Christmas boat parades are a beloved tradition in Florida, captivating locals and visitors alike for over 60 years. These events showcase the state’s unique blend of holiday cheer and waterfront living, transforming waterways into sparkling wonderlands. Florida’s 2024 holiday boat parades promise to bring joy to spectators across the state. This comprehensive guide covers the best parades, key viewing tips, and everything you need to plan an unforgettable holiday season.
The Tradition of Holiday Boat Parades
Florida’s holiday boat parades celebrate the season with an aquatic twist. These festive events feature elaborately decorated boats adorned with twinkling lights, inflatable Santas, and holiday music. Some parades are community-driven, supporting local charities, while others are grand spectacles drawing visitors from far and wide. Typically starting the Saturday after Thanksgiving, these parades run every weekend until the Saturday before Christmas.
Top Viewing Tips
- Arrive Early: Most parades start between 6–7 p.m., but prime viewing spots fill quickly. Plan to arrive an hour or more in advance.
- Choose Public Parks: Public parks along the route offer great views. Bring beach chairs or blankets for comfort.
- Waterfront Dining: Many waterfront restaurants and bars host special viewing parties. Make reservations well in advance.
- Bridge Closures: Be aware of drawbridge schedules along the route; they often close to vehicle traffic for extended periods.
- Charity Opportunities: Bring donations, such as unwrapped toys, to parades supporting local charities.
Parades Across The State
Friday, December 13, 2024
Cocoa Village Holiday Boat Parade
Time: 6–7 p.m.
Location: Cocoa Riverfront Park, 401 Riveredge Blvd, Cocoa, FL
Details: Central Brevard’s largest charitable boat parade benefits the Sharing Center. A festive night featuring the Space Coast’s most beautifully decorated vessels.
Lantana-Boynton Beach-Delray Beach Holiday Boat Parade
Time: 6:30–9 p.m.
Route: Ocean Avenue Bridge in Lantana to C-15 Canal in Delray Beach
Highlights: View the parade from Boynton Harbor Marina, Intracoastal Park, and Veterans Park in Delray. Bring a toy for Toys for Tots.
Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade
Time: 7 p.m.
Route: Lake Santa Barbara to Hillsboro Boulevard
Highlights: Celebrating its 62nd year, this parade is the nation’s oldest. Prime viewing spots include Sullivan Park, Alsdorf Park, and several waterfront restaurants like Houston’s and Sands Harbor.
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Fort Lauderdale Winterfest Boat Parade
Time: 6:30–9:30 PM
Location: New River, Downtown Fort Lauderdale to Lake Santa Barbara, Pompano Beach
Details: Florida’s most iconic holiday boat parade returns! Prime viewing areas include Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park (300 Las Olas Circle). Enjoy waterfront dining with special seating at many restaurants along the route.
Apollo Beach Lighted Boat Parade
Time: 6–9 PM
Location: South Basin, Apollo Beach
Details: A charity event sponsored by the Tampa Sailing Squadron, the parade begins at dusk near marker 12 and offers a festive evening for the community.
Bonita Springs Christmas Boat Parade
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Bay Water Boat Club to Imperial River
Details: Watch the parade as it travels east past Riverwalk Park and U.S. 41. Sponsored by the Bonita Springs Rotary Foundation.
Carrabelle Holiday on the Harbor and Boat Parade of Lights
Time: Parade begins in the evening (festival runs 11 AM–6 PM)
Location: Carrabelle River, east of Apalachicola on U.S. 98
Details: Enjoy a day of holiday shopping, live music, and Santa visits before the Boat Parade of Lights. The event concludes with a spectacular Fireworks Show Finale.
Clearwater Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Time: 6 PM
Location: Mandalay Channel to Clearwater Yacht Club
Details: Boats travel through Island Estates and pass Coachman Park around 8:30 PM. Family-friendly and free to attend, this parade is a Clearwater tradition.
Cocoa Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Time: 6:30–10 PM
Location: Marker 101, near Centennial Park on State Road 520
Details: Best viewing spots include Sunset Cafe, Wildlife Watersports, the end of South Banana River Blvd., and Cove Park.
Homosassa Christmas Boat Parade
Time: After dark
Location: Homosassa River and Prices Creek
Details: An informal community event where boats pirouette along restaurants, parks, and marinas, ending near the Marguerita Grill.
Key Largo Boat Parade
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Blackwater Sound
Details: Decorated boats light up the shoreline. Prime viewing spots include Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill, Sundowner’s, and the Caribbean Club (MM 103–104 Bayside). Sponsored by Rotary Club of Key Largo Sunset.
Key West Schooner Wharf Bar Lighted Boat Parade
Time: 8 PM (festivities begin at 6 PM)
Location: Key West Bight Marina, Historic Seaport
Details: A unique maritime celebration featuring motor and sailing vessels adorned with creative holiday decorations, music, and dancing.
Festival of Lights Illuminated Boat Parade – Madeira Beach
Time: 6:30–10 PM
Location: Starts at American Legion Post 273, ends at John’s Pass
Details: The parade travels through Madeira Beach’s canals, with the best viewing at ROC Park, which features music, food, and holiday cheer.
Saturday, December 14, 2024 Continued …
Indian River County Holiday Boat Parade – Vero Beach
Time: 6 PM
Location: Indian River, Vero Beach
Details: Enjoy the parade from prime viewing locations, including Merrill Barber Bridge, Riverside Cafe, Riverside Park, Veterans Memorial Island (Farley Island), Quail Valley River Club, Young’s Park, and Royal Palm Pointe.
Martin County Holiday Boat Parade – Stuart
Time: Staging at 6 PM, parade begins at 6:30 PM
Location: Stuart
Details: Best viewing areas include Stuart City Docks, Stuart RiverWalk, Evans Crary Bridge, Sandsprit Park, and Manatee Pocket docks.
St. Lucie County Holiday Boat Parade – Fort Pierce
Time: 6 PM
Location: Fort Pierce
Details: Watch from top spots like the Fort Pierce City Marina Boat Ramp/Park, South Causeway, Museum Pointe Park, Riverside Restaurants along A1A (many with special seatings), and South Jetty Park.
Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade – Bradenton
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Manatee River, Bradenton
Details: Viewing areas include Riverhouse, Pier 22, and the Bradenton Yacht Club. Arrive early for Sounds of the Season on Old Main Street, sponsored by Realize Bradenton. After-party tickets ($15) are available at the Bradenton Yacht Club.
Christmas Boat Parade on Naples Bay – Naples
Time: 6:15–8:30 PM
Location: Naples Bay
Details: Viewing spots include 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.
New Smyrna Beach Boat Parade
Time: Evening
Location: Riverside Park, Historic Downtown New Smyrna Beach
Details: Parade passes Riverside Park, the North Causeway, Bouchelle Island, and returns to Riverside Park. Other viewing areas include Riverside Drive, Smyrna Yacht Club, Outriggers Tiki Bar & Grille, and The Grille at Riverview.
Panama City Boat Parade of Lights
Time: 5:30–7:30 PM
Location: St. Andrews Bay
Details: The parade travels from St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club to Hathaway Bridge, passing Historic Downtown Panama City, the Panama City Marina, and West Beach Drive. Enjoy waterfront views or festive activities at the Holiday Village at Panama City Marina.
St. Augustine Regatta of Lights
Time: Evening
Location: Bayfront, St. Augustine
Details: Sailboats, shrimp boats, and more illuminate the historic seascape. Best viewing along the bayfront seawall between the Bridge of Lions and Castillo de San Marcos or from waterfront restaurants.
Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Time: 6 PM (about 1 hour)
Location: Sarasota Bayfront
Details: Best viewing is from Bayfront Park (near O’Leary’s Tiki Bar) and Marina Jack. Reservations required for Marina Jack seating. Presented by Suncoast Charities for Children.
Sebring Christmas Boat Parade
Time: 7 PM
Location: Big Lake Jackson, Sebring
Details: Boats depart from Don Jose Mexican Restaurant and move clockwise around the lake. Viewing spots include Veterans Beach, City Pier, Hidden Beach, Crescent Beach, and Sunset Grill.
Sunday, December 15th, 2024.
Destin Harbor Lights Boat Parade – Destin
Time: 6 PM
Location: Destin Harbor, HarborWalk Village
Details: Watch the boat parade from waterfront restaurants in HarborWalk Village, the Destin Bridge, the docks along HarborWalk Boardwalk, or the beaches at Norriego Point. The evening concludes with a fireworks display around 7:30 PM.
Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade
Time: 6 PM
Location: Cochise Waterway, Palm Coast
Details: The parade starts at Cochise Waterway, heads south to the Grand Haven gazebo, and returns to home ports. Free shuttle service runs from 4 PM to 9 PM between the Palm Coast Community Center, Daytona State College parking lot, and European Village. Marine units from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Fish and Wildlife Service, and TowBoatUS will accompany the parade.
Friday, December 20th, 2024
Lake Osborne Holiday Boat Parade – Lantana
Time: 7 PM
Location: Lake Osborne, Lantana
Details: The parade begins at The Hive Waterfront Restaurant and Tiki Bar (formerly the Anchor Inn) and reaches the area of Lantana Road and Lake Osborne Drive by 8 PM. Boats will continue north to the Lake Worth Road boat ramp and then loop around the entire lake. Prime viewing areas include John Prince Park and the campground area.
Saturday, December 21st, 2024
Crystal River Christmas Boat Parade
Time: 6:15 PM – 9 PM
Location: Kings Bay, Crystal River
Details: The parade starts in Kings Bay and follows a scenic route. Viewing areas include Crackers Restaurant, Dockside Ice Cream/Charlie’s Restaurant, The Crab Plant, 3rd Street Pier, Pete’s Pier, and The Port Hotel/Waterfront Social Restaurant. This year’s theme is Hallmark Movies and Holiday Films.
Daytona Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Time: 6 PM
Location: Halifax River, Daytona Beach
Details: Sponsored by the Halifax River Yacht Club to benefit the Veterans Support Fund, the parade travels south along the Halifax River, starting at the Seabreeze Bridge and ending at Halifax Harbor Marina. Prime viewing spots include Chart House Restaurant, Daytona Marina and Boat Works, City Island, Manatee Island, and Halifax Harbor Marina.
Marco Island Christmas Boat Parade
Time: 6 PM
Location: Marco Island
Details: Recommended viewing areas include The Esplanade on Smokehouse Bay and Snook Inn on the Marco River. Arrive early to secure your spot for this stunning event.
Punta Gorda Boat Parade
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Punta Gorda Isles
Details: The 4.5-mile parade route winds through Punta Gorda Isles, best viewed from a boat. Land-based viewing is available along Almar Drive, though no designated public areas are provided. Plan ahead to secure your spot and bring chairs.
Tampa Riverwalk Lighted Boat Parade
Time: Evening
Location: Tampa Riverwalk
Details: Starting at the southern tip of Davis Island, the parade travels through the Convention Center basin, up to the Heights, and ends at Sparkman Wharf where judging takes place. Public viewing is available at Armature Works, Channel Drive, Curtis Hixon, Davis Island, Harbour Island, Sparkman Wharf, and Water Works Park. Parking is available at nearby lots.
Treasure Island Holiday Boat Parade
Time: 6 PM – 8:15 PM
Location: Treasure Island
Details: Starting just south of the Treasure Island Causeway, the parade route includes Paradise Island, Isles of Palms, and Capri, finishing at John’s Pass around 8:15 PM. Prime viewing spots include Treasure Island Golf & Tennis Club, Treasure Island Causeway Bridge, and John’s Pass.
Florida’s holiday boat parades are a magical way to celebrate the season, offering breathtaking views, festive lights, and cheerful gatherings along the state’s beautiful waterways. Whether you’re in Crystal River, Daytona Beach, Tampa, or any of the other charming locations hosting these events, there’s something uniquely Floridian about watching illuminated boats glide through the water under the night sky. From family-friendly outings to festive parties at waterfront restaurants, these parades create lasting memories for locals and visitors alike. So, grab your chairs, find a prime viewing spot, and let the holiday spirit sail into your heart this season!