2011 Gulf Coast Christmas Boat Parades

La Posada parade on North Padre Island, TX (Corpus Christi). The Padre Island Yacht Club partners with the U. S. Marine’s Toys For Tots program every year. The boats in the parade traverse the numerous canals on Padre Island, not just to show off their festive decorations, but also to pick up toys from homes along the canal. The Yacht Club members then help gather and load the toys into the Marine’s cargo trucks, which take them to less fortunate kids who could really use them.

Holiday Lighted Boat Parade Schedule for the Gulf Coast – A Coastal Tradition

You’re never far from the water when you live on the Gulf Coast, and we’re reminded of our maritime heritage during Holiday Season. From Brownsville, TX to Key West, FL, our holidays are brightened by lighted boat parades. Anything from shrimp boats to kayaks can show up in our parades – you never know what you’ll see. Our basic philosophy is, if it floats, put lights on it and sail it in a parade.

North Padre Island La Posada.

Of the dozens of boat parades that occur every year, there are some that are just a fun time, while others have a community purpose. The boat parade nearest our home office is the La Posada parade on North Padre Island, TX (Corpus Christi). The Padre Island Yacht Club partners with the U. S. Marine’s Toys For Tots program every year. The boats in the parade traverse the numerous canals on Padre Island, not just to show off their festive decorations, but also to pick up toys from homes along the canal. The Yacht Club members then help gather and load the toys into the Marine’s cargo trucks, which take them to less fortunate kids who could really use them.

For those of us fortunate enough to live along the Gulf Coast, it’s not the holidays without a good lighted boat parade.

Below we have listed holiday lighted boat parade dates for 2011 by state and city. Email us if we’ve left one off Email Gulfscapes

Texas Gulf Coast Boat Parades

La Posada Boat Parades
Friday & Saturday, December 9 & 10
9th – North Channel – 10th – South Channel
Parade info: 361-774-0177 – Events info: 361-949-0076

Rockport Boat Parade
Dec. 10 – Rockport
6:15pm – 7:45pm
Key Allegro to Little Bay to Aransas Bay Return to Key Allegro Marine (map)
Sponsored by the Rockport Yatch Club Call Mary Lynn Hooker for more info 361-790-9363

Kemah Boat parade
Sat, Dec. 10
50th Annual Christmas Boat Lane Parade – Kemah Boardwalk (dusk)

Clear Lake Christmas Boat Parade
Dec. 10, 2011 – Clear Lake
The lighted boat parade on Clear Lake has become a holiday tradition on the Gulf Coast.  Some 200 extravagantly decorated boats sail around the lake and up in the channel to Galveston Bay.  (281) 488-7676  www.clearlakearea.com

2012 Mississippi Gulf Coast Holiday Boat Parades

10th Annual Christmas on the Bayou

Dec. 10 - Bayou Bernard
Lighted boat parade down Bayou Bernard! The Parade begins in Gulfport Lake, down Bayou Bernard to the conclusion at the mouth of the Bayou at Big Lake. Bleacher seating available for public viewing at Gulfport Lake, and at the foot of the Cowan Lorrain Bridge! Festivities start 6pm @ Gulfport Lake! Bayou Bernard, Gulfport, Jennifer and Jack Wittmann – Event Coordinators (228) 324-2724 or (228) 617-4051 Free!

Diamondhead Christmas Boat Parade
Dec 17
Lighted and elaborately decorated boats parade with Santa & Mrs. Claus greeting visitors! 6:30pm Diamondhead Marina, Exit 16 South I-10 – Behind Hula’s Restaurant, Pat & Ray Sheehy – Event Coordinators, 228-255-6922, Spectators Free!

Alabama Gulf Coast Holiday Boat Parades

“Nautical Night of Lights” Lighted Boat Parade
Dec 10, 2011  5:30 PM
Parade will assemble at LuLu’s at Homeport Marina, proceed east down the Intracoastal Canal Waterway, and end at Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach.

AL Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce, 3150 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 – The holiday season is right around the corner and the Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating by hosting the 26th Annual “Nautical Night of Lights” lighted boat parade. The parade will travel east down the Intracoastal Waterway Canal, pass The Wharf (public viewing area), around Bear Point, along the south end of Ono Island, west to Perdido Pass, north into Terry Cove Harbor, south to bridge. On lookers may view the parade from any public area along Canal Road. Free to public.

2011 Louisiana Christmas Boat Parades

Eden Isles Christmas Boat Parade - Delcambre Boat Parade - December 10, 2011 
On Sat, Dec. 10, 2011 the beautiful waterside, Port Town of Delcambre will host its 8th annual Christmas celebration for all ages – it’s the Delcambre Boat Parade. The Delcambre Boat Parade is a Lighted Boat Parade consisting of private boat owners.

The Eden Isles Christmas Boat Parade will be Dec. 17. Anyone who wishes to parade is welcome as long as their boat is decorated. This is an unofficial event for both power and sailboats and usually gets started around 7 p.m. from the dock in the Grand Lagoon at the end of Marina Drive.

The typical route goes down the right side of Firehouse Canal to the end of Eden Isles Boulevard Canal. The boats then turn around and travel back up the other side of Firehouse; then proceed down Clipper Canal, go to the end, turn around and visit other canals that are well lighted. Richard St, Delcambre, LA 70528, 337-685-4462

Lighted Boat Parades in Florida

Apollo Beach

Apollo Beach Lighted Boat Parade
Dec. 10 2011 6:30pm

Boca Raton Boat Parade

35th Annual Holiday Boat Parade – December 17 2011 (6:30pm from the C-15 Canal at the Boca/Delray border and will travel south to the Hillsboro Blvd. Bridge.)

Boca Raton’s Boat Parade has been one of the premier holiday events in South Florida with tens of hundreds of spectators lining the 6-1/2 mile parade route to view spectacularly decorated vessels of all sizes celebrating the holiday season in true tropical tradition. In past years, the parade featured over 40 beautifully decorated vessels celebrating the spirit of the season—traveling down the ICW in a spectacular display of holiday spirit. It is the hope of the organizers that the community will join us to make the 2010 Boca Raton Holiday Boat Parade the biggest and best yet. Website

Bonita Springs

Bonita Springs Boat Parade
Dec. 10, 2011
The Bonita Springs holiday boat parade is in the planning stages. The date has been set for December 10 2011 at approximately 4:00 p.m. Details with meeting locations and the captains dinner/sign up is to follow. Contact Adam Botana (239) 248-0955 for more information regarding sponsorships and Boat Parade sign up. The US 41 bridge in Bonita Springs, over the Imperial River is an excellent vantage point to see the parade. Parking is limited. Plan to park at neighboring plazas; Kmart, Fresh Market, Riverview Terrace Office Park and walk to the venue .Website

Boynton/Delray Holiday Boat Parade

Dec. 9, 2011 Website

Bradenton

Bradenton Boat Parade – Dec. 10, 2011 6:30 Website

Carrabelle

Boat Parade of Lights & Holiday on the Harbor – Dec. 10, 2011 5 pm

Join us for the Boat Parade of Lights and Holiday on the Harbor on Dec. 11th on the Carrabelle Riverfront! Put your boat in the parade and join in the fun! Holiday Celebration with Santa, food and Fireworks! VisitWebsite for more information or call 850-251-0445

Cape Coral/Fort Myers

35th Annual Cape Coral Holiday Boat Along
Dec.18, 2011 4-9 pm Website

The focal point of this event is a parade of approximately 100 boats decorated in a festive holiday fashion with lights, costumes, elves, and whatever else their captains can think of. At Four Freedoms Park, the landlubbers watch the boats gather in the Bimini Basin before they begin meandering through the canals of south Cape Coral. Along with providing an ideal seat to watch the illuminated vessels, the park features holiday music, a visit from Santa, food and beverages for sale. This is a unique celebration of Christmas Florida-style. Contact 239-573-3125 for further information.

Cedar Key

Boat Parade – Dec. 17 at Dusk

Enter your boat in Cedar Key’s lighted waterway parade! It’s a great way to advertise your business and it helps our community have a successful event. Our parade kicks off Cedar Key’s Community night on Dec. 11. The route wraps around Dock Street and ends at City Park, where Santa Clam will visit with the kids and everyone enjoys a giant covered-dish party. To enter the parade, call Rose at 543-6346.

Clearwater

Island Estates Yacht Club Boat Parade – Dec. 10, 2011 6:30 pm (Coachman Park)

Decorated boats assemble in Mandalay Channel and head to Coachman Park, under the Memorial Causeway Bridge and to the Clearwater Yacht Club’s judging stand. Prizes awarded for best decorated boats. This annual parade is held in memory of Island Estates Yacht Club members who died during the year.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach Christmas Boat Parade – Dec. 10, 2011 6 pm

The date for the Cocoa Beach Christmas boat parade is set for December 10th, beginning at 6 pm., with the captain’s meeting to be held on November 30th at the Cocoa Beach library, at 7 pm. Website

Cortez/Longboat Key/ Bradenton Beach

8th Annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Dec. 17, 2011 (Rain Date 18th)

All vessels meeting USGS safety requirements and decorated in appropriate holiday fashion are welcomed to join in for this fun and heartwarming event. Prizes will be awarded to the Best Decorated Boats in several divisions: Grand Prize is $500. This parade, organized by the Cortez Yacht Club, is for community enjoyment in conjunction with Manatee Toys for Tots and Christmas on Bridge Street festivities in Bradenton Beach. Parade will begin on the north end of Longboat Key near Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Moore’s Stone Crab Restaurant, and will proceed north along the Intracoastal Waterway to finish for judging at the Seafood Shack Marina. Boats competing for prize money need to register with the Cortez Yacht Club by Thursday, December 15, 2011. No entry fee is required but a gift donation of a new toy for the Toys for Tots collection effort is requested.

Please contact the Cortez Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade Chairman for registration:

Laura Ritter 941-780-3547 Website

Deland

St. Johns River Christams Boat Parade – Dec. 10, 2011 6 pm

Catfish Bend (Marker 36) north of Whitehair Bridge Ends at approximately 8 pm – North end of Lake Beresford. Awards ceremony at Lake Beresford Yacht Clubimmediately following the parade. More Information

Englewood

RPM’s Lighted Boat Parade – Dec. 10, 2011 6:30pm

Event route will start at the Royal Palm Marina going South down the IntraCoastal. Past the Tom Adam’s bridge. Turn around will be by the White Elephant Pub. Parade will start at RPM at 6:30PM-boats must start to get into formation by 5:45. Complete details are available in the parade application. There is a mandatory meeting the Wednesday before the parade, you must attend this if you plan on being in the parade. You will get all the details then, including the route map, etc. Website

Fanning Springs

Festival of Lights – Dec. 10, 2011, At The Fanning Springs State Park.

The Fanning Springs Festival of Lights is one of the longest running holiday festivals in the area. It receives a very large attendance of locals and out-of-the-area folks alike to enjoy the arts and crafts, the antique car show, the great entertainment, the delicious food, the famous rubber ducky race in the afternoon and, of course, the lighted boat parade. Website

Fort Lauderdale

Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade – Sat. Dec. 10, 2011

The excitement begins at 3:30 pm when the gates open to the Grandstand Viewing Area. Come early and bring the family (No pets please) to enjoy all of the amenities associated with your reserved and assigned seats. The Boat Parade gets underway at 6 pm along Downtown Fort Lauderdale and should arrive at this area at approximately 7:30 pm. Wave to our Grand Marshal on the SmartForLife Grand Marshal Showboat and see the Centennial Cirque Showboat sponsored by the Clydey Foundation. Website

Fort Pierce

Holiday Boat Parade – Dec. 10, 2011 6 pm

The 22nd Annual St. Lucie County Holiday Boat Parade is scheduled for December 110 2011. The festivities begin at the South Causeway at 4:00 PM with music, food, drinks, and even a visit from Santa. The parade starts at 6:00 pm and begins at the Fort Pierce City Marina. View stations will be at the South Causeway Park, Public Beach, Harbor Cove, Mangrove Matties, Chuck’s Seafood, On the Edge, the Tiki, Cobb’s Landing or any waterfront restaurant in that area. For more information, please visit www.miatc.com

Gulf Port

Boca Ciega Yacht Club’s Annual Light Parade -Dec. 10, 2011 6 pm

This year the parade will begin by entering the Gulfport Municipal Marina at approximately 6:00pm. It will then travel past the William’s Pier in Gulfport and into the canals of Town Shores Condominiums. The final leg is to motor back east and enter the canal leading to the Broadwater community. Website

Indian Rocks Beach

Holiday Lighted Boat Parade – Dec. 17, 2011 7 pm

For further information on this event, please contact Public Services Supervisor Randy Schwab, at 727/595-6889, Mon – Fri, from 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m Website

Key Largo

Key Largo Boat Parade – Dec. 10, 2011, 7pm

This year’s theme: “Key Largo Imagination.” Blackwater Sound is to shimmer as decorated boats parade along the shoreline in celebration of the holiday season. The best viewing and libations are to be found at Sundowners, Senor Frijoles, the Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort and Caribbean Club, MM 103-104 Contact:Call 305-394-3736 or visit Website

Key West

Schooner Wharf Bar/Cruzan Rums Lighted Boat Parade – Dec.10, 2011 8pm

Lighted and decorated vessels from rowboats to tall ships proceed around Key West’s Historic Seaport and harbor areas. Before the boat parade, at 6 p.m., the Gerald Adams Elementary School Steel Your Heart Band will welcome spectators with songs of the season. Holiday revelers can watch and applaud from bars, restaurants and resorts in and around the Historic Seaport. For details, call 305-292-3302 or visit Website.

Lower Florida Keys

Lower Keys Lighted Boat Parade – Dec. 17, 2011 7 pm

All boats are welcome to enter the parade including deep-sea cruisers, dinghies, kayaks and canoes. Santa and Mrs. Claus are expected to arrive and hand out candy to the kids. The best recommended viewing is from Pine Channel Causeway or Parrotdise Waterfront Bar & Grille, 183 Barry Ave. on Little Torch Key. Parade begins at 7 p.m. Contact:Steve 305-923-5370

Madeira Beach

Festival Of Light – Dec. 17, 2011

Marathon Area

Boot Key Harbor Lighted Christmas Parade – Dec. 10, 2011

A middle Keys holiday kick-off event for 15 years; watch as dinghies, mega-yachts and anything in between turn the harbor into a sparkling procession along the parade route. Best viewing sites include Lazy Days South, Marathon Marina, Sombrero Dockside Lounge and Burdine’s Waterfront. Starts at 5 p.m. Website
Contact: Greg 305-849-0285

Key Colony Beach Lighted Boat Parade

Dec. 11, 2011 6 pm (dusk)

Christmas lights on outriggers and displays on boat decks are part of the beautiful festivities during the Key Colony Beach Boat Parade, set to begin at the 7th Street canal. Open to all boats, the parade visits canals and cuts, and passes city hall three times. Great viewing spots include Sadowski Causeway at MM 53.5 and the area behind city hall. The event is open to the public. For information, call 305-743-7214

Merritt Island

Merritt Island Christmas Boat Parade – Dec. 17, 2011 6 pm

The Merritt Island Christmas Boat Parade will take place on December 17, 2011. The Captain’s meeting will be at the Kiwanis Island Community Building on December 13, 2011 at 6 pm. There will maps for the route and all pertinent information will be available at the meeting. There are prizes for different categories of decorations and you must be registered to be entered in the judging. You do not have to participate in the judging if you do not wish to. Website

Miami

Miami Outboard Club Holiday Boat Parade – Dec. 17, 2011 7 pm

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. Over the past 12 winter seasons, the Holiday Boat Parade has grown in size and scope, attracting club members and non-members alike. Over the past few years the event, has featured more than 70 boats, and nearly 100 are expected this year. Best viewing area is Bayfront Park where there will be several food trucks, DJ and kids bounce house. Website

Milton

RiverWalk Milton – Dec 10, 2011

Naples

2011 Marine Industries Christmas Boat Parade – Dec. 10, 2011 6-8pm

Naples City Dock – Donations will be accepted by the Marine Industries Foundation. 100% of donations will be given to The Ricky King Fund which provides the unmet financial medical needs of local children. Make donation checks payable to The Ricky King Fund. Send check and parade entry form to MIACC Foundation, P.O. Box 9887, Naples, FL 34101. Website

Niceville

The 3rd Annual Boggy Bayou Holiday Boat Parade – Dec. 10, 2011 5:30

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. The event has created a fabulous competition of lighted boat participants and numerous spectators line the shores of the Bayou to view this spectacular celebration Website

Orange Park

Whitey’s/Swimming Pen Creek Lighted Boat Parad
Dec. 17, 2011 6pm (Whitey’s Fish Camp, 2032 CR 220)

Events will go all day long, starting at noon. We will be raffling off prizes, as well as having a silent auction. All proceeds will go to benefit the American Cancer Society and the Safe Animal Shelter. Come out for a day full of family fun to celebrate the Holidays and benefit local and national charities.

Pensacoloa

Lighted Boat Parade – Dec. 11, 2011 6 pm

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. Dozens of captains compete for prizes as the nautical parade delivers Santa Claus officially to the Island. Santa’s Workshop will host children of all ages to whisper into Santa’s ear. Free. (850) 932-1500 Website

Pompano Beach

Boat Parade – Dec. 11, 2011 6 pm

Starts at Lake St. Barbara and travels north on the Intracoastal Waterway to The Hillsboro Blvd bridge One of the oldest Holiday Boat Parades in the Nation. This annual event in December is brought to the community by the dedication of business and volunteers in the area. Committee members direct plans for parties, posters, advertising, special events such as the Captain’s Party with the culmination of approximately 50-75 brightly decorated boats illuminating our waterway. The boat parade has no boat entry fee. Sponsorship is available. Website

Punta Gorda, Charlotte Harbor

22nd Annual Peace River Lighted Boat Parade – Dec. 11, 2011 6pm

The festive display of lights and gorgeous reflections on the water make this annual event a definite must see! Viewings from land or on the harbor by chartered cruise or personal watercraft.
Admission: Free Tel: (941) 639-3720 Website

Redington Beach/Indian Shores

Boat Parade – Dec. 10, 2011, 6pm

Starting at Tom Stewart Causeway Docking at the Pub. 727-391-3875 Website

Sarasota

Christmas Boat Parade of Lights – Dec. 10, 2011 6 pm

The 25th Annual Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade of Lights will be held on Saturday Dec. 10, 2011 beginning at 6 p.m. The best areas for viewing are Marina Jack Restaurant, Bayfront Park, City Island and Centennial Park.

The Parade route has been expanded by an additional turn marker at the southwest side of Bayfront Park. All boats must now pass approximately one third of the Sarasota Bay side of Bayfront Park within a few yards, to be considered for judging. The Bayfront Park spectator viewing area has been expanded to include the entire Northern tip of island near the fountain.. The VIP viewing area has been moved to the Marina Jack’s fuel dock to allow additional space for spectators. This will improve spectator viewing from Bayfront Park considerably. The SNN 6 local news staff will be covering the event throughout the evening at several areas throughout Marina Jack. Website

St Augustine

Holiday Regatta of Lights – Dec. 10, 2011 6pm (Matanzas Bay)

Beginning at 6 p.m., a holiday parade of boats including sailboats, trawlers, shrimp boats, and many other vessels featuring brilliant lighted displays ranging from patriotic to whimsical will light up St. Augustine’s Matanzas Bay between the Bridge of Lions and Castillo de San Marcos. Awards will be made for the best theme, most colorful, best in class, and best overall. The Regatta of Lights is sponsored by the St. Augustine Yacht Club. For more information, call 904.824.9725 or visit Website

St Lucie County

Dec. 10, 2011 6 pm

Festival at South Causeway Park will begin at 4:00PM. There will be music, vendors, Santa and the Characters of the Feast of Santa Lucia.

Viewing stations – South Causeway Park, Public Beach, Harbor Cove, Mangrove Matties, Chuck’s Seafood, On the Edge, the Tiki, Cobb’s Landing or any waterfront restaurant in that area. Website

St Pete/South Pasadena

St. Pete Beach and South Pasadena Holiday Lighted Boat Parade – Friday, Dec. 9, 2011

Starts at 6 pm. Begins in South Pasadena and travels south through Boca Ciega Bay towards Merry Pier in Pass-a-Grille.

Website

St Petersburg

Dec. 10, 2011 6pm

The annual Bruce Watters Jewelers Holiday Festival and Illuminated Boat Parade returns to Spa Beach Park on the Pier approach in downtown St. Petersburg this December 10, 2011. The Holiday Festival begins at noon with plenty of food and drinks, great live entertainment, a variety of children’s activities, the St Pete Chili Challenge and the spectacular 25th Annual Illuminated Boat Parade at 6:10pm.

The parade travels from Bayboro, passing in front of the Pier, near the shoreline in and around the Vinoy Basin and back out into Tampa Bay. For more information or to enter your boat in the parade, please visit www.stpeteboatparade.org,  call 727-822-3277

Treasure Island

Treasure Island Holiday Boat Parade – Dec.10, 2011 ( Rain Date December 11th)

Treasure Island’s Holiday Boat Parade is like Las Vegas on the water – dazzlingly decorated boats of all kinds circle the city on one special night, Saturday, December 12, 2011, in friendly competition for top prizes awarded that evening at the Treasure Island Yacht & Tennis Club.

Residents with Treasure Island waterfront homes host humungous boat parade parties but if you haven’t received an invitation, not to worry – there are plenty of prime viewing spots on the island. Website

The Treasure Island Causeway Bridge will close to vehicular traffic at 7pm on Dec. 12, 2011 for approximately 30 to 45 minutes to allow the boat parade to pass through.

Winter Park

Winter Park Boat Parade Festival of Lights – Dec. 10, 2011 6:45

Festivities will kick off at 4 pm in the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens with food, wine, and holiday music while the crowds waits for the sun to set for the main event of boats lined up in Christmas Lights. At dusk, the boat parade will begin on Lake Virginia and continue thru Palm Canal onto Lake Osceola making its way over to the museum, going by the Museum around 6:45 PM for judging. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the parade with family and friends. Website

Christmas Lighted Boat Parade Schedule for the Gulf Coast

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