2011 Holiday Boat Parades

The Sunshine State showcases its 1200 miles of coastline as well as the vast Intercoastal and Intracoastal waterways during the holiday season with a myriad of boat parades — from the Panhandle to the Keys and every place in between. These unique parades feature vessels of all sizes decorated and illuminated from bow to stern... and, of course, Santa is usually on board!

Saturday, December 3

• No boat is too small to participate in the Venice Christmas Boat Parade that starts just north of the Albee Road Bridge and continues down the Intracoastal waterway.

Saturday, December 10

• The Holiday Regatta of Lights reflects the maritime roots of the "Oldest City" — St. Augustine. The 6:00 p.m. event is best seen from the city's downtown waterfront area in Matanzas Bay between the Bridge of Lions and Castillo de San Marcos.
• "50 Years Under the Sea," celebrating Pennekamp Park's 50th anniversary, is this year's theme for the Key Largo Boat Parade that is held at Blackwater Sound (Mile Marker 104) at 7:30 p.m.
• Schooner Wharf Bar Lighted Boat Parade in Key West cruises through Key West Harbor and the waters of the historic seaport beginning at 8:00 p.m.
• Boot Key Harbor Lighted Christmas Boat Parade in Marathon features boats of all shapes and sizes. The best viewing sites include Lazy Days South, Marathon Marina, Sombrero Dockside Lounge and Burdine's Waterfront.
• Seminole Hard Rock's Winterfest Boat Parade 2011 theme is "Rockin' Boats and Holiday Floats". The 40th annual event begins at 6:00 p.m. in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, starting on the New River and sails east to the Intracoastal Waterway and northward to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach.
• The Treasure Island Holiday Boat Parade sets sail from the Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club at 6:20 p.m., crosses under the Treasure Island Causeway Bridge at approximately 7:00 p.m. and ends at John's Pass at about 8:15 p.m.

Sunday, December 11

• The Bonita Springs Boat Parade will set sail between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. by the Fish House and will travel up the Imperial River to U.S. 41 before turning around. Public viewing is available from the Imperial River boat launching ramp on U.S. 41.
• Key Colony Beach Holiday Boat Parade begins at the 7th Street canal and while winding the canals passes city hall three times. Great viewing spots include the area behind city hall and Sadowski Causeway at MM 53.5.
• Promoted as "Florida's Oldest Boat Parade," the Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade begins at 6:00 along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Saturday, December 17

• The Lower Keys Lighted Boat Parade begins at 7:00 p.m. and includes boats from kayaks to deep-sea cruisers. Of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus are expected and will hand out candy to the kids. The best recommended viewing is from Pine Channel Causeway or Parrotdise Waterfront Bar & Grille on Little Torch Key.
• Boca Raton Holiday Boat Parade begins at 6:30 at Boca Raton-Delray Beach border and sails south.
• Madeira Beach 45th Annual "Festival of Lights" Boat Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. just north of the Tom Stuart Causeway.

Sunday, December 18

• Cape Coral Christmas Boat A Long and Light Parade organizes around Bimini Basin at 4:00 p.m., then meanders through the canals of South Cape Coral.