There is a huge perk to celebrating the holidays in Florida, and we don’t just mean the warmer temperatures compared to other parts of the country. One of the coolest holiday celebrations many Florida cities and towns offer are the boat parades! Residents and visitors decorate their boats and take to the water for an epic Christmas parade. But even if you don’t have a boat yourself, you can still enjoy all the magic from land. Check out these 7 holiday boat parades in Florida worth checking out this year.
1. Greater Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade - Dec. 11, 2020 at 7:00 PM on the Intracoastal Waterway in Pompano Beach, FL
The Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade is celebrating its 58th year this year, and as always, it’s going to be quite the celebration. The theme for the parade this year is a "Salute" to First Responders and Essential Workers, our everyday American heroes.
Click here to find out more about this Florida boat parade.
2. Naples Christmas Boat Parade - December 12, 2020 at 6:15 PM on Naples Bay in Naples, FL
The Naples Christmas Boat Parade is entering into its 73rd year this year, and the theme is "Christmas Under the Sea." If you’re in the area, you’ll want to check out this epic showing for both large boats and small boats alike. You can snag a spot along Naples Bay at any of the nearby Riverwalk restaurants for a perfect view.
Click here to find out more about this Florida boat parade.
3. Holiday Lighted Boat Parade - Dec. 19, 2020 at 6:30 PM along the Riverwalk in Tampa, FL
This free holiday event is a huge draw every year along Tampa’s Riverwalk. The boat parade can be viewed on either side of the river, with approximately 3.5 miles of route being covered! Set up some chairs and a picnic and make a night of it.
Click here to find out more about this Florida boat parade.
4. Gulfport Christmas Boat Parade - Dec. 12, 2020 at 6:30 PM on Boca Ciega Bay in Gulfport, FL
Presented by the Boca Ciega Yacht Club, the Gulfport Christmas Boat Parade is back for its 35th year. You can download the parade map if you’re looking to be a spectator, or you can participate if you have a boat you’re looking to decorate!
Click here to find out more about this Florida boat parade.
5. The Saturday Night Before Christmas Eve Boat Parade - Dec. 19, 2020 at 6:00 PM in Punta Gorda, FL
What has been dubbed the "biggest annual event in the Isles" the Punta Gorda boat parade is a real gem for the community. With a simple one-way route, boaters don’t have to worry about turning around or two way traffic. Enjoy smooth sailing in this 4-mile bridge-less parade.
Click here to find out more about this Florida boat parade.
6. Cape Coral Christmas Boat Parade - Dec. 19, 2020 at 7:00 PM in Bimini Basin at Four Freedoms Park in Cape Coral, FL
Located at the Four Freedoms Park in Cape Coral, this huge holiday celebration is not just filled with beautifully decorated boats, but also food, Christmas music, and a big screen holiday movie! Watch the boats line up along Bimini Basin, or take a front-row seat at the park.
Click here to find out more about this Florida boat parade.
7. Key Largo Boat Parade - Saturday, December 12, 2020, 7:30 PM, Blackwater Sound
The Key Largo Boat Parade’s Pirates of the Keys event is back for another festive and fun year. With over $2,000 in cash and prizes, this boat parade is free to enter. Kick back with a drink in hand and watch as some of the best boats in the area come together for one festive night.
Click here to find out more about this Florida boat parade.
Have you been to any of these boat parades in Florida before? Share with us your experience in the comments section! Or if you have any more boat parades that we missed, make sure to send them along!
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