Tampa Bays Lighted Holiday Boat Parades

Lighted Holiday Boat Parade Schedule
Thanksgiving is over and our focus is now on December. With holiday shopping, baking Christmas cookies and holiday parties you won’t want to miss out on seeing a holiday boat parade. You can’t help but get into the holiday spirit when you see the glimmering lights while listening to the festive music from the boats passing by in a Lighted Holiday Boat Parade. Here’s a list of some of the parades along the Gulf coast this year.
Dunedin Holiday Boat Parade
December 1st, from 6-9pm
Decorated boats parade through the Marina at approximately 7pm. Enjoy holiday music and smores while the kids wait for Santa to arrive by boat to lead the countdown to the tree lighting.

 

Tarpon Springs Boat Parade
December 1st, from 7-9pm
The parade starts down the Anclote River and into the bayous where Santa will give out treats. The best viewing is from Craig Park/Spring Bayou.
Clearwater, Islands Estates Yacht Club Boat Parade
December 8th, starts at 630 pm
The Island Estates Yacht Club Boat Parade is one of the largest and most popular parade. This is their 43rd year. The parade will start in Mandalay Channel and head north and weave in and out of the canals and out to Coachman Park around 8pm. They travel under the Memorial Causeway Bridge turning into the Marina.
St. Pete Beach/Vina Del Mar
December 1st, starts at 530pm
The parade starts at Pass a Grill at Merry Pier and Sea Horse Restaurant at dusk. Santa will be there for pictures. Firemen will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs.
**St Petersburg’s 32 annual Illuminated Boat Parade is cancelled for 2018**
Madeira Beach Festival of Lights
December 6th Starts at 630pm
The parade begins on the north side of town and work through the canals to Johns Pass.
Treasure Island Holiday Boat Parade
December 14th, starts at 620pm (Note the Treasure Island Bridge will close at 7pm to allow the boats to pass under it)
Experience the 31st anniversary of the Treasure Island Boat Parade. Best public viewing areas are 115th street, Treasure Island Causeway Bridge, Kingfish Drive at John’s Pass (Gators) and Blind Pass Bridge.
Redington Beach/Indian Shores Holiday Boat Parade
December 17th, starts at 6pm
Decorated boats travel through the intra-coastal waterways from Tom Stuart Causeway to the Pub restaurant in Indian Shores.
Gulfport Lighted Christmas Parade
December 8th Starts at 6pm
The parade starts at the Gulfport Municipal Marina and out into the bay. The parade travels through Town Shores, Kipps Colony and Pasadena Yacht & Country Club on it’s way to Isla del Sol.
Tampa Bay, Riverwalk Boat Parade
December 22nd, starts at 630pm
Watch the parade as they go from Davis Island, Harbour Island and the Channelside Distirct. You can watch from Channelside Bay Plaza and enjoy the parade from the open wharf.
Apollo Beach Lighted Boat Parade
December 1st, from 6-9pm
Tampa Sailing Squadron is the host for this community event. There’s good viewing from the docks. Hamburgers and Hot dogs will be available to purchase.
Bradenton Christmas on the Braden River
December 1st, starts at 6pm
The 5th annual holiday board parade with start at Jiggs Landing, the parade will start upriver at 630pm and will end at approximately 730pm at Linger Lodge.