Boat parades are a Florida holiday tradition, and they take place all across the state. One of the biggest and best parades in Florida is the Winterfest Boat Parade in Fort Lauderdale.

The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade has been an annual tradition in Fort Lauderdale for more than 45 years. It's called the "Greatest Show on H2O," and more than one million people gather to watch this legendary parade.
Flickr/Bob B. Brown
The boats are decked out in twinkling lights and Christmas decorations, just like traditional parades on land. Some of them have music, celebrities, and entertainment, too.
Flickr/Bob B. Brown
Everything from small private boats to giant showboats participate in the event. Thousands of lights reflecting on the water at night make quite a spectacular sight.
Winterfest Parade

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The parade travels 12 miles and takes about two and half hours to watch. It starts downtown on the New River and moves along the docks west of Stranahan House to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.
Winterfest Parade
Then, it heads east to the Intracoastal Waterway, and then north to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach.
Winterfest Parade
If you can't find a place along the route to watch the show, there is a huge grandstand viewing area at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Bridge closings can be expected during boat parades, so be sure to plan ahead if you want to see the show.
Flickr/Bob B. Brown
This year's parade theme is "Broadway on Parade," which should be lots of fun. The parade will be held on December 9, 2017, and it begins downtown at 6:30 p.m.
Winterfest Parade

For more information on the Winterfest Boat Parade in Fort Lauderdale, including additional events and bridge closings, check out winterfestparade.com.

If you won’t be near Fort Lauderdale this holiday season, check out Florida By Water to find a boat parade near you.

Have you ever seen the Winterfest Boat Parade? What’s your favorite Christmas event in Florida?

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