The Best Holiday Boat Parades of 2024
Holiday Boat Parades are something the whole family can enjoy. Here's a list of our favorites happening across the country this month.
November 22, 2024
Holiday boat parades are such a fun way to get into the holiday spirit for those of us who are lucky enough to live near the water. If you don’t have an ugly sweater party to go to yet this Saturday, there are a bunch of great holiday boat parades happening across the country for you to attend! Here’s a list of our favorite ones taking place over the next couple weeks.
1. Winterfest Boat Parade, Fort Lauderdale, FL
When: Sat Dec 14, 2024 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Where: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Above: A flyer for the Winterfest Boat Parade in Fort Lauderdale Florida, 2024. Image by Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest.
The 53rd Annual Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is a premier holiday event in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, celebrated as the "Best Show on H2O." This year's parade begins at the Stranahan House in downtown Fort Lauderdale, traveling east along the New River to the Intracoastal Waterway, and continues north to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach.
Spanning 12 miles, the procession features private boats, showboats, and corporate megayachts adorned with lights, music, and entertainment, attracting over a million spectators.
For optimal viewing, attendees can purchase tickets for the Parade Viewing Area located at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park. This area offers seating, live entertainment, and a festive atmosphere. Gates open at 4:00 PM, with the parade expected to arrive at approximately 7:00 PM.
This year's theme, "From Sawgrass to Seagrass: Waves of Holiday Cheer," encourages participants to showcase the natural beauty of South Florida, from its beaches to the Everglades.
The 53rd Annual Holiday Parade will be held on December 14, 2024, kicking off in the Downtown Area at 6:30 PM, preceded by a pre-show featuring non-motorized vessels at 6:00 PM.
2. 116th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
When: Wed Dec 18, 2024 at 07:30 pm to Sun Dec 22, 2024 at 10:00 pm
Where: Newport Beach, California
Above: Festive boats on the water during the Newport Beach Holiday Boat Parade. Photo courtesy of Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade.
Get into the festive spirit with the 116th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade! There’s a reason this one wins for most popular in the nation year after year. Join the celebration from December 18 to 22, 2024, hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce. Register your boat for the Parade or join the Ring of Lights decorating competition for a chance to win awards and receive special commemorative items.
3. Deck the Hulls, A Christmas Boat Parade
When: Sat Dec 14, 2024 at 09:00 pm
Where: Skull Creek Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC
Above: Boats adorned with lights at Seattle's Christmas Boat Parade. Photo courtesy of Seattle Christmas Boat Parade.
Get set to immerse yourself in the holiday enchantment at Deck the Hulls, Hilton Head Island’s dazzling Christmas Boat Parade! Envision a procession of boats adorned in shimmering lights, festive decorations, and pure yuletide joy. The serene waters of Hilton Head Island come alive, turning into a captivating nautical wonderland that perfectly captures the magic of the season.
4. Seattle Christmas Boat Parade
When: Saturday, December 14, 2024
Where: Fremont Tug Boats, Seattle, WA
This traditional parade of boats is presented by local marine businesses. Boat for a cause by supporting Seattle Children’s Hospital; drop off toys for the Hospital Toy Drive at Ballard West Marine and pick up your parade registration number. Participating boats are to check in on VHF Ch 68 with Salty Dog and line up at 6:30 pm; the lead boat is the bright yellow and blue tug, Western Towboat. Line up west to east. The parade starts in front of Fremont Tug Boats, just east of the Aurora Bridge. The parade ends at Morrison’s Fuel Dock after a full loop of Lake Union, where judges are making their decisions for awards. Lake Union restaurants and Gasworks Park are popular places for the public to view the Seattle Christmas Boat Parade and city lights.
5. The 57th Annual Madeira Beach Festival of Lights Holiday Boat Parade
When: Sat Dec 14, 2024 from 6:15 pm to 10:00 pm
Where: Maderia Beach, Kenneth City, Florida
Above: Decorated boats on the water in Clearwater, FL. Photo courtesy of Vicki Norton Photography.
Get ready to light up the night at the 57th Annual Madeira Beach Festival of Lights Holiday Boat Parade! On December 14, 2024, the parade sets sail from the American Legion Post 273 at 6:30 pm, winding its way through the city's finger canals before reaching the dazzling finale at John’s Pass. Gather your family and friends to soak in the magic of this spectacular boat parade – it's an event you won't want to miss!
6. The 49th Annual Clearwater Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
When: Sat Dec 14, 2024 at 06:30 pm
Where: Clearwater Yacht Club, 830 S. Bayway Blvd, Clearwater, FL
Get ready for the Clearwater Yacht Club's 49th Annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade! This festive nautical spectacle not only spreads holiday cheer but also supports local youth sailing and boating scholarships. The parade will cruise through Island Estates, passing by Coachman Park, the Memorial Causeway Bridge, and looping back near the beach before finishing up at Clearwater Yacht Club's judging area. Don't miss the boatload of holiday fun!
7. The 36th Annual SEV Boat Parade
When: Sat Dec 14, 2024 at 04:00 pm
Where: 300 Magnolia St, New Smyrna Beach, FL
Above: Festive boats on the water from the Christmas Ships parade. Photo courtesy of The Christmas Ships.
Get ready for the ultimate combo with Toon Tiki Charters and the 36th Annual SEV Holiday Boat Parade! Join us on Saturday, December 14, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM for a magical journey. Toon Tiki Charters is pulling out all the stops, treating you to complimentary hor d’oeuvres and beverages for an extra special evening cruise. Feel free to BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverages) if that's your vibe! It's the perfect way to add some sparkle to your holiday celebrations.
8. Portland Christmas Ships Parade
When: December 1-17, 2024
Where: Multiple Locations throughout the Portland area.
Get ready for the 69th year of the Portland Christmas Ships parade! This all-volunteer nonprofit features members sailing their lit-up boats along the Columbia and Willamette Rivers on select nights. You can choose your parade night, and the ships can be seen from various spots, including Portland, Milwaukie, Lake Oswego, Scappoose, Vancouver, Camas, Washougal, and St. Helens.
