49th Annual Marina del Rey Boat Parade on Dec. 10

A visitor from the North Pole will serve as the grand marshal for the 49th annual Marina del Rey holiday boat parade and fireworks show, official said Tuesday.

Santa Claus himself will serve as the grand marshal for the Dec. 10 boat parade that will have a "Christmas Carnivale" theme, the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors said in a statement. The aquatic festivities will start with a fireworks display at 5:55 p.m. off the south jetty and the boat parade will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Boat owners will compete for numerous prizes with the "Best Overall" winning a trip to New Orleans in keeping with the parade's theme, the statement said. (A boat parade entry form is attached to this article.)

Burton MW. Chace Park and Fisherman's Village will provide prime viewing spots to hear and see the parade for free. Free parking and boat launching will be available at Los Angeles County public lots throughout the marina.

Ellis Island II owned by Peter Ellis was the "Best Overall" winner of last year's Marina del Rey Boat Parade. The parade had "A Rock 'n Roll Christmas" theme and Ellis used 8,000 lightbulbs alone to illuminate the King of Rock who rocked it out with a Christmas elf.