It’s a cinematic device that has long been touted by filmmakers seeking an especially eye-catching shot: Add some water to a city street when making a movie by moonlight.

That water is reflective, of course, making all of those neon signs, glowing storefronts, and stoplights appear twice. Utterly dazzling.

You might think of the famous lighted boat parades of California, and beyond, as employing the same terrific technique: The bright bulbs and incandescent lamps and shimmery strings lining a ship, kayak, ferry, or dinghy are captured by the waves below, providing a sensory feast for onlookers.

Onlookers will be out along several shores in California, in celebratory, sweater-clad droves, in the days ahead as a bevy of boat parades set majestic sail.

Scratch that: We don’t mean “days,” of course; you’ll want to be out by the light of the stars and moon to admire these illuminated events.

The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is cruising into its 117th outing — yep, a century plus 17 years — from Dec. 17 through 21. The spectacular, which always runs for five nights, is as big as these big events come, and viewers will watch from nearby restaurants, boats, and spots at Marina Park and beyond.

Dana Point’s Parade of Lights has pointed its bow in the direction of a milestone: 50 years. This is a three-night party, with plenty of super-festooned boats of all sizes and opportunities to head out with a local company like Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari for a closer look. The theme of the event, which runs from Dec. 12-14? Sweet: It’s a “Golden Jubilee — Carol of the Boats.”

The Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade is also a decades-old delight; the 2025 party is the event’s 63rd outing. Make for Burton Chace Park Dec. 13 for all of the aquatic action, and prepare, again, for vessels of every stripe and shape. There are plenty of people waving from the boats, quite often costumed like elves or snowmen, so be sure to wave back.

The King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade is also set for Dec. 13, and a concert at Redondo Pier will start the festive proceedings in the mid-afternoon, at 2 o’clock. There’s a Community Viewing Party, too, with several convivial details and offerings; check it all out if you plan to go Redondo Beach.

A bit further beyond and still as sparkly as possible? The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, which is preparing to have “An ‘Out of This World’ Christmas” on both Dec. 14 and 21, Morro Bay‘s rollicking rock-close party Dec. 13, and all of the vibrant lights in Ventura Harbor Dec. 12 and 13.