Last updated on February 27th, 2026 at 03:20 pm
Our calendar is being updated for the 2026 Holiday Season. Most 2026 dates have yet to be confirmed, but they are likely accurate based on past years.
Florida’s holiday boat parades begin on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and they are held every weekend somewhere in the state until the Saturday before Christmas.
Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026
These 2026 dates have not yet been confirmed, but represent our best projections based on prior-year scheduling.
Jacksonville Lighted Boat Parade. Held over Thanksgiving weekend every year, the celebration also includes Christmas Tree Lighting at Riverfront Plaza, JAX Artist Walk on Ice & Holiday Market, and a Holiday Silent Disco at Friendship Fountain. The parade route begins at 6 pm at the Hyatt Regency Riverfront Hotel and follows the Northbank Riverwalk to the Fuller Warren Bridge. The parade will then cross the river and follow the Southbank Riverwalk. The evening concludes with one-of-a-kind waterfall fireworks on the Main Street and Acosta Bridge, which can be clearly viewed from the north and south banks of the St. Johns River. Festivities begin at 5 pm; boat parade begins at 6:30 pm. For a complete schedule, visit the web page for the Jacksonville Holiday River Fest.
Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026
These 2026 dates have not yet been confirmed, but represent our best projections based on prior-year scheduling.
Alafia Lighted Boat Parade, Riverview Park & Civic Center. The 40th anniversary of the Alafia River parade will start at Williams Park and will conclude at River’s Edge for awards and a special VIP party. (First Saturday in December). 5-7 pm. Sponsored by the Fishhawk/Riverview Rotary Club. 2026 date unconfirmed
Fort Myers Beach Boat Parade. The parade begins at Salty Sam’s Marina and travels northwest under the Matanzas Pass Bridge, past the Coast Guard station, through Estero Pass, and along Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina before looping back toward Matanzas Harbor. This year, vessels will make a second loop through the back bay, giving everyone another chance to enjoy the procession. Catch the parade from some of the best waterfront spots along the back bay! Many local restaurants offer fantastic views. Starts at 6 pm. 2026 date unconfirmed
Martin County Holiday Boat Parade, Stuart. Staging begins 6 pm and parades floats off at 6:30. Best viewing from Stuart City Docks, Stuart RiverWalk, Evans Crary Bridge, Sandsprit Park and Manatee Pocket docks. (Backup date is Dec. 13) 2026 date unconfirmed
Mount Dora Lighted Boat Parade. Downtown Waterfront and Donnelly Park, beginning at the Lighthouse across from Gilbert Park on Tremain Street and Liberty Street. 7:30 p.m. From 6 to 9pm, the Marine Corp Reserve will welcome guests at the marina for the donation of a new unwrapped toys or cash donation. 2026 date unconfirmed
Mount Dora hosts a month-long street festival starting Thanksgiving Weekend. Read more: An Old Florida Christmas
Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade, The parade begins at North Palm Beach Marina on Marina Drive, traveling north along the Intracoastal Waterway to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. Sponsored by the Marine Industries Association. Benefits Toys for Tots. A “toy fleet” of volunteer boats traveling the parade route will make dockside pickups during the parade. Wave a flashlight when you see a boat with a flashing amber beacon or Toys for Tots signage. 6-9 pm. Viewing at North Palm Beach Marina, Juno Park, Bert Winters Park, Sawfish Bay Park and Harbourside Place. 2026 date unconfirmed
Palm Valley Boat Parade. Starts one mile south of the Palm Valley Bridge (CR 210) and proceeds north to the last home in Marsh Landing, approximately 7 miles. Viewing near the bridge, or at the end of Canal Street, Mickler’s Wharf, or restaurants along Roscoe Blvd. Begins at 6 pm and reaches the final viewpoint by 9:30 pm. 2026 date unconfirmed
Venice Christmas Boat Parade. The parade starts just north of the Albee Road bridge and continues south on the Intracoastal and out to the channel marker in the jetty before doubling back and continuing south on the Intracoastal to the Circus Bridge (near the airport). (First Saturday in December) Begins at 6 pm. 2026 date unconfirmed
How best to view boat parades:
- Waterfront restaurants and bars with outdoor dining are festive places to view parades. Pick your spot and make reservations well in advance.
- Drawbridges close to street traffic for hours to allow boats to pass. If you need to cross a bridge along the parade route, you need a plan.
- Public parks along parade routes provide excellent viewing. Bring beach chairs.
- Arrive early. Most boat parades start between 6-7 p.m., but you should be at your viewing site well before the start.
Sunday, Dec 6, 2026
Leesburg Christmas on the Water. Presented by the City of Leesburg and Leesburg Boat Club, holiday music, Food trucks, and free hay rides begin at 5 pm; followed at 5:30 pm with musical performances, 6 pm the lighting ceremony, and the boat parade follows at 6:15 pm. For details on the light ceremony contact the city at 352-728-9885 and to enter the boat parade contact Fred O’Brien at 352-326-8274. Venetian Gardens Park, 109 E Dixie Ave, Leesburg, FL 34748. 2026 date unconfirmed
Friday, Dec. 11, 2026
These 2026 dates have not yet been confirmed, but represent our best projections based on prior-year scheduling.
Cocoa Village Holiday Boat Parade. 6-7:00 p.m. Join Cocoa Village Main Street for the largest charitable Holiday Boat Parade on the Space Coast. All proceeds will benefit the Sharing Center of Central Brevard. Cocoa Riverfront Park, 401 Riveredge Blvd, Cocoa, FL. 2026 date unconfirmed
Holiday Boat Parade, Lantana-Boynton Beach-Delray Beach. At 6:30 PM, the parade will form at the Ocean Avenue Bridge in Lantana (near Old Key Lime House) and travel south to the C-15 Canal in Delray Beach (south of Linton Boulevard). Best viewing at Boynton Harbor Marina (Two George’s Restaurant and Banana Boat), Intracoastal Park, Jaycee Park. In Delray Beach, view the parade at Veterans Park and Knowles Park. Free parking in public lots at 115 N. Federal Highway, NE 1st Avenue and NE 4th Street. City Hall lots at 129 E. Ocean Avenue and the SE corner of Boynton Beach Blvd. & Seacrest Blvd. Limited on-street parking along East Ocean Avenue. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. (Second Friday in December) 6:30-9 p.m. 2026 date unconfirmed
Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade. The Pompano Beach parade is the oldest Christmas boat parade in the nation. Leaving from Lake Santa Barbara at 7 p.m., the parade travels north, under the Atlantic Boulevard Bridge and 14th Street Causeway, all the way to Hillsboro Boulevard in Deerfield Beach. Public viewing at Sullivan Park (Hillsboro Blvd bridge, Deerfield), North Riverside Park (Pompano), Scott Winters Memorial Park (Pompano), NE 16th Street Park (Pompano), Harbor’s Edge Park (Pompano) and Alsdorf Park (14th St. Causeway, Pompano) in addition to restaurants and bars along the Intracoastal Waterway in Pompano (Houston’s, Sands Harbor), Lighthouse Point (Cap’s Place) and Deerfield Beach (The Cove). 2026 date unconfirmed
South Pasadena Lighted Boat Parade. Watch party (free) begins at 6 p.m. at Barbara Gilberg Habitat, 1600 Pasadena Avenue, South Pasadena. Light refreshments will be served. Cash prizes for winning boats in two categories, under and over 25 feet. To participate, contact MarineMax St. Petersburg, 727-343-6520.
Tarpon Springs Illuminated Boat Parade. Vessels will proceed down the Anclote River at 6:30 pm and into the bayous where Santa will give out treats in Spring Bayou. The best viewing is from Whitcomb Bayou/Craig Park/Spring Bayou. Boats enter Spring Bayou around 8 pm. Boats are scheduled to pass Craig Park for judging at 7:30 p.m. There is no charge to participate, but all vessels must be registered to enter. 2026 date unconfirmed
Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026 — A very big day for boat parades!
These 2026 dates have not yet been confirmed, but represent our best projections based on prior-year scheduling.
Apollo Beach Lighted Boat Parade, 1250 Apollo Beach Blvd. Apollo Beach. The parade will begin at dusk near marker 12 in the south basin of Apollo Beach. Charity event sponsored by the Tampa Sailing Squadron. 6-9 p.m. 2026 date unconfirmed
Boca Ciega Yacht Club’s Holiday Boat Parade, Gulfport. The 38th annual parade presented by the Boca Ciega Yacht Club will kick off at 6 p.m. starting at Osgood Point. The parade continues to the Municipal Marina, on to Gulfport’s Williams Pier, Casino, and beach before moving on to Town Shores, Kipps Colony, Skimmer’s Point, and other communities. 2026 date unconfirmed
Carabelle Holiday on the Harbor and Boat Parade of Lights. Along the Carrabelle River, east of Apalachicola on U.S. 98. Enjoy music while holiday shopping with downtown merchants and festival vendors from 11 am-6 pm. The parade starts around 6:15 pm and proceeds around the Carrabelle harbor between the Marine St. Fishing Pavilion and the Tillie Miller Bridge so it can be enjoyed from many viewing spots. (Please stay in public access areas only. Do not enter private property.) 2026 date unconfirmed
Clearwater Holiday Lighted Boat Parade. Beginning in Mandalay Channel at 6 p.m., boats travel along the inlets of Island Estates before going under the Memorial Causeway Bridge and finishing at the Clearwater Yacht Club, 830 Bayway Blvd. Parade to pass Coachman Park around 8:30 p.m. Free and family-friendly! 2026 date unconfirmed
Cocoa Beach Christmas Boat Parade Starting at Marker 101 near Centennial Park on State Road 520 (across from Cape Canaveral Hospital) at 6:30 p.m. Best Places to Watch: Sunset Cafe, 520 and Banana River; Wildlife Watersports, 129 Manatee Lane; End of S. Banana River Blvd.; Cove Park, 540 McNabb Pkwy (just west of the end of 3rd St. North) 6:30-10 p.m. 2026 date unconfirmed
Crystal River Christmas Boat Parade. Starts in Kings Bay. Viewing areas, from beginning to the end, are: Crackers Restaurant, Dockside Ice Cream/Charlie’s Restaurant area, The Crab Plant, 3rd Street Pier, Pete’s Pier, The Port Hotel/Waterfront Social Restaurant. This year’s theme will be Hallmark Movies and Holiday Films. The parade begins at 6:15 pm in the bay. It’s ends around 9 pm. 2026 date unconfirmed
Daytona Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Along the Halifax River. Sponsored by the Halifax River Yacht Club to benefit the Veterans Support Fund. Watch the boats travel south along the Halifax River starting at the Seabreeze Bridge and culminate at the Halifax Harbor Marina for a truly spectacular boat show. Prime viewing areas of the parade are the Chart House Restaurant, Daytona Marina and Boat Works, City Island, Manatee Island, Halifax Harbor Marina. Starts at 6 p.m. 2026 date unconfirmed
Fort Lauderdale Winterfest Boat Parade. The grand poobah of holiday boat parades in Florida returns to the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale and moves east to the Intracoastal Waterway, then north on the Intracoastal to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. Prime viewing areas at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park (300 Las Olas Circle). Multiple waterfront restaurants along the parade route feature special seatings for the parade. 6:30-9:30 pm. Confirmed 12/12/2026
Homosassa Christmas Boat Parade. Starts “after dark” in the vicinity of the Homosasssa River and Prices Creek and proceeds to the Marguerita Grill at a leisurely pace, pirouetting around all the restaurants, parks and marinas along the route. Informally organized by the Homosassa Springs Marina. The Santa Sleigh will lead off the parade. If Santa sees or hears large house parties, he’ll swing by with the fleet. 2026 date unconfirmed
Key Largo Boat Parade. Blackwater Sound will shimmer as decorated boats parade along the shoreline in celebration of the holiday season. Best viewing and libations at Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill, Sundowner’s, and the Caribbean Club, MM 103-104 Bayside. Parade begins at 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by Rotary Club of Key Largo Sunset. 2026 date unconfirmed
Key West Schooner Wharf Bar Lighted Boat Parade, 8:00 p.m. Scores of delightfully decorated motor and sailing vessels compete for bragging rights (and prizes!) Don’t forget the conch shells, add a sprinkling of the Grinch, spinning ornaments, dancing gingerbread men, reggae and calypso bands, and you have the makings of a Key West maritime holiday tradition. Key West Bight Marina at the Historic Seaport in Key West. Festivities begin at 6 pm at Schooner Wharf. 2026 date unconfirmed
Holiday home tour in Key West. Read more: Peek into island lives
Festival of Lights Illuminated Boat Parade Madeira Beach. The parade begins at the American Legion Post 273 at 6:30pm, travels all the finger canals through the city, and ends at John’s Pass, ending at 9:45-10 pm. Best viewing at ROC Park and enjoy holiday music, food, and spirits. 2026 date unconfirmed
St. Lucie County Holiday Boat Parade, Fort Pierce. Parade starts at 6 p.m. Best viewing Fort Pierce City Marina Boat Ramp/Park, South Causeway, Museum Pointe Park, Riverside Restaurants along A1A (many of them are doing special seatings for the evening), South Jetty Park. Sponsored by Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast. 2026 date unconfirmed
Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade, Bradenton. The boat parade gets underway at 6:30 p.m. Viewing areas include Riverhouse, Pier 22, and the Bradenton Yacht Club. After-party ($15) at the Bradenton Yacht Club. Arrive downtown early for Sounds of the Season, the annual Christmas celebration on Old Main Street sponsored by Realize Bradenton. Here’s a map of the parade route. 2026 date unconfirmed
Christmas Boat Parade on Naples Bay. 6:15 pm to 8:30 pm. The parade may be viewed from: Naples City Dock (ticketed), Pinchers Tin City, Riverwalk Restaurant, Naples Landing, Kelly’s Fish House, The Boat House on Naples Bay, and Bayview Park. Admission is free. 2026 date unconfirmed
Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade. The Parade will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Cochise Waterway and head south to the Grand Haven gazebo where it will turn and boats will return to their home ports. The City is providing viewers with free shuttle service between the Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE, the Daytona State College parking lot and European Village. Buses will run from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Boats in the Parade will be accompanied by the Marine Unit of the Flagler County Sheriff’’s Office, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Service, and TowBoatUS. 2026 date unconfirmed
New Smyrna Beach Holiday Boat Parade. The parade will start just south of Menard-May Park in Edgewater and proceed north through New Smyrna Beach, passing Riverside Park in Historic Downtown NSB, then along the North Causeway to the Riverview Hotel, then west parallel to Bouchelle Island back to Riverside Park. Spectators can see the parade along Riverside Drive, Smyrna Yacht Club, Riverside Park, Anglers Yacht Club, NSB Boat & Ski Club, Outriggers Tiki Bar & Grille, The Grille at Riverview. 2026 date unconfirmed
St. Augustine Regatta of Lights. Reflects the maritime heritage of the Oldest City and is in keeping with St. Augustine’s historical seaborne image. Organized by The St. Augustine Yacht Club. Sailboats, sport-fishers, trawlers, shrimp boats, and many other vessels take part. For best viewing, sit along the bayfront seawall between Bridge of Lions and the Castillo de San Marcos. Enjoy the view from many restaurants that face the river. 2026 date unconfirmed
Panama City Boat Parade of Lights. Beginning at St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club, the parade will travel westward along the shoreline of St. Andrews Bay, past Historic Downtown Panama City, the Panama City Marina, West Beach Drive, the St. Andrews Marina, Historic St. Andrews, and ending at the Hathaway Bridge. Spectators can watch the boats light up the bay from shore, the Panama City Marina, the St. Andrews Marina, or at some of Panama City’s waterfront bars and restaurants. Holiday Village at the Panama City Marina: Holiday-themed vendors, festive music, and a special visit from Santa will have everyone filled with Yuletide cheer! Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM 2026 date unconfirmed
Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade Of Lights. Parade begins at 6 p.m. and lasts about an hour. Best viewing for this event, begun in 1986, is from Bayfront Park (Near O’Leary’s Tiki Bar) and Marina Jack. (Reservations are required for Marina Jack.) It’s presented by Suncoast Charities for Children and Marina Jack. 2026 date unconfirmed
Sebring Christmas Boat Parade will light up Big Lake Jackson, moving clockwise around the lake starting at 7 p.m. from Don Jose Mexican Restaurant. Boats will tour the lake and return to the restaurant. Viewing areas include Don Jose’s, Veterans Beach, City Pier, Hidden Beach, Crescent Beach and Sunset Grill. About 30 boats usually participate. 2026 date unconfirmed
CANCELLED — The Dunedin Holiday Boat parade was cancelled in 2025.
Sunday, Dec 13, 2026
Destin Harbor Lights Boat Parade, Watch the Destin Boat Parade from various waterfront restaurants in Harborwalk Village, the Destin Bridge, the docks of the Harborwalk Boardwalk, and from the beaches at Norriego Point. The Boat Parade will light up the harbor beginning at 6 pm with fireworks following the parade about 7:30 pm. 2026 date unconfirmed
Vero Beach Christmas Boat Parade. The parade route begins at Indian River Light 139, just north of the Merrill P. Barber Bridge, and follows around Fritz Island, passing the City Marina on your port side (judges will be located on the City Marina’s fuel dock). Boats continue south in the channel past Farley Island, turn east at Riomar Daybeacon 1, and head toward the Quail Valley River Club before looping back. The route then heads south to Vero Isles channel, where vessels turn west toward shore and make a final northbound pass, ending just past Royal Palm Pointe Park. Best Public Viewing: City Marina, Riverside Park, Cole Coppola Memorial Fishing Pier, A.W. Young Park, Royal Palm Pointe Park. Parade begins at 6:00 p.m. 2026 date unconfirmed
Friday, Dec. 18, 2026
Lake Osborne Holiday Boat Parade, Lantana. Starting at 7 p.m. from the The Hive Waterfront Restaurant and Tiki Bar (formerly the Anchor Inn), arriving at the area of Lantana Road and Lake Osborne Drive at 8 pm. The boats will continue north to the Lake Worth Road boat ramp, then loop around the entire lake. Great viewing areas in John Prince Park and the campground area. confirmed for dec 19, 2025
CANCELLED in 2025. Redington Beach and Indian Shores Holiday Boat Parade.
Saturday, Dec 19, 2026
Marco Island Christmas Boat Parade. Recommended viewing includes The Esplanade on Smokehouse Bay and Snook Inn on the Marco River. The boat parade starts at 6 p.m. but organizers recommend arriving at your viewing spot early. 2026 date unconfirmed
Punta Gorda Boat Parade, Punta Gorda Isles. 6:30 pm. The parade route is within Punta Gorda Isles. Best place to view is from a boat. While there are no designated public viewing areas on land along the 4.5-mile parade route, there are many viewing areas along Almar Drive. Do not park on the street. Find your spot early and bring chairs. Here’s a map of the parade route. Always held the Saturday night before Christmas Eve. 2026 date unconfirmed
Tampa Riverwalk Lighted Boat Parade. The parade begins at the southern tip of Davis Island, travels through the Convention Center basin and up to the Heights where the boats will turn around and head to Sparkman Wharf, where judging will occur and the parade will end. Public viewing at Armature Works, Channel Drive, Curtis Hixon, Davis Island, Harbour Island, Sparkman Wharf, Water Works Park. Parking is available at several public parking lots. 2026 date unconfirmed
Treasure Island Holiday Boat Parade. The parade will begin at 6 p.m. just south of the Treasure Island Causeway. The route travels south of Paradise Island, back through the Treasure Island Causeway Bridge at 7 p.m., around the Isles of Palms and Capri, and finishes at John’s Pass at approximately 8:15 p.m. Viewing areas at Treasure Island Golf & Tennis Club, along the Treasure Island Causeway Bridge, and at John’s Pass. 2026 date unconfirmed
2022 is BCYC’s 37th Annual Lighted Christmas Boat Parade! Those who want to make a day of it, downtown Gulfport’s Shop Local and IndieFaire events begin at 10am (long) before the parade, and there are plenty of great restaurants available after the parade.
Hello! I would like to add the 3rd Annual Bradenton Beach Holiday Boat Parade on Anna Maria Island! It is December 4th from 6-8pm. http://www.boat-parade.com
Thanks!
UPDATE: Treasure Island Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, Saturday December 4, 2021 –
Boats will NOT depart from the Club at Treasure Island. The club is NOT affiliated with the boat parade any longer.
Boat Parade will begin at Marker 14 on GICW.
Viewing areas are the City of TI Golf Course at Treasure Bay, along the Treasure Island Causeway Bridge, and at John’s Pass.
Thanks! We’ll add this to the calendar.
You have this listed incorrectly. This is NOT “Gulfport Holiday Boat Parade”.
This is Boca Ciega Yacht Club’s 36th Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade in Gulfport. We have been the event sponsor and organizer for 36 years. We collect donations for our boat captains who donate their time and work very hard to decorate their boats to share with the community. In addition, we collect toys and money for Gulfport Police Department’s “Operation Santa” and we strongly encourage others to do the same.
This year, our parade will begin at 6:00 pm starting at Osgood Point, continuing to the Municipal Marina, on to Gulfport’s Williams Pier, Casino, and beach before moving on to Town Shores, Kipp’s Colony, Skimmer’s Point, and other communities. This is a free, family-friendly event.
Thanks. We’ve updated the calendar.
Hi Bob: I am reaching out to you today in regards to the Calendar of Florida’s 48 Holiday Boat Parades. We are grateful that our boat parade was included us in your report, thank you! I would like to provide with correct information about the parade, see below:
The 26th Annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade and 21st Annual Toy Drive supporting Toys for Tots and Little Smiles is set for December 5, 2020. The parade will feature dozens of holiday-themed boats and yachts led by a fireworks display traveling on the Intracoastal Waterway from North Palm Beach to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.
The unique toy drive by land and by sea collects thousands of toys each year. A “toy fleet” of boats from Tow Boat, Sea Tow, and other volunteers traveling along the parade route will make convenient dockside pickups during the parade. Just wave a flashlight when you see a boat with a flashing amber beacon and/or Toys for Tots signage. The uniformed Marines and volunteers will pull right up to your dock to collect donations.
Visit http://www.palmbeachboatparade.com for details.
Done
Hello! Can you please tell me if you know which boat parade goes down the Caloosahatchee River and what evening it might be scheduled? Thank you so much!
What happened to St Pete Beach boat parade? It’s not even showing as cancelled. Thanks.
We haven’t heard a word about the St. Pete Beach boat parade in over a year. My guess is that it was folded into either the Treasure Island or John’s Pass parades, but we really have no idea what happened ot it.
The St. Pete Beach boat parade was scheduled last year but inclement weather forced its cancellation and was not rescheduled. I heard it was not going to run this year. (It has not been combined with the Treasure Island boat parade).
INCORRECT DATE! The 35th Treasure Island Holiday Lighted Boat Parade is scheduled for Saturday December 5, 2020 (NOT the 11th, as indicated in this article).
Thanks. We made the correction.
Another boat parade to add.
http://www.blackwateryachtclub.com/christmas-boat-parade.html
Hi Sue, I just looked at their Facebook page. It had been scheduled for earlier this month but was postponed until tonight. When I checked their Facebook page today, it appeared to be still on for tonight.