There are some holiday traditions that just feel like Florida, and lighted boat parades are certainly one of them. For generations, boaters and waterfront communities across Pinellas County have celebrated the season by decorating their vessels and taking to the waterways, creating sparkling nighttime spectacles for everyone on shore to enjoy.
With another holiday season approaching, local boaters have plenty of opportunities to join the tradition. If you have a boat, or know someone who does, consider decking out the hulls and becoming part of one of these beloved local parades. Some require advance registration and skipper meetings, while others are open to boaters who simply want to join the festive fleet.
South Pasadena Holiday Lighted Boat Parade – December 11
On Friday, December 11, South Pasadena will light up the water with its annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade. Boaters interested in participating should contact MarineMax St. Petersburg for registration information. Spectators can watch from Barbara Gilberg Habitat, where a free viewing party begins at 6 p.m., with cash prizes awarded to participating boats in two size categories.
INFO: https://www.facebook.com/events/1534667317947104/
Clearwater Yacht Club Holiday Lighted Boat Parade – December 12
Clearwater Yacht Club celebrates the 52nd Annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade Saturday, December 12, beginning at 6 p.m. The fleet launches just north of the Mandalay Channel Bridge, travels around Island Estates and past Coachman Park and Sand Key before finishing at Clearwater Beach Marina. Participation is free and open to all vessels, but boats must register to receive a parade number and qualify for judging and prizes. A mandatory captain’s meeting is December 10.
INFO: https://www.clearwateryachtclub.org/special-events/holidayboatparade
Boca Ciega Yacht Club Christmas Lighted Boat Parade – December 12
Also on Saturday, December 12, the 40th Boca Ciega Yacht Club Christmas Boat Parade brings decorated boats to Boca Ciega Bay. Boats begin gathering around 5:30 p.m. at Gulfport Municipal Marina, with the Gulfport Police boat leading the fleet at 6 p.m. The route travels through Boca Ciega Bay, passing Gulfport’s Williams Pier, the Casino and beach before continuing through surrounding waterfront communities and Isla del Sol. The parade is open to members and the general public, and participating skippers are encouraged to bring two or more unwrapped toys for Gulfport Police Department’s Operation Santa. A mandatory skipper’s meeting is December 11.
INFO: https://sailbcyc.org/ChristmasBoatParade
60th Annual Madeira Beach Festival of Lights Holiday Boat Parade – December 12
Madeira Beach celebrates a major milestone Saturday, December 12, with its 60th Annual Festival of Lights Holiday Boat Parade. The illuminated fleet will be part of the city’s holiday festivities, giving spectators another opportunity to enjoy the decorated boats along the Madeira Beach waterfront. It’s one of the area’s longest-running holiday boat traditions.
INFO: https://madeirabeachfl.gov/event/60th-annual-madeira-beach-festival-of-lights-holiday-boat-parade/
St. Pete Beach Holiday Lighted Boat Parade – December 18
On Friday, December 18, it’s St. Pete Beach’s turn to light up Boca Ciega Bay. The St. Pete Beach Holiday Lighted Boat Parade begins at 6 p.m., with boaters invited to decorate their vessels and join the festivities. Cash prizes will be awarded, and boaters should check the event information for registration and captain’s meeting details.
INFO: https://www.spbrec.com/867/Holiday-Boat-Parade—Boaters-Wanted
Treasure Island Holiday Lighted Boat Parade – December 19
The Treasure Island Holiday Lighted Boat Parade takes place Saturday, December 19. Decorated boats will bring holiday lights to the waterways around Treasure Island, providing a festive evening for boaters and spectators alike. Boaters should check the city’s event information for current registration, staging and route details as the event approaches.
Indian Rocks Beach Christmas Boat Parade – December 19
Indian Rocks Beach also takes to the Intracoastal Saturday, December 19, with its Christmas Boat Parade at 7 p.m. Boats gather around 6:30 p.m. near the southern end of the Holiday Inn before heading out along the Intracoastal. No registration is required, making this one of the easiest opportunities for boaters to decorate their vessel and join the celebration.
INFO: https://indian-rocks-beach.com/our-community/city-calendar/
Deck the Hulls and Join the Fun
Whether your boat is a pontoon, sailboat, cruiser or something in between, these parades are a great way to enjoy the waterways and share a little holiday cheer with the community. If you want to participate, check registration requirements early—several parades have limited spaces or mandatory captain and skipper meetings.
Dates, routes, registration requirements and event details can change, so be sure to check with the city, yacht club or event organizer before making plans. Local boaters should confirm the current date and participation or registration requirements directly with the appropriate organizer.
And if you don’t have a boat, don’t worry. Find a waterfront viewing spot, gather some friends and watch Pinellas County’s waterways come alive with holiday lights.