Where To See Florida Lighted Holiday Boat Parades

Southwest Florida visitors and residents will have a boatload of fun this holiday season celebrating on the water. Here's a listing of lighted boat parades on waterways throughout the area.

Bonita Springs Boat Parade

December 13th 2014, 5:00pm

This year returning to the original parade route, which starts at Big Hickory Fish Nook Restaurant and travels up the river to Holly Lane, ending at The Fish House Restaurant on Bonita Beach Road!. 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 (239) 495-0455

Captiva Lighted Boat Parade

December 13th, 6:00 pm 2014

As part of the Captiva Holiday Village festivities, the Captiva Lighted Boat Parade will start at 6 p.m. just outside Roosevelt Channel, Marker #2. The route will follow Roosevelt Channel to ‘Tween Waters Inn and back. There is no entry free for the boat parade; however, a minimum of 100 lights is required for entry; more are encouraged. Prizes will be given for the best-decorated vessels from any of three categories: power boats 36-feet or more, power boats 35-feet or less, and sailboats of all sizes. An awards party will take place at Key Lime Bistro on Andy Rosse Lane after the parade. Captiva Cruises will be offering passenger tickets for those without a boat to cruise in the parade and be part of the fun, or groups can arrange their own private charter on one of the Captiva Cruises boats. Public viewing of the parade from land is available at The Green Flash Waterfront Restaurant, ‘Tween Waters Inn, Jensen’s Marina, and McCarthy’s Marina. www.captivaholidayvillage.com Flyer

36th Annual Cape Coral Holiday Boat Along

December 20th , 2014 7:00pm 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. Boats can register by contacting Sea Tow in Cape Coral. Sea Tow (239) 573-3128

26th Annual Christmas Boat Parade

December 6th 2014 6:00pm

Come enjoy some Christmas spirit at the Annual Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade! Last year nearly 30 boats were participating and this year promises to be even more exciting. This year will remember Pearl Harbor and honor World War II veteran Russ Winset who will be accompanying the parade on the lead boat. The parade will pass by such establishments as Big Game Waterfront Grill, Parrot Key Caribbean Grill, Matanzas, Nervous Nellies, Doc Fords and Bonita Bills where you can kick back and enjoy the fun. This event is brought to you by the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce.s If you would like to participate in the boat parade registration please contact the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce at 239.454.7500 Website

Lights of Love Christmas Boat Parade

December 6th 2014 6:00pm

The Lakeport Lights of Love Christmas Boat Parade, set for Dec. 6 at Harney Pond Canal in Glades County, will also be a toy drive. Entry fee is one new, unwrapped toy per person. The toys will be given to the local toy drive for Lakeport children. Santa will arrive at 6 p.m. There will be a prize for the best decorated boat. Registration for the event will be through Dec. 1, To register, or for more information, call Tom at 863-946-1146, or Lois at 443-463-2785, or Lorraine at 863-227-4301.

2014 Marine Industries Christmas Boat Parade

December 13th 2014 6:00-8:00pm

Naples City Dock

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. 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 Route

Christams Boat Parade

December 20th 2014 6:00pm

The Okeechobee Yachette Club will host their third annual Christmas Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 20. Decorate your boat and meet the group on Taylor Creek by the Burger King and State Road 70 bridge between 5 and 5:30 p.m. in Okeechobee. The boat parade starts at 6 p.m. For more information, call Arnie at 863-634-4777.

Gasparilla Marina Christmas Boat Parade

December 13th, 2014 6:00pm

Gasparilla Marina Christmas Boat Parade. Saturday, Dec. 13, 6 p.m.
The parade of boats leaves the marina at 6:00 p.m. heading north on the Intracoastal to Palm Island, then back to the marina for the awarding of prizes at the marina’s Waterside Grill restaurant. 15001 Gasparilla Road, Placida. Tel: 941-697-2280

Punta Gorda Boat Parade

December 20th, 2014 6:00 pm

Viewers get up very close to the boats at this parade that includes carolers, performers and great decorations. The 7.5-mile route is within the canal system of Punta Gorda Isles starting at Albatross Lagoon and finishing with a Grand Parade Circle at Yellow Fish Lagoon.

No entry fees, no judging, just a great time! No worries from winds or tides. It's Smooth Sailing as the entire parade is within protected waters of the PGI canal system.
Website

25th Annual Peace River Lighted Boat Parade

December 14. 2014 6:00pm ( Yes, It is on Sunday)

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) 769-0002 Website

Venice Christmas Boat Parade

December 6th, 2014

Christmas in Venice...the lights, the palm tress, the waterways. Celebrate the holiday season by decorating your boat and joining in the fun! There is no better way to start the Christmas Season than by joining the fun and participating in the Venice Boat Parade of Lights. Contact Information John Osmulski at 809-8100 or email us at josmulski@gmail.com Website

Boat Parade listings courtesy floridabywater.com/holiday-boat-parade