13 Top Florida Holiday Boat Parades of 2025
Seeing a holiday boat parade is one of those fun Florida traditions you can’t experience in many other places.
Plus, there’s a tropical twist to your holiday festivities in Florida. Leave your winter woes behind and enjoy an array of exciting boat parades.
We’ve gathered a few of our favorites happening around the Sunshine State.
Northwest Florida Holiday Boat Parade
Carrabelle Holiday on the Harbor Street Festival and Boat Parade of Lights
When: Saturday, December 13th, 2025
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 activities like face painting and meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus.
There are also fireworks after the boat parade.
This beloved Christmas tradition on the Forgotten Coast is free and perfect for families.
Learn more about the Carrabelle Holiday on the Harbor Street Festival and Boat Parade of Lights.
Check out the Best Things to Do in Carrabelle, Florida.
39th Annual Holiday on the Harbor Lighted Boat Parade – Destin
When: Sunday, December 14th, 2025.
Where: 34 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
The best viewing spots are the restaurants in Harborwalk Village, the Destin Bridge, the docks of the Harborwalk Boardwalk, and the beaches at Norriego Point.
Parade begins at 6 p.m., followed by fireworks at 7:30 p.m.
Learn more about the 38th Annual Holiday on the Harbor Lighted Boat Parade.
Northeast Florida Holiday Boat Parades
44th Annual St. Augustine Regatta of Lights
When: December 13th, 2025
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
Palm Valley Boat Parade
When: December 6th, 2025
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 Things to Do in Downtown Jacksonville.
Central Florida Holiday Boat Parade
Winter Park Annual Holiday Boat Parade
When: 2025 Dates to be announced
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.
Central West Florida Holiday Boat Parades
39th Annual Boca Ciega Yacht Club (“BCYC”) Christmas Boat Parade
When: December 13th, 2025
Where: Boca Ciega Bay, Gulfport, FL
The Boca Ciega Yacht Club hosts its annual BCYC Lighted Christmas Boat Parade in Gulfport on December 14th.
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
59th Annual Madeira Beach Festival of Lights Boat Parade
When: 2025 Dates to be announced
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 Authentic Things to Do in St. Petersburg & St. Pete Beach.
Central East Florida Holiday Boat Parade
6th Annual Cocoa Village Holiday Boat Parade
When: December 12th, 2025
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 Reasons to Visit the Florida Space Coast.
Southwest Florida Holiday Boat Parade
35th Annual Marine Industries Christmas Boat Parade
When: December 6th, 2025
Where: Naples City Dock – 880 12th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102
Starting at 6:15 pm, you can enjoy the Christmas Carnival themed boat parade at the Naples City Dock. There will be a judging committee with VIP guests. There are even limited presale tickets for a front-row seat to the parade.
Boats of all sizes are welcome to enter and are encouraged to donate for their place as donations fund the Ricky King Foundation.
The parade may be viewed from: Naples City Dock (ticketed), Pinchers Tin City, Riverwalk Restaurant, Naples Landing, Kelly’s Fish House, The Boat House on Naples Bay, and Bayview Park.
Learn more on the Marine Industries Website.
Don’t miss The Ultimate Guide to Naples, Florida.
Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade
When: December 13th, 2025
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, check out Our Favorite Shops in Bradenton’s Village of the Arts.
Cape Coral Holiday Boat-A-Long & Christmas Movie
When: December 20th, 2025
Where: Four Freedoms Park – 4818 Tarpon Ct, Cape Coral, FL 33904
You can also watch the boats line up in Bimini Basin for the parade which first passes by the park’s beach before heading down various canals in South Cape Coral.
Starting at dusk, the movie The Polar Express (2004), Rate G, will be shown on the big screen following the boat parade. Be sure to bring your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the festivities.
For more information visit Cape Coral’s Website.
Southeast Florida Holiday Boat Parades
54th Annual Fort Lauderdale Winterfest Boat Parade “The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade”
When: December 13th, 2025
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.
The 63rd Annual Chaos Fishing Greater Pompano Beach/Lighthouse Point/Deerfield Beach Holiday Boat Parade
When: December 12th, 2025
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 62nd 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.
34th Annual Key West Christmas Lighted Boat Parade
When: December 13th, 2025
Where: 202 William St. Key West, FL
Make your way down to Key West for 34th Annual Schooner Wharf Bar/Absolut Vodka Lighted Boat Parade.
The fun begins at 5:30 pm with festivities like a decorated Harbor Walk and a steel band playing Christmas music.
The parade starts at 7 pm, with a large variety of vessels participating in this fun, tropical celebration.
Learn more about the 33rd Annual Key West Christmas Lighted Boat Parade.
While you’re in the area, make sure to check out: Enjoy a Fun-Filled Weekend In Authentic Key West
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
- 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 Favorite Freshwater Florida Springs
- Great Places To See Florida Manatees
The post 13 Top Florida Holiday Boat Parades of 2025 appeared first on Authentic Florida.
Categories
Recent Posts
