailboat class. The recreational powerboat winner was Vaccaro, and Coastal Queen won for Best Decorated Commercial Powerboat. Crowd-favorite Cavu won for the fishing boat division; the boat, decorated with green and red lights, won the hearts of many with Santa Claus using an illuminated fishing line to reel in a big, sparkling catch. The last award, the Tim Mills Team Spirit Award went to Northeast powerboat. 

The Newport Yacht Club was honored to host the parade this year, and they invite the community back next season to celebrate or participate in the next annual Newport Illuminated Boat Parade.  

All photos by Ruthie Wood / What’sUpNewp.

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Ruthie Wood is a recent graduate from Johns Hopkins University and burgeoning writer. As she works on her dreams of becoming a novelist, you can find her writing about Rhode Island living for What'sUpNewp. She has also written articles for Hey Rhody, Providence Monthly, The Bay, and SO Rhode Island magazines.