December is filled with holiday boat parades across Florida
Florida embraces its decidedly unseasonal holiday season when it comes to Christmas parades. Just look to the water.
All across the state, the traditional holiday parade that heads down Main Street in other parts of the nation takes to the canals and lakes of the Sunshine State with everything from small motorboats to multimillion-dollar yachts.
The thousands of lights reflecting on the water make for an unforgettable holiday experience while passengers celebrate and speakers pump out holiday tunes.
Here are some of the best options:
Dec. 2: Daytona Beach Christmas Boat Parade, Daytona Beach. Starts at the Seabreeze Bridge at 6 p.m. and travels south past Main Street, International Speedway Boulevard, past City Island Park and Silver Beach Bridge before passing by judging grandstands at Halifax River Yacht Club. Several viewing locations are along the Halifax River, but the north side of the yacht club channel, the fishing pier on the channel leading to Halifax River Marina, and dockside of the Chart House Restaurant at the entrance to the Daytona Marina and Boat Works are the best. Free. daytonabeach.com
Dec. 2: Lighted Boat Parade, Mount Dora. This annual parade is an all-ages event with colorful lighted boats gliding over Lake Dora. If you are interested in participating in the parade, contact The Mount Dora Marina at 352-383-3150. 7:30 pm. Free. Downtown Mount Dora. mountdorachristmas.com
Dec. 2: 23rd Annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade, Palm Beach. The parade, led by a traveling fireworks display, lights up the Intracoastal Waterway from North Palm Beach to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 561-863-0012. palmbeachboatparade.com
Dec. 2: Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade, Fort Myers Beach. Come enjoy some Christmas spirit at the 29th Annual Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade. The parade will pass though Matanzas Harbor and the first two canals of Siesta Isles, passing by such establishments as Bootleggers Waterfront Barbeque, Parrot Key Caribbean Grill, Matanzas, Nervous Nellies, Doc Fords and Bonita Bills where you can kick back and enjoy the fun. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 239-454-7500. fortmyersbeach.org
Dec. 2: Christmas Boat Parade, Venice. Parade of decorated boats, from Albee Road to South Bridge. Always held on the first Saturday of December at 6 p.m.; rain date the next day. 941-809-8100. venicechristmasboatparade.com
Dec. 8: Boynton and Delray Beach Holiday Boat Parade, Boynton Beach. This 45th annual parade begins at the Boynton Beach Inlet and proceeds south to the C-15 Canal in Delray Beach. 6 p.m. Free. 561-600-9097. catchboynton.com
Dec. 9: The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, Fort Lauderdale. This 46th annual parade stages along the New River and travels east to the Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale and north to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. The best way to see the parade is viewing from the Grandstand Viewing Area ( just north of Sunrise Boulevard). 6:30 p.m. Free. 954-767-0686. winterfestparade.com
Dec. 9: Holiday Boat Parade, Key Largo. Blackwater Sound shimmers as decorated boats parade along the shoreline in celebration of the holiday season. Top spots for viewing and libations include Sundowners, Senor Frijoles, the Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort and Caribbean Club. 7:30 p.m. 305-451-4502. keylargoboatparade.com
Dec. 9: Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, Sarasota. This 32nd annual parade will travel through Sarasota Bay with viewing areas at the Marina Jack Restaurant, Bay Front Park, City Island and Centennial Park. 6 p.m. sarasotachristmasboatparade.com
Dec. 9: Cocoa Beach Boat Parade, Cocoa Beach. The annual boat parade starts at Marker 101 near Centennial Park. The best places to watch include Sunset Cafe, Wildlife Watersports and Cove Park. 6 p.m. cocoabeachrotary.org
Dec. 9: 37th Annual Holiday Regatta of Lights, St. Augustine. This event, hosted by The St. Augustine Yacht Club, will feature sailboats, trawlers, shrimp boats and other vessels, all decorated with festive lights. The best viewing locations are from the Bay Front and Seawall, Castillo de San Marcos, the Bridge of Lions and the eastern shore. 6 p.m. 904-824-9725. staugustineyachtclub.com
Dec. 9: Illuminated Boat Parade, St. Petersburg. This 31st annual parade hosted by the Rotary Club of St. Petersburg features food, beer and wine. 5 p.m. 727-822-3277. stpeteboatparade.org
Dec. 9: Key Largo Boat Parade, Key Largo. This annual parade along the Blackwater Sound will offer a $500 cash drawing for one lucky boat. Best places to view the parade include Senor Frijoles, Cactus Jack’s, the Key Largo Marriott and the Caribbean Club. 7:30 p.m. keylargoboatparade.com
Dec. 9: Stuart Christmas Boat Parade, Stuart. This 37th annual parade will begin at the Jensen Beach Causeway and proceed to Sansprit Park, ending at the Twisted Tuna. The public is invited to view the parade at restaurants, parks and other
Dec. 9: Schooner Wharf Bar & Galley Lighted Boat Parade, Key West. This 27th annual parade is a tropical tribute to the holiday season and a family affair. Children can catch candy and beans thrown from the decks, and there will also be handmade ornaments and holiday drinks on sale. 8 p.m. 305-292-3302. schoonerwharf.com
Dec. 10: 55th Annual Pompano Beach Boat Parade, Pompano Beach. Florida’s longest-running boat parade enters its 55th year, featuring a variety of boats competing to be crowned “Best of Show.” Attendees can find a spot along the Intracoastal Waterway or at an official watch spot. Boats leave Lake Santa Barbara and head north to Hillsboro Boulevard. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free. pompanobeachchamber.com
Dec. 10: 31st Annual Destin Harbor Boat Parade, Destin. Before the parade, visit with Santa Claus ffrom noon to 4 p.m. at HarborWalk Village’s Main Stage. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 850-974-4801. visitflorida.com
Dec. 15: Lighted Boat Parade, Treasure Island. Dazzling boats of all kinds circle the city in a friendly competition. The best viewing areas include 115th Avenue, the Causeway Bridge, Gator’s Cafe & Saloon, and Blind Pass Bridge. 6:20 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. mytreasureisland.org
Dec. 23: Night Before Christmas Eve Boat Parade, Punta Gorda. The 17th annual 6-mile parade claims to be the biggest on the Gulf Coast. The event features carolers, performers, decorations and more. A printable parade map is available on the event’s website. 6 p.m. 941-637-1655. puntagordaboatparade.com