Top Lighted Boat Parades to Check Out This Holiday Season
Last Updated on October 13, 2025 by Boatsetter Team
Why walk in a holiday parade when you can cruise in one? Across the country, lighted boat parades transform waterways into floating festivals of color, music, and cheer. Whether you’re watching from the dock or joining by boat, these are the parades worth adding to your December lineup.
1. Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade – Fort Lauderdale, FL
Date & Time: Saturday, December (around 6–8 PM)
Location: Intracoastal Waterway, Fort Lauderdale
Viewing by Boat: Anchor along the route near Las Olas Boulevard or Sunrise Boulevard for prime views of the parade’s 100+ illuminated vessels.
Often called the “Greatest Show on H2O,” this South Florida tradition draws nearly a million spectators each year. Expect elaborate yachts, live music, and fireworks kicking off the night sky.
2. Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade – Newport Beach, CA
Date & Time: Mid-December (typically over five consecutive nights)
Location: Newport Harbor
Viewing by Boat: Cruise between Balboa Island and the Newport Dunes area for the best vantage points.
This West Coast favorite has been running for more than 100 years. The harbor glows with thousands of twinkling lights, and the reflections off the calm water make it one of California’s most photogenic parades.
3. San Diego Bay Parade of Lights – San Diego, CA
Date & Time: Two Sunday evenings in December
Location: San Diego Bay
Viewing by Boat: Position near the downtown waterfront or Coronado Bridge for panoramic views.
Each year, around 80 decorated boats sail through San Diego Bay, celebrating a new theme that keeps this event fresh, creative, and distinctly SoCal.
4. Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights – Alexandria, VA
Date & Time: Early December, around 5:30 PM
Location: Potomac River waterfront, Old Town Alexandria
Viewing by Boat: Line up along the quieter edges of the Potomac or float near the Torpedo Factory for easy viewing.
With Washington, D.C.’s skyline as a backdrop, this parade mixes nautical charm with small-town warmth. Stick around for dockside festivities after the last boat passes.
5. Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade – Sausalito, CA
Date & Time: Mid-December evening
Location: Sausalito Waterfront, Richardson Bay
Viewing by Boat: Set up on the outer edge of the harbor or near the Sausalito Yacht Club.
This is San Francisco Bay’s most elegant holiday event — yachts, ferries, and sailboats all strung in lights, capped with a waterfront fireworks finale.
6. Tampa Bay Lighted Boat Parade – Tampa, FL
Date & Time: Mid-December evening
Location: Tampa Riverwalk, Channelside, Davis Islands, and Harbour Island
Viewing by Boat: Cruise slowly through the Channelside corridor or anchor near Davis Islands for unobstructed views.
The largest holiday boat parade in Tampa Bay glides through the heart of downtown, past parks, hotels, and the bustling Riverwalk.
7. Fisherman’s Wharf Lighted Boat Parade – San Francisco, CA
Date & Time: Mid-December evening
Location: Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39
Viewing by Boat: Anchor outside Aquatic Park or the Hyde Street Pier area for the best perspective.
One of the oldest holiday parades on the West Coast, this event brings a classic maritime flair to the holidays — complete with carolers and waterfront dining.
8. Charleston Parade of Boats – Charleston, SC
Date & Time: Mid-December evening
Location: Charleston Harbor
Viewing by Boat: Join the fleet in the Cooper River or view from Mount Pleasant’s side of the harbor.
Southern charm meets festive flair as Charleston’s skyline lights up with boats glowing against the Ravenel Bridge.
9. Lake Havasu Festival of Lights Boat Parade – Lake Havasu, AZ
Date & Time: Early December
Location: Bridgewater Channel, Lake Havasu City
Viewing by Boat: Cruise under the iconic London Bridge for a front-row view of the illuminated procession.
A desert twist on the traditional parade, this family-friendly event offers warmth, wonder, and reflection on crystal-clear waters.
10. St. Petersburg Illuminated Boat Parade – St. Petersburg, FL
Date & Time: Early December evening
Location: Downtown St. Pete Waterfront and Bayshore Drive
Viewing by Boat: Anchor off the downtown marina or in open Bayshore waters to watch the glowing procession drift by.
A beloved Gulf Coast tradition featuring everything from pontoons to sailboats, each uniquely decked out in holiday lights and cheer.
Tips for Viewing by Boat
- Arrive early. Anchor before sunset — spots fill fast.
- Stay visible. Use navigation and deck lights (avoid bright spotlights).
- Listen in. Tune to the designated marine channel for updates.
- Bring the essentials. Snacks, blankets, and a thermos of cocoa never hurt.
- Respect parade flow. Keep distance from decorated boats and follow all maritime safety rules.
Why Lighted Boat Parades Matter
Lighted boat parades bring waterfront communities together — boosting tourism, supporting local captains, and giving guests a magical way to experience boating during the holidays.
Boatsetter makes it easy for guests to find boats in every major parade market — from Fort Lauderdale to Newport Beach — to enjoy the view from the water.
Plan your festive night afloat at Boatsetter.com.
Boatsetter empowers people to explore with confidence by showing them a world of possibility on the water. Rent a boat, list your boat, or become a Boatsetter captain today.
