‘Tis the season for holiday lights, ugly Christmas sweaters, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus atop a sleigh led by their trusty Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, and holiday parades galore.
Yes, even in “snow less” Florida. Though the Sunshine State competes with Hawaii for most tropical locale during a holiday season, Floridians rival New Yorkers and others up North for their versions of a Winter Wonderland.
In Florida, it’s perfectly acceptable to wear a (holiday-themed) T-shirt and shorts and possibly sweat, depending on the humidity, while watching a Christmas parade.
Boat parades are quite the draw, too.
Below is a roundup of 2025 Christmas parades and 2025 holiday boat parades in Florida, by date and in alphabetical order from various Florida cities and small towns, from the entertainment writers and editors of USA TODAY Network-Florida newspapers.
Happy holidays!
Christmas boat parade in Jacksonville, Florida, on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025
Jacksonville Light Boat Parade will be at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, on the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville. Event is free. The traditional start of Jacksonville’s holiday season features boats, from small vessels to grand yachts, lit up for the holidays parading up and down the St. Johns River in Duval County, Florida. Visit events.jacksonville.gov.
Christmas boat parade in Clermont, Florida, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025
The Lake Minneola Lighted Boat Christmas Parade returns! See boats with festive lights parade on Lake Minneola at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. Spectators can view the lighted vessels from Waterfront Park, 100 Third St., Clermont, Florida. Visit clermontfl.gov.
Christmas boat parade in Mount Dora, Florida, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025
Rusty Anchor hosts the 25th annual holiday boat parade in Mount Dora, the Lighted Boat Parade on Lake Dora, after sunset at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.
Boats will launch from the Grantham Point Lighthouse. The parade route will starting on Main Street at Sinclair Avenue, heading south to Ruby Street, where the parade route turns eastbound on Ruby Street, continuing east to Saint Clair Abrams, turning north to Main Street, then continuing westbound on Main Street, ending at Sinclair Avenue.
This year’s theme is “Florida Christmas,” and prizes will be awarded for the best-decorated vessels. Best places to view include Grantham Point, 311 S. Tremain St., Mount Dora, Florida, and Elizabeth Evans Park, 100 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora, Florida. Before the boat parade, gather for live holiday performances of holiday favorites from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Bring a blanket and lawn chair to Donnelly Park in downtown Mount Dora. Visit ci.mount-dora.fl.us/1461/Holiday-Events or check out updates on the Facebook event page.
Holiday boat parade in Palm Beach, Florida, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025
The annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade and Toy Drive, in its 31st year, will travel along the intracoastal waterway from North Palm Beach, Florida, to the Jupiter Lighthouse at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. The procession will be led by a Zambelli traveling fireworks display. The boats will be judged on lights, enthusiasm and themed decor. Viewing locations include the North Palm Beach Country Club, Bert Winters Park, Juno Park, Sawfish Park, Lighthouse Park, Waterway Park, Riverwalk, Harbourside Place, Charlie and Joe’s at Love Street, Square Grouper Tiki Bar, U-Tiki, and Jetty’s. Also, a “toy fleet” of boats from Tow Boat, Sea Tow, and other volunteers traveling along the parade route will make dockside pickups during the parade. Just wave a flashlight when you see a boat with a flashing amber beacon and/or Toys for Tots signage. Uniformed Marines and volunteers will pull right up to your dock to collect donations. Event is free. Visit marinepbc.org/boat-parade.
Christmas boat parade in Stuart, Florida, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025
The Martin County Christmas Boat Parade will start at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. The parade route will be on the St. Lucie River from Manatee Pocket to Flagler Park in downtown Stuart, Florida. Best viewing spots? Stuart Riverwalk, Sandsprit Park, Stuart Causeway and Pirate’s Cove Marina. The city of Stuart is in Martin County, which is part of the Treasure Coast (along with Indian River County and St. Lucie County) on the East Coast of Florida. Visit miatc.org.
Christmas boat parade in Venice, Florida, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025
The Venice Christmas Boat Parade, visible from the Intracoastal Waterway, will start above Albee Road Bridge heading south and turning around before Circus Bridge in Venice, Florida, at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. Venice is on the Southwest Florida coast near Bradenton. Call 941-718-8644 or visit venicechristmasboatparade.net.
Holiday boat parade in Winter Haven, Florida, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025
Winter Haven officials present a sparkling holiday tradition on the water with the annual Winter Haven Boat Parade featuring festively decorated boats in Lake May at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. The parade route brings boats through Lake Howard and Lake Shipp ending about 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.
Holiday boat parade in Leesburg, Florida, on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025
The Light Up Venetian Gardens and Boat Parade will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. The annual lighted park and boats tradition returns to scenic Venetian Gardens, where families can enjoy free holiday music, food trucks and hay rides, which are free, too, at Venetian Gardens, 109 W. Dixie Ave., Leesburg, Florida. Email specialevents@leesburg.gov.
Holiday boat parade in Cocoa, Florida, on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025
Head to Cocoa Village (the downtown area of Cocoa, Florida, in Brevard County) to watch the Cocoa Village holiday boat parade from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. This parade begins where Barton Avenue meets the Indian River in Rockledge, heads north up the intracoastal waterway to the Cocoa Basin, loops in for viewing at the Cocoa Riverfront Park, 401 Riveredge Blvd., Cocoa, Florida, and continues north under the bridge up the coast to Magnolia Point. Awards are given for “best decorated under 30 feet,” “best decorated over 30 feet,” “best decorated over 40 feet,” “best sailboat,” the Margaret Livermore Award, and Captain Ed Lanni Award. Visit visitcocoavillage.com.
Holiday boat parade in Delray Beach, Florida, on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025
The annual Delray Beach Holiday Boat Parade will be at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. The holiday boat parade will kick off at Ocean Avenue Bridge in Lantana and travel south to the C-15 Canal south of Linton Boulevard in Delray Beach, Florida, according to organizers online. Viewing spots include Deck 84, 840 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, Florida, in Palm Beach County. Call 561-852-9200 or visit downtowndelraybeach.com.
Holiday boat parade in Bradenton, Florida, on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025
The annual Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade will feature a fleet of decked-out vessels touring up the Manatee River, competing for the winning title and cash prizes, at sundown, with roll call at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. Public viewing areas include the Green Bridge Fishing Pier, 101 8th Ave. West, Palmetto, Florida, with VIP viewing parties at Riverhouse and Pier 22. Visit holidayboatparade.org.
Holiday boat parade in Cocoa Beach, Florida, on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025
The Cocoa Beach boat parade will start at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at Marker 101 near Centennial Park. Recommended viewing areas include State Road 520 and Banana River Road, the end of South Banana River Road, and Cove Park, 540 McNabb Parkway, Cocoa Beach, Florida, in Brevard County. Visit cocoabeachrotary.org or facebook.com/CocoaBeachChristmasBoatParade.
Winterfest boat parade in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025
The 54th annual Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, in downtown Fort Lauderdale, with a pre-show of non-motorized vessels at 5:30 p.m. and staging on the New River, according to Winterfest organizers. The roughly 2.5-hourlong parade, “12 miles of the best show on H2O,” starts at Stranahan House, traveling east to the intracoastal waterway, then north to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. The 2025 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade grand marshals are Romero Britto and Montell Jordan. Celebrity guests include Lou Schieffelin, Miss Florida USA, and Keira Morehead, Miss Florida Teen USA 2025. Visit winterfestparade.com.
Holiday boat parade in Madeira Beach, Florida, on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025
The 59th annual Madeira Beach Festival of Lights Holiday Boat Parade will be at 6:15 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, starting at R.O.C. Park, 200 Rex Place, Madeira Beach, Florida. The holiday boat parade travels the finger canals through the city and ends at John’s Pass, according to organizers online. The Merry Market at R.O.C. Park will host a kickoff party on the sea wall, with one parade stop by the Madeira Beach Municipal Marina, 503 150th Ave., Madeira Beach, Florida. The parade ends about 8:30 to 9 p.m. Visit madeirabeachfl.gov.
Christmas boat parade in Naples, Florida, on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025
The Marina Industries Association of Collier County will host a Christmas boat parade from 6:15 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at Naples City Dock, 880 12th Ave. South, Naples, Florida. Parade viewing spots include Pinchers Tin City, Riverwalk Restaurant, Naples Landing, Kelly’s Fish House, the Boat House on Naples Bay, and Bayview Park, according to miacc.org. Call 239-682-0900 or email director@miacc.org.
Holiday boat parade in Palm Beach, Florida, on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025
The Boat Parade of the Palm Beaches in Florida, featuring about 50 decorated vessels and costumed captains and crews, will be at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. The parade begins north of the Blue Heron Bridge with a six-minute fireworks display and travels south along the east side of the intracoastal waterway before cutting across to the west side near Rybovich Safe Harbor and then heading back north to North Palm Beach. Excellent spots for viewing include Osprey Park, Brian H. Chappell Park, Bicentennial Park, Kelsey Park and the Sailfish Marina, which will host a VIP viewing party from 4 to 8 p.m. with a DJ, photo booth and buffet dinner. Visit sailfishmarina.com/boat-parade-of-the-greater-palm-beaches.
Holiday boat parade in Palm Coast, Florida, on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025
The city of Palm Coast will host the Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at the intracoastal waterway. The holiday boat parade route will start at Cimmaron Basin, then head south under Hammock Dunes Bridge to the Grand Haven Gazebo, with viewing spots at Waterfront Park, 150 Waterfront Park Road, Palm Coast, Florida, St. Joe’s Walkway and Canopy Walk, organizers online said. Visit palmcoast.gov.
Holiday boat parade in Panama City, Florida, on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025
The 39th annual Boat Parade of Lights will be at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, with boats departing from the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club, 218 Bunkers Cove Road, Panama City, Florida. The holiday boat parade will follow the shoreline past downtown Panama City, the Panama City Marina, West Beach Drive, the St. Andrews Marina, and Historic St. Andrews before ending at the Hathaway Bridge. Panama City, in the Florida Panhandle, is in Bay County. Visit destinationpanamacity.com/annual-event/boat-parade-of-lights.
Lighted boat parade in St. Augustine, Florida, on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025
The Regatta of Lights will be at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, on the St. Augustine bayfront. Event is free. In addition to the few million lights in the historic district of Florida’s oldest city, St. Augustine is throwing a lighted boat parade to celebrate the season. Visit visitstaugustine.com.
Holiday boat parade in Sarasota, Florida, on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025
The Holiday Boat Parade of Lights on Sarasota Bay, the 39th annual event, will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. It features a fleet of boats decorated for the holidays, with the best viewing from Marina Jack and Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota, Florida. The event benefits Suncoast Charities for Children. Event is free, with donations of unwrapped toys or new children’s books encouraged. Visit suncoastcharitiesforchildren.org.
Christmas boat parade in Fort Pierce, Florida, on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025
The St. Lucie County Christmas Boat Parade will be at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. The parade route will be Fort Pierce City Marina, 1 Avenue A, Fort Pierce, Florida, to under the South Bridge, out Fort Pierce Inlet toward Jetty Park, then it ends back in turning basin. Best viewing spots include Museum Pointe Park, Causeway Island Park and Jetty Park (Summerlin Dock closed). The city of Fort Pierce is in St. Lucie County, which is part of the Treasure Coast (along with Martin County and Indian River County) on the East Coast of Florida.
Holiday boat parade in Wellington, Florida, on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025
The annual Wellington holiday boat parade will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. Boats will pass behind the Wellington Community Center, 12150 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, Florida. Visit wellingtonfl.gov.
Christmas boat parade in Vero Beach, Florida, on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025
The Vero Beach Christmas Boat Parade will be at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025. The parade route will be in the Indian River Lagoon from north of Barber Bridge around Fritz Island, passing Vero Beach City Marina, 3611 Rio Vista Blvd., Vero Beach, Florida, and continuing south past Farley Island before turning east toward Quail Valley River Club and looping back, then heading south to Vero Isles channel before turning west toward shore and making a final northbound pass, ending just past Royal Palm Pointe. Best viewing spots include Vero Beach City Marina, Royal Palm Pointe, Riverside Park, Cole Coppola Memorial Fishing Pier and A.W. Young Park. The city of Vero Beach is in Indian River County, which is part of the Treasure Coast (along with Martin County and St. Lucie County) on the East Coast of Florida.
Holiday boat parade in Lantana, Florida, on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025
The Hive Waterfront Restaurant and Tiki Bar, 2412 Floral Road, Lantana, Florida, presents its 11th holiday boat parade, featuring 50 to 60 boats and fireworks, from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. The decorated and illuminated boats will travel north along the east side of the lake, under the bridge at Lantana Road, continue north under the bridge at Sixth Avenue and then follow the shore around before returning south along the west side of the lake. Viewing spots include Lake Osborne Drive from Lantana Road to Lake Worth Road and in John Prince Park. Food vendors will be parked along Lake Osborne Drive from Lantana Road to Lake Worth Road. A Little Smiles Toy Donation hub will be at the Hive. There will be prizes for the best decorated boats along with an afterparty at the Hive. Event is free. Visit facebook.com/events/s/11th-annual-lake-osborne.
Holiday boat parade in Cape Coral, Florida, on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025
A Holiday Boat-a-Long will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Court, Cape Coral, Florida. The event features a visit from Santa Claus, entertainment, food trucks, crafts, and a movie on a giant inflatable screen, according to organizers online. Event is free. Visit capecoral.gov.
Christmas boat parade in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025
The Halifax River Yacht Club will host the Daytona Beach Christmas Boat Parade at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, with boats assembling at Granada Bridge at 5:30 p.m. The holiday boat parade route will head south and end at the Halifax Harbor Marina, 450 Basin St., Daytona Beach, Florida. Visit hryc.com.
Holiday boat parade in Tampa, Florida, on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025
Friends of the Tampa River Walk will host its holiday lighted boat parade at 6:15 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, on the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa, Florida. The boat parade starts near the Lighthouse off Davis Islands, continues past Sparkman Wharf, Harbour Island and the Tampa Convention Center, organizers state online. Smaller boats may continue past Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and Ulele, ending near Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa, Florida. Tampa Bay 28 meteorologist Denis Phillips and Elsa from Disney’s “Frozen” will be the grand marshals of the 2025 Holiday Lighted Boat Parade in Tampa. Visit thetampariverwalk.com.
(This story has been updated with new information.)
Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Christmas boat parades in Florida. A list for 2025 holiday season
Reporting by Jennifer Sangalang, Laurie K. Blandford, Julie Garisto, Jimmy Geurts, Jim Ross, Tom Szaroleta, Christina LaFortune, DeonTay Smith, Samantha Gholar, Alan Festo and Sara-Megan Walsh, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Palm Beach Post
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