HOLIDAY BOAT PARADES CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS
ON FLORIDA INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY AND COASTS

Story and photos by Barb & Ron Kroll

Going to Florida in December? Wondering how to evoke the Christmas spirit when the Sunshine State is boasting balmy temperatures? Then do as the locals do and get into the festive mood at a holiday boat parade.

Christmas tree lights decorate a boat in Florida holiday boat parade.

Photo © Barb & Ron Kroll

Christmas boat parades are a Florida tradition. The free events take place in several waterside locations, including the Keys, Pompano Beach, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay, Fort Myers Beach and Panama City Beach. The Gold Coast region of the Intracoastal Waterway holds several holiday boat parades.

Each municipality holds its own parade and infuses it with local character. Some residents attend only their own area's holiday boat parade; others collect parades like charms on a bracelet.

The custom began in the '20s, when citizens adorned their boats with candles and motored along South Florida's waterways, singing Christmas carols.

Christmas boat parade in Fort Lauderdale

Although Fort Lauderdale's holiday boat parade is the largest, some people prefer the atmosphere of parades in smaller towns. Participants include small family-owned boats, as well as luxurious commercial yachts, over 30 meters long.

All are festively decorated with garlands of lights lining the hulls, masts and rigging, giant bells, snowmen and, of course, Santa Claus. Music accompanies each boat. It can be pre-recorded Yuletide favorites, computer-synthesized holiday medleys or old-fashioned Christmas carolers.

One year, in exclusive Palm Beach, a large boat boasted an orchestra playing dance music, while women in long dresses and men in white tuxedos and top hats waltzed on the deck.

Lights, star and Santa's sleigh decorate a boat in Florida holiday boat parade.

Photo © Barb & Ron Kroll

Families gather to watch, while enjoying picnics and steaming mugs of hot chocolate. It's almost as much fun watching the children as the floating parade. Red cheeked, from the cool air and excitement, they join in the songs and yell out Merry Christmas in joyful unison to the waving Santas on board. Every boat in the passing parade is a winner in their eyes.

Several boats are selected by judges to win prizes in categories like best adaptation of theme, best use of lights, best commercial boat, most beautiful boat over 7.6 meters, most beautiful boat under 7.6 meters, most beautiful sailboat and most animated powerboat.

Prizes range from crystal bowls and trophies to dinners in local restaurants. Over the years, prize-winners have been as diverse as a boat decorated with pink flamingos and a floating version of the Super Bowl.

Just as with the Super Bowl, spectators can run into traffic jams on their way to holiday boat parades. It's especially important to leave early. If you're coming from the east side of the Intracoastal Waterway, bridges crossing the water are raised to allow the boats to pass. Once up, they are unlikely to come down until after the parade.

Where's the best place to see the floating parades?

If you're fortunate, you may be invited to a holiday boat parade party in one of the private homes lining the Intracoastal Waterway or along the coast, or better yet, on one of the participating boats.

Other prime viewing spots are seats in restaurants along the boat parade route. For the majority, the best vantage points are at waterside parks. Many set up bleachers. The seats are metal, and can be very cold, so bring blankets and dress warmly.

Santa and lights decorate a boat in Florida holiday boat parade.

Photo © Barb & Ron Kroll

You may hear the holiday boat parade before you see it. Fireworks often start the procession and continue to fill the sky with explosions of color and light as the boats travel along the entire parade route.

This year, the holiday boat parades will once again perform their Yuletide magic by drawing locals and visitors together to share in the Christmas spirit.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

VISIT FLORIDA: www.visitflorida.com