Last Updated on December 1, 2021
When our beautiful Florida weather starts to get cooler, we know it’s time for one of our favorite traditions — the Florida Christmas boat parades! From small towns to big cities, there is always a boat parade happening somewhere on a weekend in December throughout the Sunshine State.
We’ve chosen a few of our favorite Florida Christmas boat parades. If we’ve missed any you think are worth mentioning, please let us know in the comments.
9th Annual Tomoka River Christmas Boat Parade – Ormond Beach
When: Friday, December 10th at 7 pm
More Information: Cozy up riverside and watch the Tomoka River Christmas Boat Parade. The best viewing is from Ormond Outdoor Adventures or the River Grille on the Tomoka River. Bring new, unwrapped toys to donate to Volusia County Toys for Tots, and your own lawn chairs to Ormond Outdoor Adventures, where a food truck will be on hand for munchies.
30th Annual Key West Schooner Wharf Bar Lighted Boat Parade
When: Saturday, December 11th at 8 pm
More Information: Scores of delightfully decorated motor and sailing vessels compete for bragging rights and prizes at this Florida Christmas holiday boat parade. Don’t forget the conch shells! Add a sprinkling of the Grinch, spinning ornaments, dancing gingerbread men, and you have the makings of a Key West maritime holiday tradition. The Judges’ Stand for the parade is located at Schooner Wharf.
While in the area, don’t miss all of our favorite things to do in Key West: Enjoy a Fun-Filled Weekend In Authentic Key West.
36th Annual Boca Ciega Yacht Club’s Holiday Boat Parade – Gulfport
When: Saturday, December 11th at 6 pm
More Information: Each year, BCYC members and members of the general public come together to spread holiday joy by decking the hulls and heading out on Boca Ciega Bay to parade the BCYC way! The 36th annual parade will kick off at Osgood Point, and continue to the Municipal Marina, then onto Gulfport’s Williams Pier, Casino, and beach before moving on to Town Shores, Kipp’s Colony, Skimmer’s Point, and other communities. Free and family-friendly!
39th Annual St. Augustine Holiday Regatta of Lights
When: Saturday, December 11th at 6 pm
More Information: Held on the bayfront north of the Bridge of Lions, this is the 39th year of this holiday boat parade. The event reflects the maritime heritage of the Oldest City and keeps with St. Augustine’s historical image. Sailboats, sport-fishermen, trawlers, shrimp boats, and many other vessels take part. For best viewing, sit along the bayfront by the seawall or enjoy the view from one of the many restaurants that face the bay.
While in the area, don’t miss our favorite things to do in the St. Augustine area: Step Back in Time in Charming St. Augustine.
47th Annual Boca Raton Boat Parade
When: Saturday, December 18th from 6:30 pm – 8 pm
More Information: The 47th Annual Holiday Boat Parade lights up the waterways of the Intracoastal beginning at C-15 Canal, traveling south, with bleacher viewing at Red Reef Park. This year’s parade features boat entry for participants with $10,000 in cash and prizes in many different categories. The viewing site for this year will only be at Red Reef Park. Limited parking is available at Red Reef Park, so arrive early.
50th Annual Fort Lauderdale Winterfest Boat Parade
When: Saturday, December 11th from 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
More Information: The Fort Lauderdale holiday boat parade is the grandest of the holiday boat parades in Florida. Each year this parade has an economic impact on the community of 50 million dollars! This Florida Christmas event starts at 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. The prime viewing area is Hugh Taylor Birch State Park.
While in the area, don’t miss our favorite things to do in Fort Lauderdale: Seven Things Spring Breakers Missed in Fort Lauderdale.
55th Annual Festival of Lights Illuminated Boat Parade – Madeira Beach
When: Saturday, December 11th at 6:45 pm
More Information: This annual Florida Christmas boat parade will kick off at John’s Pass with a shop local holiday extravaganza, tree lighting, and boat parade kickoff party. Head to R.O.C. park in Madeira Beach for the best view of the parade and to enjoy holiday music, food, and drinks.
59th Annual Pompano Beach/Lighthouse Point Holiday Boat Parade
When: Friday, December 10th from 6 pm – 9 pm
More Information: There’s magic and excitement in the air as over 50 boats parade up the Intracoastal Waterway! The parade begins at Lake Santa Barbara and proceeds north through the Hillsboro Bridge and around Sullivan Park in Deerfield Beach. The judges viewing stand will be located dockside at the Sands Harbor Resort & Marina in Pompano Beach. This is also the longest-running holiday boat parade in the nation!
Annual Weeki Wachee Boat Parade
When: Saturday, December 11th at 7 pm
More Information: Watch the annual Weeki Wachee Christmas Boat Parade from the Upper Deck Restaurant, Mary’s Fish Camp, or Bayport Park. The Kayak Shack will be offering parking for donations, benefiting local animal shelters.
While in the area, don’t miss our favorite things to do on Florida’s Adventure Coast: Exploring Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville – Weeki Wachee.
Carrabelle Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
When: Saturday, December 11th starting at 11 am
More Information: This parade takes place along the Carrabelle River, east of Apalachicola, and is followed by a fireworks show. Enjoy music while holiday shopping with downtown merchants and festival vendors from 11 am – 6 pm. There will be lots of fun for the children to see and do, including a visit with Santa.
If you want to make this a weekend getaway, check out: Getaway to Authentic Apalachicola.
Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade – Bradenton
When: Saturday, December 11th at 6:30 pm
More Information: The Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade is the county’s largest holiday event of the year. A fleet of decked-out vessels tour up the Manatee River competing for cash prizes and the winning title while thousands of area residents and traveling spectators flock to the river to experience the magic. Arrive downtown early for Sounds of the Season, the annual Christmas celebration on Old Main Street.