Showboating

Were convinced theres nothing better in life than parades. Well, maybe boats. Boats are pretty awesome. And lights. Lights are cool, too. Wouldnt this world be truly wonderful if there were an event to combine all three of these delights into one spectacular event? Well, there is. Actually, theres, like, three different annual holiday boat parades within our county alone, but were going to spotlight the Dana Wharf 33rd Annual Boat Parade of Lights this time around. This year, the Dana Wharf parade boasts a lively, colorful Merry Mardi Gras theme. And its exactly what you imagine it to be: a bunch of vessels, from tiny rowboats to million-dollar yachts, crammed full of glittery, lit-up Christmasy decorations, filing down the waterfront. Its as cute and tacky as you think its going to be, but its a holiday tradition, and its nice to see people still care about the holidays beyond elbowing through the crowds at South Coast Plaza, wondering how much money to spend on a co-workers gift and whether or not the boyfriend got the hint about that Chanel bag. Bonus: You can even join in the fun instead of being a mere spectator. Boat rides are being offered to viewers by the Dana Point Sportfishing vessels for $25.
Dec. 7-8, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 14-15, 7:30 p.m., 2007