Our warmer friends to the south don’t hold back in celebrating the holidays. In prime spots all throughout California and Florida, Christmas Boat Parades bring the spirit of the season to everyone who delights in Christmas lights and decorations galore. For those luckier than us at PDB magazine to be down south for winter, here’s a list of local boat parades, including some of the states’ largest and oldest events. For everyone else like us, we can read and dream about them. After all, holiday boat parades are truly magical traditions for people of any age.
36th Annual Cape Coral Holiday Boat Along
December 20th, 9–10 pm
As seen in the photo above, the Annual Cape Coral Holiday Boat Along starts off with a blast with some holiday fireworks at 7, but the fun will have been going on since 4 pm. While of course the main event is the festive parade complete with lights, costumes, elves, and whatever else their captains can think of, you can also enjoy Four Freedoms Park for holiday music, a visit from Santa, food and beverages for sale—as well as a beautiful spot for watching the glowing boats parade by. For more information, look here.
Grand Canal Holiday Boat Parade
December 20th, 6–8 pm
Join the Banana River Sail and Power Squadron on Saturday, December 20th for the boat parade. All boaters line up their resplendent vessels near the Pineda Causeway and follow the Satellite Beach Police Boat Patrol down the Grand Canal. For more info, visit the website or call 321-220-7775.
Indian Rocks Beach Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
December 20th, 7:00 pm
Starting just south of the southern end of the Holiday Inn fuel dock, the Parade finishes at the north end of the City Limit off Harbor Drive North, promising beautiful views all along the beach. This year marks their 28th annual Parade! Three size classes will be awarded cash prizes for the top votes. For more information visit the website here.
Lake Tarpon Holiday Boat Parade.
December 20th, 7:30 pm
The parade has a new location at the Dockside, which is now located at the Magnuson Hotel and Marina in New Port Richey. This festive parade will benefit Wheelchairs 4 Kids. If you don’t have your own boat but want to join the parade, on-site rentals are available at Windsong Boat Rentals. Prizes for Best Theme, Best Lit, Most Original, and Fan Favorite await the parade-goers! Check out their events page for more info.
Merritt Island Christmas Boat Parade
December 20th, 6 pm
The Merritt Island Christmas Boat Parade will light the night on the 20th of December. With prizes for different categories of decorations and holiday cheer all around, you won’t want to miss this celebration. To judge the parade entries, register to be a judge. For maps and other information, go here.
Okeechobee Christmas Boat Parade
December 20th, 6 pm
The Okeechobee Yachette Club will host their third annual Christmas Boat Parade. Decorate your boat and meet the group on Taylor Creek by State Road 70 bridge between 5 and 5:30 p.m. in Okeechobee. Music is also a great addition! For more information, click here or call Arnie at 863-634-4777.
Punta Gorda Boat Parade
December 20th, 6 pm
Parade viewers are very close to the boats at this parade that includes performers, carolers, and great decorations. The route is almost 8 miles long in the canal system of Punta Gorda Isles and starts at Albatross Lagoon, finishing up with a Grand Parade Circle at Yellow Fish Lagoon. This parade is commercial-free with no fees of any kind! Bring your bells, singing voices, and Christmas spirit. If you want participation, this is the parade for you. For more information, visit their website.
Redington Beach/Indian Shores Boat Parade
December 21, 5:45–6:45 pm
This year’s festively-lit holiday boat parade starts at the Tom Stewart Causeway Docking at the Pub. Visit the website or contact Missy Clake at 727-391-3875 for more info.
San Diego Harbor Parade of Lights
December 14 & 21, 5:30–9 pm
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a time-honored holiday tradition brought to San Diego by the boating community for 41 years. Starting off with a blast of fireworks, the Parade travels from Shelter Island past Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, and Ferry Landing in Coronado. With lavish holiday decorations and a luxury cruise for two awaiting the parade winners, the decoration theme this year is “Children’s Stories.” Join the fun! Find out more information here.
Titusville Holiday Boat Parade
December 19th, 7 pm
Titusville is bringing their Holiday Boat Parade back for 2014! Watch along the several riverfront restaurants and parks as beautifully decorated boats depart the Titusville Municipal Marina and travel south on the Indian River to Kennedy Point Yacht Club and Marina, then loop back to the starting point. To participate in the parade, contact Michelle DeVoss by Friday, December 12 at 321-607-6787 or Michelle.devoss@earthlink.net, or for more information click here.
Treasure Island Holiday Boat Parade
December 20th, 6:20 pm
When you think of Treasure Island's Holiday Boat Parade, think Las Vegas on the water—boats of all kinds bursting with holiday lights circle the city in comradely competition for the top prizes awarded later that night at the Treasure Island Yacht & Tennis Club. Residents with Treasure Island waterfront homes often host enormous boat parade parties and there are also plenty of prime spots on the island. For more information, visit here.
Twinkle In Tampa Bay: A Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
December 20th, 6:30 pm
The Holiday Lighted Boat Parade hits the Tampa Bay area on the 20th of December at 6:30 pm along the water at the by Davis Island, Harbour Island and the Channelside District. Join the fun and watch these festive boats spread glowing holiday cheer or join those seated onboard by buying a cruise ticket. For more information visit their website here.
Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights
December 20–21, 6:15–8:15 pm
Join Ventura Harbor and Ventura Keys for their 37th Annual Parade of Lights & Fireworks. The lights will be blazing as everyone showcases their holiday best in this exciting Parade. Or join them for their Caroling Cruises from the 17th up to the 23rd from 6:30 to 7:30 as everyone belts their favorite Christmas carols into the night. For more information, click here:
