Floating festive fun in Los Angeles

Thinking of heading across the Atlantic for some Christmas fun? Why not travel to Los Angeles for the annual Christmas Boat Parade?

Taking place between December 12th and December 16th, the event lights up glamorous Newport Beach - the setting for hit TV show The OC - with a parade of boats brightly decorated in a festive theme.

More than a million people watch the parade from the harbour and on television every year, which sees luxury yachts, kayaks, canoes and other small boats travel along the 14-mile route as music and festive lights add to the Christmassy atmosphere.

Costumed carol singers, a contest to find the best decorated house and a special gala party also provide entertainment for spectators at the event, which has been named "one of the top ten holiday happenings in the nation" by the New York Times.

A host of airlines operate economy and business class flights to Los Angeles, including British Airways, American Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.

For more information, check out the Christmas Boat Parade website.

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