Newport Beach Holiday Cruises at 400 Main Street, Newport Beach, California.

It's an annual holiday tradition of mine to head down to Balboa Island and check out the holiday decorations.

I usually like to walk with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee and take my time checking out the details but this time we tried something different.

The boat tour begins on the other side of the island. You can take the ferry across -which we did and park in the lots for free after 6.

There are lots of boats that go out for the tour so it can be a bit confusing. We asked and were directed to a boat down the boardwalk area and then told to wait in a long line.

Once on board, you're surrounded by about 100 people. You can either sit down below and be warm or freeze up top to get the best view. I wanted to take pictures and videos so I chose to freeze. If you're going to take the boat tour, bring a warm jacket, gloves, a hat, a scarf etc. It's cold out on the water.

The tour lasts about an hour and a half and it goes slow so that you can see all the decor. Sadly, there weren't a lot of decorated houses and most were blocked by the the boats and yachts which is why I prefer the walking tour but either way, this was something unique and fun.