Holiday Boat Parades Offer Fun Alternative on Traditional Parades

Article by Staff Writers of BoatFriendly.com,
Oct. 14, 2014

Rather than decking the halls, do you plan on decking your boat? (We don’t mean resurfacing the deck, either.) Lighted boat parades during the holiday season have gained in popularity. All along the coast, boaters line their watercraft with strings of lights, plastic Santa’s and Christmas trees. It’s a spectacular right to see as boats line up to parade through canals and waterways. Add holiday music to the mix, and it’s one festive event!

From San Diego, Cali. to Biloxi, Miss. and Gulf Shores, Ala. to Miami, Fla. the parades range from little to large, old and new. Check the list below to find a parade near you. Did we miss one? Be sure to let us know at info@boatfriendly.com.

Alabama

Gulf Shores Lighted Boat Parade
Lulu’s at Homeport Marina
Dec. 13, 2014, 5:30 p.m.
251-968-4237
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Intracoastal Waterway and travels the Intracoastal Waterway Canal

106th Annual Christmas at Newport Beach Lighted Boat Parade
Newport Harbor
Dec. 17-21, 2014, 6:30 p.m.
Join over a million viewers as you watch beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes sail along the harbor. The parade has been hailed as “one of the top ten holiday happenings in the nation” by the New York Times and is truly a magical holiday tradition for all ages.
http://www.christmasboatparade.com/

Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights
Mission Bay, San Diego, Cali.
Dec. 13, 2014
This free, distinctly California celebration features boats decorated for the annual holiday season that will sail around Mission Bay. A highly anticipated event in the San Diego community, more than 100 vessels take to the water for the parade.
http://www.mbyc.org/

Florida

Miami Outboard Club Holiday Boat Parade
Dec. 20, 2014, 7 p.m.
The annual Holiday Boat Parade was organized by the Miami Outboard Club in 1998 in an effort to attract residents and tourists to Biscayne Bay, Downtown Miami and surrounding areas during the holiday season. Nearly two dozen enthusiastic boat captains joined in the fun, decorating their boats and parading in the Bay waters adjacent to the Club.
http://www.miamioutboardclub.com/Welcome.html
4th Annual Boggy Bayou Holiday Boat Parade
Niceville, Fla.
TBA
Celebrate the season on board your boat at the Boggy Bayou Holiday Boat Parade, hosted by North Light Yacht Club. Lights, music, props and more are all welcomed by the judges as they award the best floating holiday displays.
http://www.northlightmarina.com/

2014 Marine Industries Christmas Boat Parade
Naples, Fla.
Dec. 13, 2014, 6:15 p.m.
The parade may be viewed from: Pincher’s Crab Shack, Riverwalk Restaurant, Naples City Dock, Naples Landing, Kelly’s Fish House, The Boat House Restaurant and Bayview Park 100% of the proceeds benefit Ricky King Foundation http://www.miacc.org/events_page.php?eid=1

Lighted Boat Parade
Pensacola Beach Marina, Pensacola, Fla.
Dec. 6, 2014, 6 p.m.
Pensacola Beach Marina to Flounder's. The sparkling spectacle of decorated vessels parading against a dark December sky delights those watching from the shore or a waterfront Beach business. Children are given light sticks to illuminate the Flounder's landing site.
(850) 932-1500

28th Annual Boat Parade of Lights
St. Andrew’s Bay, Panama City Beach, Fla.
Dec. 13, 2014, 5:50 p.m.
The annual Boat Parade of Lights comes to St. Andrews and Panama City. Thousands of spectators gather every year to celebrate Christmas with the beautiful site of lighted boats on the water.
http://www.pcboatparade.com/

Mississippi

29th Annual Christmas on the Water Boat Parade
Biloxi Small Craft Harbor
Dec. 6, 2014, 6 p.m.
Join in on a community-wide celebration that offers something for all ages and all interests! Boats parade in full holiday décor with a fireworks show after the parade! Best parade viewing locations: between the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor and Casino Row, or between the Biloxi Lighthouse and Beau Rivage Resort & Casino!
(228) 432-2563
Christmas by the River Lighted Boat Parade
Moss Point, Miss.
Dec. 6, 2014, 6 p.m.
Lighted Boat Parade –followed by a special appearance from Santa Claus! Spectacular Fireworks Display.
http://www.christmasbyriver.com

Texas

53rdAnnual Christmas Boat Lane Parade
Clear Lake
Dec. 13, 2014, 6 p.m.
Ring in the holidays with this Clear Lake tradition. More than 100,000 people traditionally enjoy this event from land and from hundreds of boats anchored throughout the Lake.
http://www.clearlakearea.com/events/boatparade.asp
Twinkle Light Boat Parade
Lake Grapevine, Grapevine, Texas
Dec. 6, 2014, 6 p.m.
If you're looking for a different sort of Christmas parade to float your boat, make your way to Lake Grapevine. The Twinkle Lights Boat Parade is one of the most unique Christmas parades you will ever see. See watercrafts decorated in all of the finest sparkling lights to celebrate the season. This floating festival begins at Twin Coves Marina and picks up entries at each marina, Scott's Landing and Silver Lake. The parade is visible from the shores of Lake Grapevine.
(817) 481-4549

Port Aransas Carolers Afloat & Boat Lighting Parade
City Park, Port Isabel, Texas
Dec. 6, 2014, 6 p.m.
Sing your way throughout the parade. Hosted by the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce.
1-800-45-COAST