Last Updated on March 26, 2024
Seeing a holiday boat parade is one of those fun Florida traditions you can’t experience in many other places.
Experience a tropical twist to your holiday festivities in Florida. You can leave your winter woes behind and enjoy an array of exciting boat parades.
We’ve gathered a few of our favorite holiday boat parades around the Sunshine State.
Northwest Florida Holiday Boat Parade
Carrabelle Holiday on the Harbor Street Festival and Boat Parade of Lights
When: Saturday, December 9, 2023
Where: 1208 Cr 30, Carrabelle, FL 32322
The Carrabelle Holiday on the Harbor Street Festival and Boat Parade of Lights is a free festival taking place in Downtown Carrabelle.
The parade starts at dark and will go down the Carrabelle River.
Watch boats decorated for the holidays with lights and music at this fun event.
During the day, visit vendors with holiday foods and products for purchase.
You’ll find music, a beer garden, and family-friendly activities like face painting and meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus.
There are also fireworks after the boat parade.
Learn more about the Carrabelle Holiday on the Harbor Street Festival and Boat Parade of Lights.
Northeast Florida Holiday Boat Parades
Palm Valley Boat Parade
When: Saturday, December 2, 2023
Where: S Roscoe Blvd. Ponte Vedra, FL
The Palm Valley Boat Parade is known as “Not Your Average Boat Parade” due to its widespread community involvement.
The event is a plethora of lighted boats that sail over 7 miles along Palm Valley’s Intracoastal Waterway.
In addition to the parade, they host an annual lighted dock competition, where dock owners can compete for having the most festively decorated docks.
Learn more about the Palm Valley Boat Parade.
While in the area, don’t miss out on the Top 5 Things to Do in Downtown Jacksonville.
42nd Annual St. Augustine Regatta of Lights
When: Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 6 pm
Where: St. Augustine’s bayfront between the Bridge of Lions and the Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine, FL.
The annual St. Augustine Regatta of Lights is part of their Nights of Lights festival, an ongoing holiday event that lights up the Oldest City in the United States.
The holiday displays take to the water during the Regatta of Lights, which parades along Matanzas Bay.
Learn more about the St. Augustine Regatta of Lights.
While you’re in the area, make sure to check out: Step Back in Time in Charming St. Augustine
Central Florida Holiday Boat Parade
Rotary Club of Winter Park Annual Holiday Boat Parade
When: Saturday, December 9, 2023, starting at 6:30 pm
Where: Dinky Dock Park, 410 Ollie Avenue, Winter Park, Florida 32789
The holiday festivities move from the city streets to beautiful Lake Virginia for the Winter Park Holiday Boat Parade, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Winter Park.
Family and friends gather in their backyards on Lake Virginia or at Dinky Dock Park to see the impressive boat and dock holiday decorations created by residents and local business sponsors.
Learn more about the Winter Park Boat Parade.
While in the area, don’t miss Top Things to Do in Winter Park, FL in 2023.
Central West Florida Holiday Boat Parades
57th Annual Madeira Beach Festival of Lights Boat Parade
When: Saturday, December 9, 2023 starting at 6:30 pm
Where: American Legion Post 273, Madeira Beach, FL
The Madeira Beach Festival of Lights Boat Parade is another Florida holiday boat parade that you won’t want to miss.
The parade runs from American Legion Post 273 to John’s Pass.
Learn more about the Madeira Beach Festival of Lights Boat Parade.
While in the area, don’t miss 10 Authentic Things to Do in St. Petersburg & St. Pete Beach.
38th Annual Boca Ciega Yacht Club (“BCYC”) Christmas Boat Parade
When: Saturday, December 9, 2023; Parade starts at 6:00 pm
Where: Boca Ciega Bay, Gulfport, FL
The Boca Ciega Yacht Club hosts its annual BCYC Lighted Christmas Boat Parade in Gulfport on December 9th.
The parade is visible from many great Gulfport spots, including Osgood Point, Gulfport Municipal Marina, Williams Pier, and other popular areas.
Watch decked-out boats sail out on the Boca Ciega Bay at this festive holiday event.
By entering the parade, boat participants support the Gulfport Police Department’s toy drive, Operation Santa, by making a toy or monetary donation.
Operation Santa collects toys for local children to help spread joy during the holidays.
Learn more about the BCYC Lighted Christmas Boat Parade.
While you’re in the area, make sure to check out: The Ultimate Trip Guide to Gulfport, FL
Central East Florida Holiday Boat Parade
4th Annual Cocoa Village Holiday Boat Parade
When: Saturday, December 9, 2023, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm
Where: 434 Delannoy Ave, Cocoa, FL 32922
The Cocoa Village Holiday Boat Parade is an annual event hosted by Historic Cocoa Village Main Street.
The parade starts at Rockledge Valencia Dock and heads to Sunrise Street before ending at Lee Wenner Park.
There are many viewing locations along the route for spectators to enjoy this fun Florida holiday boat parade.
Learn more about the Cocoa Village Holiday Boat Parade.
While in the area, don’t miss the 12 Reasons to Visit the Florida’s Space Coast.
Southwest Florida Holiday Boat Parade
Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade
When: Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 6 pm.
Where: Shaw Point, Bradenton, FL
The Bradenton Yacht Club hosts the Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade.
The parade begins at Shaw Point and passes Bradenton Yacht Club, Riverhouse/Safe Harbor, and Pier 22/Twin Dolphin.
Public viewing areas include the Green Bridge and Palmetto Pier.
VIP viewing parties are held at Bradenton Yacht Club for members, as well as the Riverhouse and Pier 22.
Boats are critiqued on their creativity, theme, lights, music, and more.
Learn more about the Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade.
While you’re in the area, make sure to check out: Our 10 Favorite Shops in Bradenton’s Village of the Arts
Southeast Florida Holiday Boat Parades
The 61st Annual Chaos Fishing Greater Pompano Beach/Lighthouse Point/Deerfield Beach Holiday Boat Parade
When: December 15, 2023, starting at 7:00 pm
Where: Intracoastal Waterway from Lake Santa Barbara to Sullivan Park, Pompano Beach, FL
Head over to Pompano Beach for another spectacular Florida holiday boat parade.
The 61st Annual Chaos Fishing Greater Pompano Beach/Lighthouse Point/Deerfield Beach Holiday Boat Parade features over 50 boats decorated with lights and playing holiday music.
The parade sails through the Intracoastal Waterway from Lake Santa Barbara to Sullivan Park in Deerfield Beach.
Alsdorf Park and Sullivan Park are great public viewing areas for this event.
Learn more about the Chaos Fishing Holiday Boat Parade.
While in the area, don’t miss the Seven Things Spring Breakers Missed in Fort Lauderdale.
52nd Annual Fort Lauderdale Winterfest Boat Parade “The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade”
When: Saturday, December 16, 2023
Where: 80 Las Olas Cir, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade has a 12-mile parade route, ensuring that its million viewers have an amazing view of this huge celebration in Fort Lauderdale.
The parade starts at Stranahan House and travels the New River in Fort Lauderdale to the Intracoastal Waterway to Lake Santa Barbara.
Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park is a prime parade viewing area with live entertainment and a festival atmosphere.
Learn more about the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade.
32nd Annual Key West ChristmasLighted Boat Parade
When: Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 8pm
Where: 202 William St. Key West, FL
Make your way down to Key West for the 32nd Annual Schooner Wharf Bar/Absolut Vodka Lighted Boat Parade.
The fun begins at 6 pm with festivities like a decorated Harbor Walk and a steel band playing Christmas music.
The parade starts at 8 pm, with a large variety of vessels participating in this fun, tropical celebration.
Learn more about 32nd Annual Schooner Wharf Bar/Absolut Vodka Lighted Boat Parade.
While you’re in the area, make sure to check out: Enjoy a Fun-Filled Weekend In Authentic Key West
49th Annual Boca Raton Holiday Boat Parade
When: Saturday, December 16, 2023, 6:30 – 8:30pm
Where: Red Reef Park, Wildflower Park, and Silver Palm Park, Boca Raton, FL
The 49th Annual Boca Raton Holiday Boat Parade starts at C-15 Canal and travels to Hillsboro Blvd. Bridge.
Best public viewing areas are at Red Reef Park, Wildflower Park, and Silver Palm Park in Boca Raton.
Boats are judged on holiday décor and atmosphere, with prizes for winners in different categories based on boat size.
Learn more about the Boca Raton Holiday Boat Parade.
Top Tips for Watching Holiday Boat Parades in Florida
- Go early no matter where you are watching the parade.
- If you plan to watch from a restaurant with outdoor dining, you must make a reservation WAY in advance.
- Plan ahead. Expect drawbridges to be up for several hours, so make sure you plan accordingly.
- Bring your own chairs and blankets.
- Check the weather before you venture out. Remember, there can be a HUGE change in temperature between day and night.
- Wear bug spray, or at least bring some with you. Yes, even around the holidays, the mosquitos will find you.
- Make sure your phone is fully charged.
- Take a photo of where you are parked. Also, make sure your windows are up, and doors are locked.
Looking for other fun Florida adventures? Check out these suggestions:
- Best Drive-Thru Christmas Light Displays in Florida (2023)
- 23 Best Roadside Attractions in Florida
- Top Places to Eat, Stay, & Shop Near Florida’s Unique Attractions
- Best Fishing Spots in Destin
- St. Augustine Lighthouse + List of Florida’s Historic Lighthouses
- Our 19 Favorite Freshwater Florida Springs
- 15 Great Places To See Florida Manatees
Venice, FL–Venice Christmas Boat Parade:
https://www.venicechristmasboatparade.com/
P.S. Nearby Sarasota, FL also has a Boat Parade
Dunedin