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Boca Raton Boat Parade 2022

The Knights of Sant’ Yago 2023 Knight Parade is a party for sure. But it is most importantly a chance to support the Ybor City local businesses. Most Ybor City bars and restaurants accept credit cards.The Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago has organized and hosted the Knight Parade since 1974 to raise funds for higher education. Through the Knight Parade and other fundraising events, the Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago Education Foundation has provided more than $4 million in scholarships for local students to attend Tampa Bay colleges and universities since 1994.

So if you’re ready for more pirating fun, keep reading for everything you need to know to have an awesome time at the Gasparilla Sant’ Yago Knight Parade 2023!KREWE HISTORY: Chartered in 1972, the Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago is dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of Tampa’s rich Latin heritage and culture. Comprised of 250 of the Tampa Bay area’s professional men, the Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago is represented each year by our El Rey (King) and his La Reina (Queen), and their Royal Court of Ladies-In-Waiting, Courtesanos, Pages, Attendants and Royal Sword Bearer.

Where does the Palm Beach boat parade start and end?
Where: The parade, led by a Zambelli traveling fireworks display navigates up the Intracoastal Waterway from North Palm Beach to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.
The Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago is celebrating their 50th anniversary, and the Knight Parade on Feb. 11, 2023, will be a special commemoration. The 50th King is Ray Favata, accompanied by the Queen, Demmi Parrino. Serving as the 2023 parade Grand Marshal will be Florida Sports Hall of Fame baseball player and Tampa native Luis “Gonzo” Gonzalez. In addition, MOR-TV personality Steve Wilkos will be joining as a special guest for the parade. Founded in 1972, the Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago is currently celebrating its 50-year anniversary. 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend The Knight Parade Saturday, Feb. 11, from 7-9 p.m. along Seventh Avenue. We suggest arriving by 4:00pm to make the most of your evening. Seventh Avenue will close at 2 p.m. and cross streets close at 6:30pm.

The Gasparilla Tampa Bay fun continues! The iconic Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago Knight Parade, presented by MOR-TV and co-sponsored by the City of Tampa, will return to historic Ybor City on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 7 p.m. Considered by many to be the ultimate nighttime Gasparilla event for adults, the Knight Parade is often called the Night Parade due to its evening timeframe.

What time is the boat parade in Fort Lauderdale?
The 52nd Annual Holiday Parade takes place DECEMBER 16, 2023 starting in the Downtown Area at 6:30 PM with a pre-show of non-motorized vessels at 6:00 p.m. The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade will stage on the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale, along the docks west of Stranahan House to the Broward Center …
If this is your first time to see the parade, a great place to view the parade is at the Fun Zone. Admission is FREE and there is plenty of nearby parking.

Enjoy prime water’s edge seating at the Newport Sea Base for this spectacular holiday tradition! Bring the whole family to enjoy Orange County’s best holiday celebration! This event is outdoors with all seats being sectioned and socially distanced. Private group opportunities are available.
There are a number of boat companies that offer public and private cruises on the harbor during the parade. Most charter boats sell out early, so call soon to make reservations.One of the most prime viewing locations can be found at the fabulous Marina Park located at 1600 W. Balboa Boulevard. Boasting a nautical-themed playground and ample “run around” area for the kids, this is the perfect viewing spot for families.

Many waterfront restaurants in Newport Beach offer exceptional views of the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. There are also a variety of choices within walking distance. Take a look at our Dine & Watch and Dine & Walk options. Most restaurants sell out early, so call soon to make reservations.Both the parade and festival are FREE. The festival will host live music, food trucks, food booths, vendors, merchandise, games, pipes and drums and so much more! The parade features over 70 entries comprised of floats, schools, businesses, community groups, non-profits, elected officials, United States Veterans, fire engines, motorcycles, pipes and drums, marching bands, first responders, Irish heritage societies and other ethnic groups. This first responder themed St. Patrick’s Day Parade is truly Florida’s premiere hometown parade! Our mission is to grow, strengthen, and enhance the economic vitality of Downtown Delray Beach. As an autonomous agency of the City, the Delray Beach DDA advocates, facilitates, plans, and executes business development, fosters business relations, helps with the planning of public and private projects, and markets the downtown district.

After the parade, join the City of Delray Beach S.t Patrick’s Day Festival, Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave, Delray Beach, Fl. 33444, from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Boca Raton’s Mizner Park transforms into a winter wonderland with surprise pop-up entertainment sprinkled throughout the park under the holiday lights. Each night features unique strolling performers.
The Square will offer one holiday happening after another including nightly snowfall and light shows at The Wishing Tree, weekly events including photos with Santa and his elves, Yuletide carolers and celebrations including Hanukkah with Jewish Federation of the PBC & Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches on Dec. 18, a Christ Fellowship Christmas Concert on Dec. 21 and a Kwanzaa performance by Afrique Ngozi on Dec. 30. For exact times see The Square’s website or social media.The annual boat parade in Lake Osborne is back for its eighth year, and organizers report roughly 50 to 55 boats are decking the decks for event. (Bragging rights and prizes are on the line.) The parade route takes about two hours for the boats to navigate. The best viewing is along Lake Osborne Drive from Lantana Road to Lakeworth Road and John Prince Park and Campground. Parade follows the entire perimeter of the lake, according to the event’s Facebook page. The participans are asked to gather at The Hive Restaurant and Tiki Bar (formerly Anchor Inn).

Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at [email protected]. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This event will take place in the outdoor mall’s Center Court near the holiday tree and will include a meet and greet with Santa, special visits from his friends including Rudolph and the Grinch, a holiday craft station, live holiday music, face painting and more.Each year during the winter holiday season, Whitehall’s first floor is transformed into a Christmas wonderland with historically-accurate greenery, trimmings and ribbons. The focal point is a 16-foot Christmas tree in the grand hall, adorned with colored electrical “fairy” lights and traditional Gilded Age-style ornaments.

The 48th annual Holiday Boat Parade will light up the waters of the Intracoastal beginning at C-15 Canal, traveling south to the Hillsboro Boulevard Bridge. There will be $1,000 cash prizes for the best decorated boats in three categories: under 25 feet, 26-34 feet, and over 35 feet. Viewing areas include Reef Park, Wildflower Park and Silver Palm Park.Mounts Botanical Garden will be embracing the holiday season with three, framed, 8- to 15-foot trees designed by the Mounts horticulture team and installed with hundreds of colorful bromeliads, orchids, and other tropical botanicals. “This new seasonal exhibit promises to be even bigger and better than last year’s popular holiday bromeliad tree at Palm Beach Outlets, in partnership with the PBC Extension Service,” promises Rochelle Wolberg, Mounts curator-director.

Where can I watch the Palm Coast boat parade 2022?
The parade will head northwest along the Longboat Pass Bridge and then north up the Intracoastal Waterway. The parade will pass alongside the Bradenton Beach City Pier and end at the Bradenton Beach Marina. Best viewing from Longboat Pass Bridge (6-6:30 PM), Bradenton Beach City Pier (6:30 PM to 7:00 PM).
In addition to watching the tree lighting, children should bring their letters for Santa to drop in the mailbox. After the tree is lit, attendees will have the chance to dance the night away at the community concert.With the theme, “Super Heroes Celebrate Christmas,” participants can make every child happy. Imagine the surprise and excitement of children and adults when they see their favorite super hero decorating a Christmas tree, helping elves place gifts underneath the tree or simply walking along the parade path waving at everyone.Featuring vessels decked out with dazzling lights, holiday décor, costumed captains and crews this event is not to be missed. Though the official watch location is the Boynton Harbor Marina, other great spots to watch from include Intracoastal Park, Jaycee Park, Veterans Park and Knowles Park.

Sandi will once again grace downtown West Palm Beach this holiday season. This “tree” of sand was named “Best Public Holiday Lights Display” last year according to USA Today 10Best. This will be Sandi’s 11th year and she will be officially lit on Dec. 1 during the Clematis by Night Holiday Tree Lighting. There will synchronized music and light shows on the quarter hour from 6 to 10 p.m. through Dec. 31.
Presented by Florida Power & Light Company, FPL SolarNow, this holiday tradition will once again make the season sparkle with more than one million eco-friendly lights. The zoo will be aglow with unique-themed displays spread out over the zoo’s 23 acres. There will also be photo opportunities with Santa through Dec. 23, season treats available and more The tree-lighting event includes holiday music from local performers, food, children’s activities and more. Saturday’s Annual Holiday Parade, the 50th, will begin at 4 p.m. with a hoped-for 50 entries, including walking groups, bands, dance teams and businesses. Bring a lawn chair, but leave the pets at home. Keeping with tradition, this annual event will be headlined by music icon, philanthropist, actor and television star Vanilla Ice. Guests will be treated to live musical performances on two stages, retail and holiday shopping, a silent disco, food vendors, kids and teens interactive Blizzard Beach, lounges for adults and more. Parking will be available onsite, and remotely with shuttle service.This year’s parade will be themed “Groovy 70s” in recognition of the50-year milestone. More than 70 floats and groups will entertain viewers as they bring dance, lights, and song to Federal Highway in Boca Raton.The city’s 51st annual Holiday Parade will begin at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 along Federal Highway in downtown Boynton and last about two hours. Floats will be reconnized in numerous categories, including Musical Performance, Use of Innovation and/or Technology, Artistic Design, Depiction of Life in Boynton Beach, Display of Showmanship, Most Whimsical and Most Creative. Spectators should bring a chair, but please leave pets at home.

Featuring two miles of animated and musical holiday light displays, this family-event, drive-through light show is a great way to celebrate the season and give a little. The Lights 4 Hope organization is a nonprofit that works with local hospitals to spread joy and to help local families whose child is suffering from terminal illness or a life-changing physical change.
The 28th annual parade and 23rd annual toy drive, which benefits Toys for Tots and Little Smiles, will feature small boats, sailboats, and megayachts all adorned with millions of holiday lights illuminating the waterways. Though decked out for a great cause in the holiday spirit, bragging rights are on the line and prizes are to be had for the most creatively-decorated boats with the most enthusiastic crews.

What time is the night Gasparilla parade?
The Gasparilla Tampa Bay fun continues! The iconic Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago Knight Parade, presented by MOR-TV and co-sponsored by the City of Tampa, will return to historic Ybor City on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 7 p.m.
This free, family-friendly event will feature 24 tons of real snow, a performance by Performing Arts Academy of Jupiter’s Team Joy, singing by the Jupiter Middle School Chorus, the holiday tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Clause, a DJ, food vendors and more. With the holiday season now well underway, it’s time to spread the joy and the thanks, and practice being extra good (so Santa forgets those trip-ups over the past 11 months). Here are the best events in Palm Beach County to get you in the holiday spirit. The official tree lighting will be filled with holiday cheer. There will be music played on the Odell organ and Steinway piano, a special choir performance, refreshments and a visit from the big guy himself, Santa.

The Holiday Boat Parade doubles as a Toys for Tots gift drive. You can support this spirit of generosity by bringing a new, unwrapped toy to the watch party at Boynton Harbor Marina. Volunteers from Sea Tow and the U.S. Marines will be making dockside pick-ups along the parade route; when you see one of their boats, wave a flashlight and they will stop to collect your donation.
Boca Raton’s 48th Annual Holiday Boat Parade will entertain viewers with more than 30 festively decorated boats and watercraft of all shapes and sizes, traveling along the Intracoastal Waterway. The boat parade is a wonderful holiday tradition the whole family can enjoy.

BRIDGES AND PETS: Bridges are held in the up position for approximately 45 minutes during the parade. Please avoid these areas during estimated closing times to avoid traffic delays. Estimated closing times are 6:50 p.m. for Spanish River; 7:20 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. for Camino Real. We note that NO PETS are allowed in City Parks. For homeowners along the parade route with furry friends, please be aware this celebration includes fireworks.
Seating: Limited bleacher seating will be available at Red Reef Park ONLY. Lawn seating closer to the water will also be available, please feel free to bring your blanket or chair. Weather: The boat parade continues rain or shine. Restrooms: Restrooms available at each viewing area. Food Vendors: A variety of food options will be onsite at Red Reef Park ONLY.

Bicyclists: Bike racks are available at Red Reef Park, Wildflower Park and Silver Palm Parks. Be sure to wear reflective clothing and add reflective material to your bike for safety. Plan Ahead: Whether you are utilizing a shared ride program or driving your car to the event, leave early and plan ahead in order to arrive to the event safe and on time.
BOCA RATON, FL – Boca Post (BocaPost.com) — The City of Boca Raton is hosting the 48th annual Holiday Boat Parade on Saturday, December 17th, 2022. We have everything you need to know.

Seating will be available at Red Reef Park. It is recommended that you bring lawn chairs and/or a blanket for better seats closer to the water. A variety of food options will also be available at Red Reef park.
The parade will start at 6:30 PM near the Delray Beach line and travel south along the Intracoastal waterway where it will end at the Hillsboro bridge.

The Holiday Boat Parade will light up the Intracoastal waterway in and around Boca Raton on Saturday evening. A parade of boats decked out in holiday lights will compete for a $1,000 grand prize in 3 different categories, including Under 25′, 26′ to 34′, and over 34′. You can see the parade as it travels from C-15 Canal to the Hillsboro Boulevard bridge.

What time is the boat parade in Fort Lauderdale 2022?
6:30 PM The 51th Annual Holiday Parade takes place DECEMBER 10, 2022 starting in the Downtown Area at 6:30 PM with a preshow of non-motorized vessels at 6:00 p.m. The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade will stage on the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale, along the docks west of Stranahan House to the Broward Center …
BEFORE the parade, there will also be a family-friendly 1 mile “Boca Mile Run” starting at Royal Palm Plaza and Mizner Blvd. Start time is 7:15pm. Sponsored by Runner’s Edge, Boca Raton Police Athletic and Five Guys. Visit their Facebook event page for more details and registration.Boca Raton’s 50th Annual Street Parade takes place on Wednesday, December 7th starting at 7:30pm and will run along Federal Highway starting at SE 5th Street, north to Mizner Park with grandstand viewing at Sanborn Square. Expect to see floats from local businesses and local community organizations. More than 70 floats will be judged on the following: creativity, relation to parade theme, lighting, construction and originality. This year’s theme is “Groovy 70’s” as we celebrate the 50 Anniversary.

The Parade starts at Stranahan House traveling East along the New River in Fort Lauderdale to the Intracoastal Waterway as it continues North to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. It’s 12 Miles from the “Best Show on H20.” The Parade takes approximately 2 and 1/2 hours to view from one location (starting locations stagger as you travel north).The 52nd Annual Holiday Parade takes place DECEMBER 16, 2023 starting in the Downtown Area at 6:30 PM with a pre-show of non-motorized vessels at 6:00 p.m. The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade will stage on the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale, along the docks west of Stranahan House to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

Private boats to the giant showboats and corporate megayachts will be adorned with hundreds of thousands of lights, music, entertainment, decorations, celebrities, musical groups, beauty queens, and many other exciting entries expected to be viewed by over one million spectators.

What time does the Boca parade start?
Start time is 7:15pm. Sponsored by Runner’s Edge, Boca Raton Police Athletic and Five Guys. Visit their Facebook event page for more details and registration.
The Bradenton Yacht Club hosts the Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade. The parade will begin at Shaw Point and pass Bradenton Yacht Club, Riverhouse/Safe Harbor, and Pier 22/Twin Dolphin.

Public viewing areas will include the Green Bridge and Palmetto Pier. VIP viewing parties will be held at Bradenton Yacht Club for members, as well as the Riverhouse and Pier 22. Boats will be critiqued on their creativity, theme, lights, music, and more.
The Cocoa Village Holiday Boat Parade is an annual event hosted by Historic Cocoa Village Main Street. The parade will start at Rockledge Valencia Dock and head to Sunrise Street before ending at Lee Wenner Park.

What time is the Boca boat parade 2022?
6:30 to 8:30 PM When is the Holiday Boat Parade? The 48th Annual Boca Raton Holiday Boat Parade will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 PM on Saturday, December 17th 2022. Cached
Watch boats decorated for the holidays with lights and music at this fun event. During the day, there will also be vendors with holiday foods and products for purchase, as well as music, a beer garden, and family-friendly activities like face painting and meeting Santa Clause.

The 48th Annual Boca Raton Holiday Boat Parade will start at C-15 Canal and travel to Hillsboro Blvd. Bridge, with public viewing areas at Red Reef Park, Wildflower Park, and Silver Palm Park in Boca Raton.
The Madeira Beach Festival of Lights Boat Parade is another Florida holiday boat parade that you won’t want to miss! The parade starts at 6 pm and will run from American Legion Post 273 to John’s Pass.

Where is the best place to see the boat parade?
GREAT VIEWING OF THE 2022 NEWPORT BEACH CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE AT MARINA PARK. One of the most prime viewing locations can be found at the fabulous Marina Park located at 1600 W. Balboa Boulevard.
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.

We’ve gathered a few of our favorite holiday boat parades around the Sunshine State. We recommend planning a weekend getaway and exploring the surrounding areas.

The Boca Ciega Yacht Club will host its annual BCYC Lighted Christmas Boat Parade in Gulfport on December 17. The parade will be visible from many great Gulfport spots, including Osgood Point, Gulfport Municipal Marina, Williams Pier, and other popular areas.
Where: Carrabelle Riverfront Marine Street, Carrabelle, FL 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 6:15 pm and will go down the Carrabelle River.

The Palm Valley Boat Parade is known as “Not Your Average Boat Parade” due to its widespread community involvement and a plethora of lighted boats that sail over 7 miles of Palm Valley’s Intracoastal Waterway.
The holiday displays take to the water during the Regatta of Lights, which parades along Matanzas Bay. Spectators can watch the display along the bayfront from the Bridge of Lions to the Castillo de San Marcos.The parade will start at Stranahan House and travel the New River in Fort Lauderdale to the Intracoastal Waterway to Lake Santa Barbara. Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park will be a prime parade viewing area with live entertainment and a festival atmosphere.

The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade has a 12-mile parade route, ensuring that its million viewers will all have an amazing view of this huge celebration in Fort Lauderdale.Seeing a holiday boat parade is one of those fun Florida traditions you can’t experience in many other places! Being close enough to the equator so you won’t turn into a popsicle in December means Florida is a prime place with a lot of options when it comes to holiday boat parades. Head over to Pompano Beach for another spectacular Florida holiday boat parade. The 60th Annual Chaos Fishing Greater Pompano Beach/Lighthouse Point/Deerfield Beach Holiday Boat Parade will feature over 50 boats decorated with lights and playing holiday music. The annual St. Augustine Regatta of Lights is part of their Nights of Lights festival, an ongoing holiday event during the holiday season that lights up the city.

Make your way down to Key West for the 31st Annual Schooner Wharf Bar/Absolut Vodka Lighted Boat Parade. The fun begins at 6 pm with festivities like a decorated Harbor Walk and a steel band playing Christmas music.
The parade will sail 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.

Here’s a chronological summary of holiday parades taking place within Broward or Palm Beach Counties, whether they be on land or on water during the month of December. This list is now updated for 2022.
2022 is BCYC’s 37th Annual Lighted Christmas Boat Parade! Those who want to make a day of it, downtown Gulfport’s Shop Local and IndieFaire events begin at 10am (long) before the parade, and there are plenty of great restaurants available after the parade.This is Boca Ciega Yacht Club’s 36th Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade in Gulfport. We have been the event sponsor and organizer for 36 years. We collect donations for our boat captains who donate their time and work very hard to decorate their boats to share with the community. In addition, we collect toys and money for Gulfport Police Department’s “Operation Santa” and we strongly encourage others to do the same. The unique toy drive by land and by sea collects thousands of toys each year. A “toy fleet” of boats from Tow Boat, Sea Tow, and other volunteers traveling along the parade route will make convenient dockside pickups during the parade. Just wave a flashlight when you see a boat with a flashing amber beacon and/or Toys for Tots signage. The uniformed Marines and volunteers will pull right up to your dock to collect donations. Bob Rountree is a beach bum, angler and camper who has explored Florida for decades. No adventure is complete without a scenic paddle trail or unpaved road to nowhere. Bob co-founded FloridaRambler.com with fellow journalist Bonnie Gross 12 years ago.

What time does the Delray parade start?
Street closure goes west on Atlantic to SW/NW 8th Ave. The parade starts at 12pm and we would be out of the east side by 1:30 pm.
OK. Daytona Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Along the Halifax River. Sponsored by the Halifax River Yacht Club to benefit the Veterans Support Fund. Watch the boats travel south along the Halifax River starting at the Seabreeze Bridge and culminate at the Halifax Harbor Marina for a truly spectacular boat show. Prime viewing areas of the parade are the Chart House Restaurant, Daytona Marina and Boat Works, City Island, Manatee Island, Halifax Harbor Marina. Starts at 6 p.m.

OK. Bradenton Beach Boat Parade, Parade participants will gather near the south end of Jewfish Key. The parade will head northwest along the Longboat Pass Bridge and then north up the Intracoastal Waterway. The parade will pass alongside the Bradenton Beach City Pier and end at the Bradenton Beach Marina. Best viewing from Longboat Pass Bridge (6-6:30 PM), Bradenton Beach City Pier (6:30 PM to 7:00 PM).
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The 26th Annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade and 21st Annual Toy Drive supporting Toys for Tots and Little Smiles is set for December 5, 2020. The parade will feature dozens of holiday-themed boats and yachts led by a fireworks display traveling on the Intracoastal Waterway from North Palm Beach to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.
Explore Florida’s beaches and backwaters, islands and prairies, campgrounds, trails and historic sites. Discover charming small towns and insider tips to hidden gems.OK. Dunedin Holiday Boat Parade, Decorated boats parade through the Dunedin Marina and Edgewater Park. Santa to arrive by boat for the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree. Starts at Marker 1 Marina and ends at City of Dunedin Marina. (First Saturday in December) Sponsored by the Dunedin Boat Club. 5-9 p.m.

This year, our parade will begin at 6:00 pm starting at Osgood Point, continuing to the Municipal Marina, on to Gulfport’s Williams Pier, Casino, and beach before moving on to Town Shores, Kipp’s Colony, Skimmer’s Point, and other communities. This is a free, family-friendly event.
Note: There are no more holiday boat parades scheduled after December 18 in 2022. This guide will be updated for 2023 in the coming months. Thank you for visiting!

Hi Bob: I am reaching out to you today in regards to the Calendar of Florida’s 48 Holiday Boat Parades. We are grateful that our boat parade was included us in your report, thank you! I would like to provide with correct information about the parade, see below:
Boats will NOT depart from the Club at Treasure Island. The club is NOT affiliated with the boat parade any longer. Boat Parade will begin at Marker 14 on GICW. Viewing areas are the City of TI Golf Course at Treasure Bay, along the Treasure Island Causeway Bridge, and at John’s Pass.In the weeks before and after the parade there will be several Little Smiles boxes located at businesses throughout the community to help make toy donations more convenient. Please print and fill out the form below if you are interested in having a box at your business.

We hope that if you have a boat you’ll be part of the parade, but if for some reason you are not and still want to view the parade by boat, we suggest viewing from Ski Beach or anywhere else between Donald Ross Rd. and Indiantown Rd. where you won’t be in the way of the parade. If you choose to anchor in front of North Palm Beach Marina or North Palm Beach Country Club, law enforcement officers will ask you to move.Where: The parade, led by a Zambelli traveling fireworks display navigates up the Intracoastal Waterway from North Palm Beach to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.A premier event of the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County (MIAPBC) and a gift to the community, the 29 Annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade kicks off the holiday season on Saturday, December 2, 2023!Due to weather, winds, tides and currents we cannot predict the EXACT time bridges along the parade route will be opening and closing. Here are our best estimates based on past parades. Our permits allow for a one (1) hour opening.A “toy fleet” of boats from Tow Boat, Sea Tow, and other volunteers traveling along the parade route will make convenient dockside pickups during the parade. Just wave a flashlight when you see a boat with a flashing amber beacon and/or Toys for Tots signage. The uniformed Marines and volunteers will pull right up to your dock to collect donations. Whether you are heading to a parade viewing party, or planning your own, don’t forget to bring a new, unwrapped gift! Judging is based on three main factors: lights, enthusiasm, and themed decor. There are thousands of dollars worth of prizes to be given away to the top three boats in each category! In addition to prizes, the Best of Parade boat will take home $500 cash, plus another $500 if they are a Boater Member with the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County. The Fan Favorite boat will also win $500 cash. Aside from private viewing parties with family and friends who live on the water, there are a variety of great waterfront locations along the parade route. These open-to-the-public viewing sites stretch from North Palm Beach to Jupiter and include:Safety requirements don’t change for the boat parade, so kayaks must have one white stern light when operating at night, as always! I like mine on a 4 foot stalk so that it is visible 360 degrees around when I’m in the kayak.Unlike at the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade in Ft Lauderdale where human powered boats lead the parade by 20 minutes to avoid mixing in with powerboats, at the Boca Raton parade we were to be at the very end. We launched just as the last boats were going by. In retrospect we should have launched earlier .. more on this later.

What time is boat parade Boca Raton?
Holidays, Florida Style A flotilla of brightly decorated boats line up and motor south. The parade begins at 6.30 pm near the Boynton Beach Inlet north of Gateway Blvd. and proceeds south to the C-15 canal in Delray Beach. Cached
The EL wire lights run on AC power, as such a very small transformer/inverter runs off a pack of AA batteries sealed inside a dry box. The output current is very weak, but enough juice to give a small jolt! We used Electroluminescent Wire (EL) lights on our kayaks. These aren’t bulbs or LEDs, rather a solid thin line of light visible from all angles. Looks very cool! Paddling up the Intracoastal Waterway in Boca Raton we encountered some rain showers and paddled past James A Rutherford Park on the left and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center complex on the right. A few minutes later we passed by Spanish River Park also on the right. It was fun because people were already lining up to watch the parade, so they’d call out to us.We arrived early to set up our boats and beat the crowds, as Silver Palm Park also happens to be where spectator bleachers are placed for the general public. By chance, Bruce Gipson of Venturesport Inc. just happened to be walking by with his Surfski kayak in hand, going for an afternoon workout paddle. Bruce has been a competitive paddler and a main driving force in South Florida racing and fitness paddling for 30 years. His record for crossing the Gulfstream by kayak, paddling from Bimini to Ft Lauderdale set back in 1984 still stands today!

Wow – this is awesome. This makes the Boat Parade somewhat interesting. Do you think someone on a paddle board could keep up? Has anyone gone the entire parade route on a paddle board yet?
The Boca Raton Holiday Boat Parade is one of a handful held each year in South Florida celebrating the Holidays with processions of colorful and elaborately lit boats. The most well known of these is the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade in Ft Lauderdale, Florida. Human powered watercraft are not excluded, and it’s possible to take part in a kayak! Already having paddled the Winterfest Boat Parade several times, this year I paddled the Boca Raton parade with Ted of the Palm Beach Water Yaks meetup group.Paddling in the parade was easy as we were now going with the current. This Boca Raton parade is much smaller scale than Ft Lauderdale’s Winterfest Boat Parade. Yet the experience felt more personal and intimate because of it! Me and Ted had a lot of fun with whistles, duck callers, and boat horns taking turns doing renditions of Jingle Bells, Winter Wonderland .. or Who let the Dogs Out. I even did the whistle parts for DJ Icey’s – ‘Sign’ – though few would notice, I’m sure. 😉

DISCLAIMER:: The maps and images on this site are not intended for navigation, I am not a guide; use any and all information at your own risk! Your mileage may vary .. so use good judgement before venturing out!
Ted planned out our best bet would be to launch at Silver Palm Park, off Palmetto Park Rd. This is a public boat ramp with free parking under the bridge. Since the waterway runs straight north/south, this would be a very ‘monolithic’ paddle. We’d have to paddle 5 miles north to join up with all the other boats and then those same 5 miles back with the parade!All in all this was a fun 10 mile paddle! We managed to avoid inhaling boat fumes, our EL wire lights worked great and we managed to spread a lot of Holiday cheer to the shoreline crowds. One disappointment was that the organizers shut down the judging area as soon as the last powerboat went by, apparently not aware that we were just 5 minutes right behind. C’est la vie – here’s to better organization next time! This was a very family friendly vibe and crowd, with good cheer for the Holidays!

We were short on time and decided to pull up on a small tidal beach next to some old dock pilings. This happened to be just shy of the C-15 Canal, and thus we were able to avoid all the boat fumes! 🙂Road trips – one of our favorite activities as Americans. Just jump in the car and see where the road takes you. As a destination state, Florida road trips are among the most popular vacations. It seems nearly every corner of Florida has something neat to see. Tampa’s location in the middle of the state…In its 50th year, the Ft. Lauderdale boat parade is sponsored in 2021 and officially called the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade. No matter what you call it, this boat parade is one of the oldest and most festive holiday boat parades in Florida. It begins with pre-parade festivities of non-motorized vessels. The parade route takes it from Stranahan House east along the New River to the Intracoastal Waterway. From there the parade travels to Pompano Beach for a total of 12 miles.Hippie Fest in Tarpon Springs celebrates everything hippie from the 60s and 70s. Not only is this event family-friendly, it’s free and on the world-famous Sponge Docks. The eight hour event starts in the early afternoon and carries the fun into nighttime hours. Part of Dodecanese Boulevard is closed off to vehicle traffic. Boutiques show… Introduction Hunsader Farms is one of many fun farms which have popped up around Florida in the past decade. Many of these fun farms are working farms which are taking advantage of the popularity of fun farms. As our cities grow larger and rural land becomes housing developments, it’s refreshing to see some families eschew… A holiday tradition in its 47th year, the Boca Raton Holiday Boat Parade starts at the C-15 Canal and meanders down the Intracoastal Waterway past homes, businesses, parks, and under three bridges. Public viewing in 2021 is limited to Red Reef Park due to construction closing other public parks. More than 50 boats are expected to participate in the 59th Annual boat parade which starts in Pompano Beach and travels the Intracoastal Waterway north to Deerfield Beach. This year’s event description is “magic on the water…under the stars!” In addition to beautifully-decorated boats, Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance. Hosted by the Halifax River Yacht Club, the Daytona Beach Christmas Boat Parade starts at the Seabreeze Bridge and travels south on the Halifax River. Several riverfront locations offer spectacular vantage points from which to view the parade. Like others on this list, expect the boats to be extravagantly decked out in lights, ornaments, and other decorations.One of my favorites idiosyncrasies of living in Florida during the holidays is the nontraditional events we can hold and attend because of great weather. Boat parades, for example. With more than 8,000 miles of coastline along oceans, rivers, bays, and lakes, Florida boasts the second largest coastline in the United States, according to calculations from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). All of this coastline means that holiday boat parades in Florida have become one of the most popular seasonal events between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Part of Carrabelle’s larger holiday celebration, Holiday on the Harbor, the Boat Parade of Lights travels along the Carrabelle River. Viewers find lots of open space along the banks from which to see delightfully-decorated yachts. A fireworks show closes the evening after the boat parade.
In its 35th year, the Destin Boat Parade happens in conjunction with Harborwalk Village’s Holiday on the Harbor celebration. The parade concludes with a fireworks show and fire spinning.If you love our site, Wander Florida would appreciate a nomination to Creative Loafing’s Best of the Bay as “Best Blogger” in the People section. It won’t cost you anything except a few minutes and would mean the world to us! Thank you so much!You have a travel bucket list, right? I’ve only ever really had one in my head. And every time I read about a place, it gets added to the list. The truth is, I’d love to just travel full time and see the entire world. The reality is…very different. While we’re quarantined away, banned from…

The 32nd Annual Tarpon Springs Illuminated Boat Parade starts at the world-famous Sponge Docks on the Anclote River. The parade then winds through Whitcomb Bayou and Spring Bayou before exiting back to the river. Anyone wanting to view can do so from many locations including the Sponge Docks and Craig Park.
2021 marks the 36th year Boca Ciega Yacht Club members have decorated their boats in holiday cheer and headed into the waterways around Pasadena and Gulfport to entertain those who gather to watch. For participants, the fee to enter a boat is just two unwrapped toys for Operation Santa. The Gulfport police department spearheads Operation Santa, a toy drive for the children of Gulfport.

If you haven’t been to St. Augustine during Nights of Lights, go. The oldest continuously inhabited European city in the United States is lit up in holiday magic. And one of the events held during this festive season is the Regatta of Lights, their holiday boat parade. Participants vie for a number of prizes while the general public views decorated boats from the Bridge of Lions to Castillo San Marcos.
The 55th Annual Festival of Lights Boat Parade at Madeira Beach winds around the town’s many residential peninsulas and ends at John’s Pass. Anyone who wants to watch the parade can do so best from ROC park or John’s Pass. Entrants have a chance to win up to $3,000 for festively-decorated boats.Are you headed to Florida for the first time and want to hit all the must see places in Florida? You’ve come to the right place! As a native Floridian who loves traveling all over my home state, I’ve seen these spots and can tell you, unequivocally, that if you see nothing else, see these… With miles of Intracoastal Waterway, Venice offers a perfect place to see an iconic holiday boat parade in Florida. The Venice parade starts at Albee Farm Bridge and travels south to Circus Bridge. Here the ICW is narrow and those who wish to view the parade find themselves in close proximity to the boats. It’s one of the reasons this boat parade is one of the most viewed on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Dunedin’s Holiday Boat Parade starts at Marker 1 Marina on the Dunedin Causeway and travels south on the Intracoastal Waterway to Dunedin Marina. The boats enter the marina one by one to cheers from the crowd lining the docks and Edgewater Park. The parade ends with Santa roaring into the marina aboard a police boat where he and Mrs. Claus disembark and light the city’s Christmas tree.In this article, we briefly introduce thirteen of the most beautiful and spectacular holiday boat parades in Florida. These parades have existed for a number of years and draw crowds of tens of thousands to waterways around Florida. Though generally free to attend, if you want to watch one, plan to snag a spot by the water early. Like street parades, the best viewing places fill up fast. Follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Also, please check out my Facebook group, Florida Travel Tips & Secret Spots, to get travel tips, discounts, secret spots, and hidden gems. The Jacksonville Light Boat Parade coincides with “the largest small business Saturday” event the weekend after Thanksgiving. The parade travels along one shore of the St. John’s River turns around and parades along the opposite shore. Viewers from both sides of Florida’s most historic river will have great viewing opportunities.