15 of the Most Popular Holiday Lighted Boat Parades in the U.S.
Last Updated on November 21, 2024 by Boatsetter Team
For the next few months, the U.S. coastlines will be lit with festive lights and decorated boats. Tis’ the season of holiday boat parades. Whether you’re looking to kick back and enjoy the show or you want to join the parade, a boat rental makes for the best experience of this magical event.
Top destinations that host holiday boat parades:
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Key West, Florida
- San Diego, California
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Newport Beach, California
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Holiday Boat Parades in the South
The “Greatest show on H2O”
Fort Lauderdale will be home to the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade on December 14. With over a million viewers along the 12 mile parade route, this one-of-a-kind parade of boats of all sizes — from mega yachts to unique boat crafts — is a can’t miss extravaganza.
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The 30th Annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade
The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach will present the 30th annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade on December 7. The event includes $10,000+ cash prize and benefits Toys for Tots and Little Smiles.
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Key West’s Lighted Boat Parade
Make no mistake, this winter sun destination is no less jolly than its northern siblings. The Key West Holiday Boat Parade provides boaters and spectators is unique for its tropical flair. Lock-in a boat for December 12 and take in the boat parade from the water. Make sure to carve out time to explore the Historic Seaport.
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North Carolina Holiday Flotilla
This year, the North Carolina Holiday Flotilla is planned for November 30. The event includes food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, a car show, and fireworks after the boat parade. If you’re looking to join the parade but need inspiration, check out the pictures of the 2023 Flotilla Holiday parade.
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A Low Country Tradition
The Charleston Holiday Boat Parade will be on December 14. Its route runs from the Cooper River to Charleston Harbor and into the Ashley River.
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Hendersonville’s “Deck the Hulls”
Lock-in a boat to catch the Hendersonville Christmas Boat Parade on the water. Happening this December 14, the event is free with food vendors serving all your Tennessee favorites. The boat parade starts at Drake’s Creek at Mallard Point Park.
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24th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade
The Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, sponsored by Amazon, is set to take place on December 7. It includes dockside festivities in Waterfront Park, such as a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company.
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Hampton Roads Largest Charitable Lighted Holiday Boat Parade
Join the jolly vibes of the Virginia Beach Holiday Boat Parade of Lights on December 7. An economic (and funner) alternative to the VIP Party Tickets would be splitting the cost with friends of a boat rental and anchoring at a spot for unencumbered, scenic views of the lighted boats.
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Holiday Boat Parades in the West Coast
“Margarittaville Holiday”
This year’s Marina Del Rey’s Holiday Boat Parade themed is “Margarittaville Holiday” and celebrates the beloved Jimmy Buffet. This parade is scheduled for the second Saturday of December.
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62nd Annual Hunting Harbour Boat Parade
The Huntington Harbour Boat Parade will be on December 14 and 15. This year’s theme is “Yacht Rockin’ the Holidays.” This parade is put together by a spirited all-volunteer staff and is free to the public.
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Peace on Earth
San Diego Bay will host its 52nd annual Parade of Lights on December 8 and December 15. The route starts at Shelter Island and runs past Harbor Island, The Embarcadero, Seaport Village, the Pier at Cesar Chavez Park, and the ferry landing on Coronado.
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The Largest Holiday Boat Parade in the U.S.
Attracting millions of merrymakers each year, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is an event like no other. This event takes place nightly between December 18 to 24. Get a private boat for a lighted cruise on the around Newport Bay for the best experience. Enjoy views of over a hundred completely decked out boats followed by a fireworks celebration.
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A “Must Do” Staple
This community driven Christmas Boat Parade is set for December 14 and takes place on Lake Union. The parade route starts just east of Aurora Bridge and ends at the Morrison Fuel Dock. The event includes a toy drive and supports Seattle Children’s Hospital.
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Holiday Boat Parades in the Northeast
A Beloved Annapolis Tradition
It should come as no surprise that the sailing capital of the U.S. has one of the most magical holiday boat parades. Lock-in a sailboat to join or watch the Eastport Yacht Club’s Lights Parade scheduled for December 14. A few watching spots are anchoring below the Eastport Bridge or moored at the end of Watermark’s Harbor Queen.
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A Winter Wonderland on the Water
Taking inspiration from the Fort Lauderdale Holiday Boat Parade, a jolly community set out to start a holiday tradition of their own. Going 30 years strong the Patchogue Christmas Holiday Boat Parade will be held on November 24 this year. The boats are on display for free public viewing at Sandspit Park (Davis Park Ferry Terminal) and FINS (Watch Hill terminal)
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2024 Holiday Travel Trends
Whether you’re planning a cozy Thanksgiving getaway or seeking unique holiday experiences, the holidays are a wonderful time of year to explore, reconnect with family, or getaway on your own. The trending travel statistics that follow are supported by market and consumer trends as well as internal data.
Trending travel statistics for 2024
- Fall and winter are the most affordable seasons to travel in the U.S. (1)
- Americans are increasingly interested in “slow-travel” with Google searches for”slowcations” up 50% compared to last year (2).
- Spending time in nature ranks as the second most popular vacation activity (47%), just behind…
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Kim Kavin has been on boats in more than 50 countries and islands, including in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific, Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. She grew up learning to steer a ski boat and Hobie Holder at her grandfather’s lake house in New Jersey, and went on to spend time aboard everything from America’s Cup racing sailboats to submarines.
Kim is a PADI-certified scuba diver and animal lover who always enjoys a good, long look around a coral reef. Her award-winning writing and editing regularly appears in national marine magazines and on leading websites. In her early years, she was a Dow Jones editing intern and a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not writing, Kim can usually be found hiking northwest New Jersey’s beautiful park trails with her adopted shelter mutt, Ginger.
