Are you low on cash? Christmas shopping is putting a dent in your wallet? Want to enjoy the holiday season without ruining your pocketbook? I have a couple of free to low cost fun things to do.
Newport Beach every year has a Holiday Boat Parade. From Mega-yachts to tiny dinghies, every watercraft is decorated with beautiful lights and glide across the harbors water. Some of these boats spend tens of thousands of dollars to decorate for this event. Some will have holiday music blaring from their bows and happy party goers will dress up and dance upon their decks. Last year one yacht was shooting t-shirts from a small cannon onto the sandy beaches as they passed by.
You can view this parade from restaurants that surround the Newport Harbor; also by the fun zone located in the Balboa Peninsula you can pay a nominal fee to be a passenger on one of the sightseeing boats. If you are looking for something free, you can bundle up and head to one of the public piers that are located on Balboa Island or Lido Isle or even the Balboa Peninsula. You can find out more information by googling Newport Beach Boat Parade. You won’t be disappointed.
Another fun and low cost to free thing to do, is to head to Balboa Island in the evening. Parking is free, but a little tricky to find a spot on the street. I suggest going to Shanghai Gardens for a Chinese dinner on Main Street and then walking around Big and Little Balboa Island. The islands have sidewalks surrounding them and it’s beautiful to see all the beach homes decorated. If dinner is not in your budget, there is a Starbucks on Main Street and a cup of cocoa to warm your hands and your insides while you are on your walk, is a must. Children and pets are welcome and seem to enjoy themselves immensely.
My family has a tradition that is low budget that we enjoy doing every year. We choose a night and get in our comfy clothes and jump in the car. Our car stereo is playing our favorite Christmas music and we drive around the local neighborhoods in our area, looking at Christmas Lights. We eww and ahh over the houses that put up a lot of lights and boo and say bah-humbug to those that don’t.
Enjoying the holidays, doesn’t have to be expensive. You just need to know where to look!
