Holiday Lights from the Water

What are the Naples holiday lights?

Naples is three islands inside Alamitos Bay, ringed by canals and lined with homes and private docks. Each December, many of those homes put up lights for the season, and the canals are a well-known place in Long Beach to see them. From a boat, you see the lights and their reflections in the water at the same time.

What about the boat parade?

The Naples Island Christmas Boat Parade has run since 1946, with decorated boats traveling through the canals and around Alamitos Bay. Its organizers set the date each year. Check it before you book, and call us about rentals that evening, since the canals are busy on parade night.

When should you go?

After dark. In December the sun sets before 5 pm, as the sunset times by month show, so an early-evening start is already after dark. The booking calendar shows which evening times are open.

Weekends in December can fill up, especially for groups that need more than one boat, so book early.

Will it be cold?

Cooler than summer, yes. The boats are fully enclosed, and the windows stay down to hold the warmth in. Bring blankets, which are welcome aboard, and dress in layers. A thermos of something hot never hurts.

Can you always get into the canals?

Not always. Low bridges cross the canals, so at high water they can be off-limits for a while, December evenings included. Look at the tides page for the week before you choose a time. If the canals are closed while you are out, you can still cruise around Naples Island, into Jellyfish Cove, Spinnaker Bay, Marina Pacifica and Mother’s Beach.

Who is it for?

Families with kids, couples, friends visiting for the holidays, and teams looking for a December outing. Children under 12 wear life vests, which the front office provides, and every child counts toward the 12 people on each boat. Team outings has tips for groups spread across several boats.

What should you bring?

Blankets, layers, a thermos and snacks. Food and a cooler are welcome; adults can bring their own beer and wine, and the driver stays sober. If the dog is coming, bring its life vest too.

How long should a lights cruise be?

Two hours if the canals are the goal: time to get there, wind through slowly, and come back the long way. One hour is enough for a shorter loop, or for a night when the tide keeps you on the open bay.

How do you keep kids comfortable on a December evening?

• Dress them warm. Layers, hats and a blanket each for the little ones; the cabin is enclosed, but the evening air is cool.
• Feed them first. A snack before boarding means fewer negotiations on the water.
• Bring something to hold. A thermos of cocoa does more for morale than any heater.
• Keep it to an hour for the smallest children, or plan two hours with a break on the open bay.
• Count them in. Every child counts toward the 12 people on each boat, and every child under 12 wears a life vest.

What makes a good lights evening?

Planning the tide and the clock together. Pick a day when the water is lower in the early evening, so the canals are open when it is dark, and book a start time soon after sunset. Bring a phone with space for photos: the reflections are the shot. And give yourself time to park and check in, because December evenings at the landing can be busy.

Can you combine the lights with dinner?

Easily. Book an early-evening cruise, then walk to dinner near the landing, or eat first and cruise after. Our guide to eating around Alamitos Bay lists places nearby.

What does it cost?

$125 for one hour or $250 for two, per boat of up to 12. See the prices and the complete guide to renting a Duffy in Long Beach. Giving it as a present? Gift cards are sold online, so a December cruise is easy to give.

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