Holiday Boat Parades in December 2026: Routes and Viewing in Broward and Palm Beach

Decorated boat parades run the weekend of December 12, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale and the Palm Beaches. Here are the routes, viewing spots, and safety notes for boaters and spectators.

Fort Lauderdale's Winterfest Boat Parade

The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade runs Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., with a preshow starting at 5:30 p.m. It stages on the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale, travels east on the New River, then heads north on the Intracoastal Waterway to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach.

Free public viewing is available at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park at 80 Las Olas Circle in Fort Lauderdale.

Official Winterfest Boat Parade event page

The Palm Beach parades

The 32nd annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade, presented by the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, ran Saturday, December 5, 2026. The route runs about 12 miles north along the Intracoastal from North Palm Beach Marina through Juno Beach to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, with fireworks.

The parade benefits Toys for Tots and Little Smiles. The Sailfish Marina Boat Parade of the Greater Palm Beaches follows on Saturday, December 12, 2026, along the Singer Island to North Palm Beach route.

Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County: boat parade

Watching from the water

Spectator boats are part of the picture, but they need to stay clear of the parade's running lane. Anchor or drift outside the route, keep your navigation lights on, and avoid crossing in front of the decorated boats.

Parade organizers coordinate with bridge tenders along the route, so check the parade's published schedule if your trip crosses a bridge during the event, and give yourself extra time to reach a viewing spot.

Night-boating basics for participants

Decorations do not replace navigation lights. Keep the required sidelights and stern light working before you add the garland, and check them at dusk.

If you plan to run your boat at a parade, decide on a sober skipper in advance, keep a lookout for paddlers and small boats, and hold idle speed inside the congested area.

Check the weather and the tide

December fronts can change the plan quickly, so check the National Weather Service marine forecast for the day of the parade before you head out.

If you will be at the parade from the water or the dock, check the tide prediction for your closest station and confirm dock lines and fenders before the event.

National Weather Service marine forecast for South Florida

Confirm with the organizers before you go

Parade dates, times, routes, and bridge schedules can change with weather and participation, so confirm the details on the organizers' pages in the days before each event.

Both parades post schedule notices to their websites and social channels, and the organizers are the source for any last-minute changes.

Getting your waterway assessed

A qualified crew can measure your water depth in a free site consultation and give you a clear picture of what your waterway needs before the busy holiday weeks begin.

To request free resources about dredging, call (561) 299-1323 or email slselleck@gmail.com. Tell us about your dock, slip, or waterway and we will help you understand what it needs.

This content was created with AI assistance and reviewed for fair housing compliance.

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