{"id":1966,"date":"2018-01-05T19:43:32","date_gmt":"2018-01-05T19:43:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/discover.boatsetter.com\/?p=1966"},"modified":"2025-11-13T20:09:50","modified_gmt":"2025-11-14T01:09:50","slug":"top-ten-lighted-boat-parades-to-check-out-this","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boatsetter.com\/boating-resources\/top-ten-lighted-boat-parades-to-check-out-this","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Lighted Boat Parades to Check Out This Holiday Season"},"content":{"rendered":"

Why walk in a holiday parade when you can <\/span>cruise<\/span><\/i> in one? Across the country, lighted boat parades transform waterways into floating festivals of color, music, and cheer. Whether you\u2019re watching from the dock or joining by boat, these are the parades worth adding to your December lineup.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade \u2013 Fort Lauderdale, FL<\/b><\/h2>\n

Date & Time:<\/b> Saturday, December (around 6\u20138 PM)<\/span>
\n<\/span> Location:<\/b> Intracoastal Waterway, Fort Lauderdale<\/span>
\n<\/span> Viewing by Boat:<\/b> Anchor along the route near Las Olas Boulevard or Sunrise Boulevard for prime views of the parade\u2019s 100+ illuminated vessels.<\/span><\/p>\n

Often called the \u201cGreatest Show on H2O,\u201d this South Florida tradition draws nearly a million spectators each year. Expect elaborate yachts, live music, and fireworks kicking off the night sky.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade \u2013 Newport Beach, CA<\/b><\/h2>\n

Date & Time:<\/b> Mid-December (typically over five consecutive nights)<\/span>
\n<\/span> Location:<\/b> Newport Harbor<\/span>
\n<\/span> Viewing by Boat:<\/b> Cruise between Balboa Island and the Newport Dunes area for the best vantage points.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s most photogenic parades.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. San Diego Bay Parade of Lights \u2013 San Diego, CA<\/b><\/h2>\n

Date & Time:<\/b> Two Sunday evenings in December<\/span>
\n<\/span> Location:<\/b> San Diego Bay<\/span>
\n<\/span> Viewing by Boat:<\/b> Position near the downtown waterfront or Coronado Bridge for panoramic views.<\/span><\/p>\n

Each year, around 80 decorated boats sail through San Diego Bay, celebrating a new theme that keeps this event fresh, creative, and distinctly SoCal.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights \u2013 Alexandria, VA<\/b><\/h2>\n

Date & Time:<\/b> Early December, around 5:30 PM<\/span>
\n<\/span> Location:<\/b> Potomac River waterfront, Old Town Alexandria<\/span>
\n<\/span> Viewing by Boat:<\/b> Line up along the quieter edges of the Potomac or float near the Torpedo Factory for easy viewing.<\/span><\/p>\n

With Washington, D.C.\u2019s skyline as a backdrop, this parade mixes nautical charm with small-town warmth. Stick around for dockside festivities after the last boat passes.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade \u2013 Sausalito, CA<\/b><\/h2>\n

Date & Time:<\/b> Mid-December evening<\/span>
\n<\/span> Location:<\/b> Sausalito Waterfront, Richardson Bay<\/span>
\n<\/span> Viewing by Boat:<\/b> Set up on the outer edge of the harbor or near the Sausalito Yacht Club.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is San Francisco Bay\u2019s most elegant holiday event \u2014 yachts, ferries, and sailboats all strung in lights, capped with a waterfront fireworks finale.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Tampa Bay Lighted Boat Parade \u2013 Tampa, FL<\/b><\/h2>\n

Date & Time:<\/b> Mid-December evening<\/span>
\n<\/span> Location:<\/b> Tampa Riverwalk, Channelside, Davis Islands, and Harbour Island<\/span>
\n<\/span> Viewing by Boat:<\/b> Cruise slowly through the Channelside corridor or anchor near Davis Islands for unobstructed views.<\/span><\/p>\n

The largest holiday boat parade in Tampa Bay glides through the heart of downtown, past parks, hotels, and the bustling Riverwalk.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Fisherman\u2019s Wharf Lighted Boat Parade \u2013 San Francisco, CA<\/b><\/h2>\n

Date & Time:<\/b> Mid-December evening<\/span>
\n<\/span> Location:<\/b> Fisherman\u2019s Wharf and Pier 39<\/span>
\n<\/span> Viewing by Boat:<\/b> Anchor outside Aquatic Park or the Hyde Street Pier area for the best perspective.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the oldest holiday parades on the West Coast, this event brings a classic maritime flair to the holidays \u2014 complete with carolers and waterfront dining.<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Charleston Parade of Boats \u2013 Charleston, SC<\/b><\/h2>\n

Date & Time:<\/b> Mid-December evening<\/span>
\n<\/span> Location:<\/b> Charleston Harbor<\/span>
\n<\/span> Viewing by Boat:<\/b> Join the fleet in the Cooper River or view from Mount Pleasant\u2019s side of the harbor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Southern charm meets festive flair as Charleston\u2019s skyline lights up with boats glowing against the Ravenel Bridge.<\/span><\/p>\n

9. Lake Havasu Festival of Lights Boat Parade \u2013 Lake Havasu, AZ<\/b><\/h2>\n

Date & Time:<\/b> Early December<\/span>
\n<\/span> Location:<\/b> Bridgewater Channel, Lake Havasu City<\/span>
\n<\/span> Viewing by Boat:<\/b> Cruise under the iconic London Bridge for a front-row view of the illuminated procession.<\/span><\/p>\n

A desert twist on the traditional parade, this family-friendly event offers warmth, wonder, and reflection on crystal-clear waters.<\/span><\/p>\n

10. St. Petersburg Illuminated Boat Parade \u2013 St. Petersburg, FL<\/b><\/h2>\n

Date & Time:<\/b> Early December evening<\/span>
\n<\/span> Location:<\/b> Downtown St. Pete Waterfront and Bayshore Drive<\/span>
\n<\/span> Viewing by Boat:<\/b> Anchor off the downtown marina or in open Bayshore waters to watch the glowing procession drift by.<\/span><\/p>\n

A beloved Gulf Coast tradition featuring everything from pontoons to sailboats, each uniquely decked out in holiday lights and cheer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tips for Viewing by Boat<\/b><\/h2>\n