It’s lighted boat parade season, y’all. These holiday celebrations see some of the coolest vessels in the city get fully decked out in the spirit of the holiday season. Here’s where you can catch a procession of illuminated boats in Tampa, and across the Tampa Bay region.
St. Pete Beach Holiday Boat Parade
December 1
6pm-10pm
Viewing Party: Horan Park, 7701 Boca Ciega Dr, St. Pete Beach
Click HERE for the full parade route
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Join the St. Pete Beach community for a boat parade viewing party and tree lighting ceremony. The parade begins near Blind Pass Bridge in St Pete Beach and travels South to the Pinellas Bayway Bridge.
Holiday Sail-A-Bration in Seminole
December 3
6:30pm-8pm
Begins: 9100 113th St N
Ends: 11201 Park Blvd
The annual Holiday Sail-a-Bration Water-less Boat Parade returns to Seminole for another year. This one-of-a-kind parade features Seminole’s best and brightest along 113th Street. Parade route starts at the Seminole Recreation Center and ends at the Seminole City Center.
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Downtown St. Pete Boat Parade
December 9
6:30pm-8pm
Begins: Near Albert Whitted, 480 Bayshore Dr NE
Ends: Heads all the way to Coffee Pot Basin, 1st St NE & 31st Ave NE
Pier Dolphin Cruises, Nautical Sounds, Waters Wealth Managment, Chris Waters Personal Injury Attorney, Bob ‘Santa’ Kane Bob Kane Mortgages, are bringing the Christmas Lighted Boat Parade BACK to downtown St Petersburg and the St Pete Pier.
Maderia Beach Festival of Lights Boat Parade
December 9
6:30pm-10pm
Begins: 600 American Legion Dr, Maderia Beach
Ends: 12901 Gulf Blvd
The parade begins at the American Legion Post 273 at 6:30pm, travels all the finger canals through the city, and ends at John’s Pass. Ending at approx 9:45/10pm. Do some shopping at the ROC Park Merry Market (200 Rex Pl, Maderia Beach), enjoy live music and join the kick off party on the seawall and watch the parade. You can also head to John’s Pass (12901 Gulf Blvd) for an evening of Holiday music and shopping with a late viewing of the parade.
Clearwater Yacht Club Boat Parade
December 9
6:15pm-9pm
Ends at 830 S Bayway Blvd
This lighted, nautical event celebrates the spirit of the holidays, and raises funds for youth sailing and boating scholarships locally. Laura Moody of Fox13 Tampa Bay will once again be the 2023 Grand Marshall. Look for Laura Moody on the 82’ Monte Fino Yacht Andiamo throughout the parade.
The parade launches just north of the Mandalay Channel Bridge at 6:30pm. The parade will head North and follow the traditional route through the Island Estates community. The parade will go past Coachman Park to the Memorial Causeway Bridge, then back towards the beach turning around at the City Fuel Dock. The parade will end at the judging area in front of Clearwater Yacht Club.
Tampa Holiday Boat Parade
December 23
6pm-9pm
Viewable all along the Tampa Riverwalk from 1910 N Ola Ave to 615 Channelside Dr.
Tampa’s largest lighted boat parade will happen the Saturday before Christmas, December 23, along the Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa. The parade begins at the southern tip of Davis Islands, travels through the Convention Center basin, and up to the Heights where the boats will turn around and head to Sparkman Wharf where judging will occur and the parade will end.
Approximately 125 vessels, all decorated and aglow for the holidays, are expected on the 7.5-mile route. The parade begins at the southern tip of Davis Islands, travels through the Convention Center basin and up to the Laurel Street Bridge where the boats will turn around and proceed to Sparkman Wharf where the boat parade will conclude. Judging will take place at the Tampa Convention Center by pairs from Big Brothers Big Sisters Tampa Bay. First, second and third-place trophies will be awarded.
More guides:
- The top holiday events in Tampa
- The holiday markets you can’t miss this season
- Tampa Holiday Gift Guide
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