What? A boat parade is when multiple boats cruise around a lake, just as parade floats do on the streets, while families and people watch from a near by place. When? December 19, 2010. Where? Newport Beach, California. Why? My mom goes every year with her friends, so she invited me. Review: Since my first time in 2010, I have gone consecutively every Christmas since. I think its a lot of fun, with great people.