7 Florida Christmas Boat Parades Floridians Plan Their December Around
St. Augustine’s Regatta of Lights has been lighting up the water since 1980.
Floridians in waterfront towns head out every December to watch parades like that.
Here are the Florida Christmas boat parades Floridians plan their December around.
1. Jacksonville Light Boat Parade
Jacksonville’s Light Boat Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 28, five minutes after the city lights its Christmas tree at Riverfront Plaza.
That’s the earliest date of these parades.
The parade has run for more than 30 years.
Judges score each boat on overall appearance, creativity, and decoration composition.
You can stay for the winners at 8:15 p.m. and the fireworks at about 8:30 p.m.
2. Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is on Saturday, Dec. 12, and you can catch a preshow at 5:30 p.m.
The parade and fireworks start at 6 p.m., and the route runs 12 miles.
In 2024, the route started on the New River near the Stranahan House Museum and ended at Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach.
That year’s listing showed more than 100 decorated boats.
In 2024, you could watch from along the Intracoastal Waterway for free.
Organizers call it the traditional kickoff to the South Florida holiday season.
They put the crowd at over a million viewers.
3. St. Augustine Regatta of Lights
St. Augustine’s Regatta of Lights boat parade began in 1980, when a local business association first organized it.
Since 2004, the St. Augustine Yacht Club has run the fleet at the city’s request.
Visit St. Augustine says the Castillo de San Marcos fires cannon rounds at 6 p.m., and the boats switch on their lights.
In 2026 it falls on the second Saturday of December, Dec. 12, during Nights of Lights.
The parade runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
You can watch from the seawall, the Bridge of Lions, or a bayfront restaurant, and admission is free.
If you want to be there for the cannon rounds, get to the waterfront by 6 p.m.
4. Panama City Boat Parade of Lights
Panama City’s Boat Parade of Lights celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
The Holiday Village opens at the Panama City Marina at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, with vendors, live music, and visits with Santa Claus.
A holiday drone show follows at 5 p.m., and the parade begins at 5:30 p.m.
You can watch from public spots along the route, and it costs you nothing.
The boats start near the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club and finish near the Hathaway Bridge.
Captains compete for Public Choice, Judges’ Choice, and Destination Panama City Choice awards.
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5. Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Sarasota's Holiday Boat Parade of Lights asks you to bring an unwrapped toy or book.
Suncoast Charities for Children gives those gifts to local children and families in need.
It takes place on Saturday, Dec. 12, and Marina Jack presents it alongside the charity.
You'll get the best viewing from Bayfront Park and Marina Jack on Sarasota Bay.
6. Schooner Wharf Bar Lighted Boat Parade
Key West's Schooner Wharf Bar calls its Lighted Boat Parade the 35th annual.
The bar's listing bills it as "The Holidays' Magical Nautical Display of Lights and Creativity."
It starts at 8 p.m. on Dec. 12.
The judges' stand is at Schooner Wharf.
If you want to see the winners, the awards ceremony is on Dec. 14 at 8 p.m.
7. Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Tampa Riverwalk's Holiday Lighted Boat Parade sends boats up the Hillsborough River from the southern tip of Davis Islands to the Heights, then back to Sparkman Wharf to finish.
It takes place on Saturday, Dec. 19, so if you miss the Dec. 12 parades, you get a second chance a week later.
It's listed from 6:15 to 8:30 p.m.
Captains compete for Best Decorated Boat and the People's Choice Award.
The listing says thousands of spectators come to the Tampa Riverwalk each December.
What to Confirm Before a Boat Parade
Five of these parades fall on Saturday, Dec. 12, so you may have to pick one.
Several Christmas boat parades list a 2026 date while leaving other details open.
Jacksonville is still posting 2026 details; check back.
St. Augustine's listing tells you to verify times with the organizers.
Sarasota's route map on the organizers' page is labeled 2023.
Entering a Boat
Private captains can enter the Christmas boat parades in St. Augustine and Panama City, and Panama City accepts a center console, sailboat, pontoon, or yacht.
Entry is free in Jacksonville, St. Augustine and Sarasota.
Panama City charges $25.
Jacksonville's registration closes Monday, Nov. 16, at 11:59 p.m.
St. Augustine asks captains to register in advance.
In Panama City, staff review your application and then contact you to collect the fee.
In Sarasota, your vessel must have a motor, and prizes are gift certificates and awards.
Sarasota's registration closes Dec. 7 at 11:59 p.m., and captains must attend a mandatory Dec. 8 meeting upstairs at Marina Jack.
Key West captains meet Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. to review the parade route.
Tampa invites registered captains to a Captain's Meeting with food, drinks, and entertainment.
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