Tampa’s largest lighted holiday boat parade returns this weekend

huge lighted boat parade
Photo via Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk

Happy Holidays, Tampa! The city’s largest lighted boat parade will happen this Saturday, 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.

Judges are pairs from Big Brothers and Big Sisters and the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners of the sailboat and motorboat competitions will each receive a trophy.

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a boat decked out in Christmas decor and holiday lights
Photo via Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk

Experience Tampa’s huge holiday boat parade

The festivities officially begin at 6pm in downtown Tampa. You can learn more about registration on Tampa Riverwalk’s website.

While you’re downtown, make sure to experience Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park. The experience includes a local vendor village, ice skating, curling, and igloo lounges. It’s also replete with holiday decor.

Visitors can also head to Sparkman Wharf for the Winter Wonder Wharf. The area is brimming with vibrant decor and holiday activations — in addition to a few of the hottest new restaurants in Tampa.

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