Last updated on November 27th, 2024 at 08:45 am
Christmas boat parades are a long and beloved tradition in Florida, dating back more than 60 years. Our calendar is now complete for the 2024 holiday season, including cancellations.
Florida’s holiday boat parades begin the Saturday after Thanksgiving and are held somewhere in the state every weekend until the Saturday before Christmas. Our list is a comprehensive statewide roundup.
Here are a few reminders about how best to view these joyful holiday events:
- Waterfront restaurants and bars with outdoor dining are festive places to view parades. 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.
Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024
Jacksonville Lighted Boat Parade. Traditionally held on Thanksgiving weekend. 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 to the south bank and follow along 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. Date confirmed.
Jiggs Landing Holiday Boat Parade, 6106 63rd Street, East Bradenton, FL, 34203. Parade begins and ends at Jiggs Landing. Parade starts at sunset. New date confirmed.
Friday, Dec. 6, 2024
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. Date confirmed.
Saturday, Dec 7, 2024
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. Date confirmed.
CANCELLED. Dunedin Lighted Holiday Boat Parade, Decorated boats parade through the Dunedin Marina and Edgewater Park. Santa to arrive by boat for the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree. Staging in the basin area just South of Marker 1 Marina, located on the Dunedin Causeway. The parade will follow the ICW South to the Dunedin/Clearwater border, turn North, and proceed into the City of Dunedin Marina. (First Saturday in December) Sponsored by the Dunedin Boat Club. 6-9 p.m. CANCELLED in 2024 due to Hurricane Milton damage.
Fort Myers Beach Boat Parade. The parade begins at Salty Sam’s Marina and will pass though Matanzas Harbor and the Back Bay area. The hammerheads at the end of those canals are a great spot to set up a lawn chair to watch the event. Another good viewing location is the fountain next to Nervous Nellies. Starts at 6 pm. Date confirmed.
Enjoy historic holiday lights at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, Nov 29–Dec 23 and Dec. 26-Jan. 5. Read more: Old Florida Christmas
Lake Weir Holiday Boat Parade. Food & craft vendors, live music, fundraiser raffle for charity, toy drive and an appearance from Santa Clause & K County’s 93.7 Radio Host “Big Red”. Pre-parade festival begins at 10 am; Boat launch at 5:30 pm; Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. Parade begins at Carney Island Boat Ramp, proceeding around north end of lake, passing Gator Joes Beachbar & Grill,
continuing south along eastside of lake with judging in front of Lake Weir Yacht Club and
ending at Eaton’s Beach Sandbar and Grill. Date confirmed
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. Date confirmed.
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. Date confirmed.
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. Date confirmed
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. Date confirmed.
Sunday, Dec 8, 2024
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. Date confirmed
Friday, Dec. 13, 2024
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. Date confirmed.
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. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. (Second Friday in December) 6:30-9 p.m. Date confirmed.
CANCELLED South Pasadena Lighted Boat Parade. Kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on the northeast side of Pasadena Isle just outside Marine Max St. Petersburg, then follows the coastline of South Pasadena, going under the Corey Causeway bridge, then through the inlets near Harbourside Condominiums and Bay Island Condominiums, ending behind Causeway Village and The Fountains. Viewing party at Barbara Gilberg Habitat, 1600 Pasadena Avenue South. CANCELLED due to hurricane debris along the parade route.
Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade. In its 62nd year, 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). Date confirmed
Saturday, Dec 14, 2024
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. Date confirmed.
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. Date confirmed.
CANCELLED 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. CANCELLED
Bonita Springs Christmas Boat Parade. The parade starts at Bay Water Boat Club at 5:30 p.m. and moves east on the Imperial River past Riverwalk Park and U.S. 41. Sponsored by the Bonita Springs Rotary Foundation. Date confirmed
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. Children can visit with Santa! Watch the Boat Parade of Lights along the Carrabelle River from your favorite viewing spot with a Fireworks Show Finale. Date Confirmed.
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! Here’s a link to the parade route. Date Confirmed.
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. Date Confirmed.
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. Date confirmed
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. Date Confirmed.
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. Date Confirmed.
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. Date confirmed.
Treasure Coast boat parades
The Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie County boat parades have all been scheduled for the same day, Saturday, Dec. 14, in 2024, according to sponsor Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast.
- Indian River County Holiday Boat Parade, Vero Beach. Parade begins at 6 p.m. Best viewing at Merrill Barber Bridge, Riverside Cafe, Riverside Park, Veterans Memorial Island (Farley Island), Quail Valley River Club, Young’s Park and Royal Palm Pointe. Date confirmed.
- 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. Date confirmed.
- 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. Date confirmed.
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. Date confirmed.
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. Date confirmed.
New Smyrna Beach Boat Parade. The parade will pass Riverside Park in Historic Downtown NSB, then along the North Causeway to the Riverview, then west parallel to Bouchelle Island back to Riverside Park. Spectators can also 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. Date confirmed.
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. Date confirmed.
St. Augustine turns on the lights on Nov. 23, 2024 for its annual Christmas street festival, and they stay lit up all the way through January, 26. Read more: An Old Florida Christmas
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. Date confirmed.
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. Date confirmed.
Sunday, Dec 15, 2024
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. Date Confirmed.
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. Date confirmed.
Redington Beach and Indian Shores Holiday Boat Parade. The boats will rendezvous just south of the Park Blvd bridge and travel SOUTH through the Intercoastal Waterway. The parade kicks off at 6 p.m. The end point and awards party will be held at the American Legion Post 273 in Madeira Beach. Date confirmed.
Friday, Dec 20, 2024
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. Date Confirmed
Saturday, Dec 21, 2024
Boca Raton holiday boat parade has been cancelled.
The City of Boca Raton decided to no longer hold a boat parade, which would normally be scheduled on this date. For details on their decision, visit MyBoca.us
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. Date confirmed
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. Date confirmed.
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. Date confirmed.
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. Date confirmed.
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. Date confirmed.
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. Date confirmed.
Here’s another holiday story you might like: Christmas, Florida: Nostalgic stop any time of year
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.