2015 Best Tampa Bay Holiday Lighted Boat Parades
Watching a Tampa Bay Holiday Boat Parades is one of our favorite things to do every December for the past 23 years so we created several ways for you to get the information quickly and easily below. We compiled the 2015 Updated List and Detailed Boat Parades and their route maps of the Best Lighted Boat Parades in Tampa Bay including St Petersburg Boat Parade, Island Estates Memorial Lighted Boat Parade, Treasure Island Boat Parade, Madeira Beach Boat Parade and many others we’ve written about before. So from December 4th to December 20th you will have your pick… Which one will you Watch? Which one will you be in? We’d love to know – tell us about your favorite or favorite memory in the comments below. Click to get Interactive & Printable Parade Route Map & Calendar of Parade Dates
We’ve heard people say once you know the city or neighborhood having a Boat Parade then you need to know the current Boat Parade Route to figure out the best place to view them so this year wanted to give you the Complete Locals Guide to Tampa Bay Boat Parades and so just for you we’ve :
- Create a New Interactive map of the Tampa Bay Holiday Boat Parade routes for you;
- Created a downloadable PDF of the Tampa Bay Holiday Boat Parade Routes;
- Created a List of boat parades organized by calendar date;
- Created a downloadable Calendar with all the date on there for easy planning.
- Created a list of Boat Parades by Tampa Bay Cities (alphabetically)
Is it helpful?
We’re curious if we should do this every year – will you let us know what you think by leaving a comment below or sharing it so we’ll know you found value in it. We think we made sharing easy using the buttons above and would appreciate your help getting the word out around Tampa Bay.
Sneak Peek: What Holiday Boat Parades Are Like [Video]
Tampa Bay Holiday Boat Parades (Alphabetically by City)
Click to get Interactive & Printable Parade Route Map & Calendar of Parade Dates
Apollo Beach Lighted Boat Parade
The Apollo Beach holiday boat parade is hosted by the Tampa Sailing Squadron
Parade Starts at Sunset (@6:30pm however never hurts to arrive early) on December 12, 2015 from new docks of the Tampa Sailing Squadron 1250 Apollo Beach Blvd Apollo Beach FL 33572
Apollo Beach Boat Parade Route on the TSS site says the lighted boat parade will begin and end in the South channel and proceed towards the Lands End Marina before winding around Lake Sunrise Basin, back out and around Bal Harbor and then end up Flamingo Canal and go around Dolphin House at the end of Gran Kaymen Dr, then back out Flamingo Canal, across the front of Symphony Isles Beach and into Symphony Isles, down the canal between China Drive and Allegro Lane and finish at the south channel.
Public Viewing Tips: Event is FREE. The Tampa Sailing Squadron opens it’s docks and facility to the public and they will be selling hot dogs, hamburgers and sodas and all proceeds go to benefit their youth sailing programs. For more information contact: Anthony Landi at 203-449-7035 or anthonylandi01@gmail.com
Click to get Interactive & Printable Parade Route Map & Calendar of Parade Dates
Clearwater / Island Estates Memorial Holiday Boat Parade
2015 Clearwater Island Estates Memorial Boat Parade – Sat, Dec 12, 6-9pm at Island Estates Yacht Club / Clearwater Yacht Club
Parade Starts at Sunset (@6:30pm however never hurts to arrive early) on December 12, 2015
This is a memorial boat parade is sponsored every year by the Island Estates Yacht Club to honor members of the club that passed that year. They have been doing this for over 40 years. Many of the Island Estates homeowners participate in the parade – there is no application fee to participate in the parade. Those participating will congregate their boats in the Mandalay Channel which is lined with luxury waterfront Island Estates condos (on the west side of Island Estates) between Island Estates and Clearwater Beach.
Island Estates Boat Parade Route This year’s holiday boat parade starts in the basin just off the Island Estates Yacht Club and will travel up and down the Island Estates canals. Island Estates waterfront homes will have a great view of the festivities from their backyard. The parade will pass Coachman Park before.they will go under the Memorial Causeway Bridge, turning into the Clearwater Marina Channel and make their way to their final destination, the Clearwater Yacht Club judging stand, located on the southern most point of Clearwater Beach (just before the Sand Key Bridge)
Public Viewing Tip: The boat parade will also travel toward Coachman Park which is a great public place to catch the parade.
Click to get Interactive & Printable Parade Route Map & Calendar of Parade Dates
Dunedin Holiday Boat Parade
2015 Dunedin Holiday Boat Parade & Tree Lighting – Sat, Dec 5, 6-9pm at Dunedin Marina/Edgewater Park
The Dunedin Holiday Boat Parade is always held the 1st Saturday in December. That makes it easier to plan for doesn’t it? This year start your holidays during this traditional waterfront celebration as decorated boats parade through the Dunedin Marina at approximately 7pm.
The Public is invited to come enjoy holiday music and s’mores while waiting for Santa to arrive by boat and lead the countdown in the lighting of the City’s Christmas tree.
Public Viewing Tip : There is Limited seating so please bring your own lawn chairs. You can see the boats come in and the tree lighting at Edgewater Park.
Parade Route: From Marker 1 south to Dunedin Marina. Boat arrive at Dunedin Marina at approximately 7:00pm. Limited viewing along Bayshore and Edgewater Drive. Event Information: Dunedin Parks & Recreation, (727) 738-2920. Boat Registration: Chris Gattas, Parade Master, (727) 455-8022 or email chris@logopro.com. Boat Parade Entry Form View Poster
Click to get Interactive & Printable Parade Route Map & Calendar of Parade Dates
Gibsonton / Riverview – Alafia Lighted Boat Parade
The Rotary Club of FishHawk-Riverview will sponsors the Annual Alafia Lighted Boat Parade at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, on the Alafia River at the International Independent Showmen’s Association, 6915 Riverview Drive, Riverview.
Parade Route: This year the Parade of lighted boats which will start at Williams Park Boat Ramp (9425 Highway 41 South Riverview, FL 33578) and go all the way to the Beer Shed and then back down the river to Dixie’s Dockside and stop at a few locations in between such as River’s Edge and The Preserve at the Alafia along the river
On Facebook the shared Boat Parade is happening Dec 5th 5 pm leaving from William’s Park boat ramp (9425 Highway 41 South Riverview, FL 33578), going all the way to the “Diddy” ending at River’s Edge Bar for award ceremony! Looking for decorated boats, will make stops at AJ’s and the Beer Shed, River’s Edge and The Preserve along the Alafia River. Asking for donations to our International water project. For more info, contact Mike Broussard at 813 716 5341
Click to get Interactive & Printable Parade Route Map & Calendar of Parade Dates
GulfPort Lighted Christmas Boat Parade
The BCYC Lighted Christmas Boat Parade will be held Saturday Dec 12 starting at 6pm.
Public Viewing Tip: The Christmas Boat Parade starts and ends at the Gulfport Municipal Marina.
Parade Route: From the Gulfport Municipal Marina the boats will pass by the BCYC clubhouse on our way out into the bay. Next we head to Gulfport’s Williams Pier and the beach, passing by the Gulfport Casino. We make our way through the communities of Town Shores, Pelican Bay, Kipps Colony and the Pasadena Yacht & Country Club, where holiday parties wait for us to pass by. Lastly we visit Isla del Sol, then head back to the clubhouse for the Post Parade party.
Boca Ciega Yacht Club has been part of Operation Santa since 2000. They collect unwrapped toys for Operation Santa which is coordinated by the Gulfport Police Department
Click to get Interactive & Printable Parade Route Map & Calendar of Parade Dates
Indian Rocks Beach Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Annual City of Indian Rocks Beach Holiday Lighted Boat Parade @ Hamlin’s Landing / Holiday Inn Harbourside will be held Saturday, December 19, 2015, starting at 7:00 p.m
Public Viewing Tip: Jimmy Guana’s (401 2nd St Indian Rocks Beach Fl ) deck at the Holiday Inn Harbourside has the perfect view – just plan to get there early.
IRB Lighted Parade Boat Parade Route: Parade Starts at @ 7pm at the southern end of the Holiday Inn. Sail boats will be at the end of the line. The IRB Boat Parade will head north by the Holiday Inn dock, and then continue north under the Walsingham/SR 688 Bridge. The Bridge will remain open until all boats are clear. The Boat Parade will finish at the north end of the City Limit off Harbor Drive North.
For more info contact Public Services Supervisor Randy Schwab, at 727/595-6889, Mon – Fri, from 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m More info on City of IRB Site
Click to get Interactive & Printable Parade Route Map & Calendar of Parade Dates
Madeira Beach Boat Parade
The Madeira Beach Boat Parade called the Festival of Lights will be on December 12th , 2015 6:30 – ?
Parade Route: The Madeira Beach Boat parade will begin behind at Johns Pass at 6:30pm go up and down the canals including Crystal Island and the lighted boat parade will end at the Madeira Beach recreation field (200 Rex Place Madeira Beach Fl).
Public Viewing Tip: ROC Park gates open at 4pm for Madeira Beach Boat Parade viewing and concert. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Also Kid friendly activities going on.At approx 10pm when the boat parade is done they will have fireworks. More info >> Mad Beach flyer
New Port Richie River of Lights Christmas Boat Parade
River of Lights Christmas Boat Parade will be Saturday December 5th 2015 6:30pm ( It’s always held the first Saturday in December) The parade which started in 2000, has become a Holiday staple for the New Port Richey Main Street program.
Public Viewing Tip: This annual nighttime boat parade finishes at Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey before heading back.
This boat parade is fun whether it is warm or cold – a very festive way to kick off the Holiday season here in New Port Richey whether you are watching from the shore or participating on a boat or kayak. This year the fun will continue after the parade at the Awards Ceremony and After Party hosted on Railroad Square (Nebraska Avenue between Grand and Adams) with vendors, live music and the award ceremony hosted on the Cavalaire Square stage.
Parade Route: – starts at US Hwy 19 ( Catches Restaurant located at 7811 Bayview St Port Richey, FL 34668) and Goes down the Cotee River to end at Sims Park The boat parade route will include some of Port Richey and the waterfront restaurants.The boat parade will begin at Red Marker #34 (Just NW of the US- 19 Bridge) and end at the Main Street Bridge downtown. For more info >> NPR Boat Parade
Click to get Interactive & Printable Parade Route Map & Calendar of Parade Dates
Redington Beach/Indian Shores
The last Boat Parade this year will be the Redington Beach / Indian Shores being held on Sunday December 20st 2015, 6:00pm to ?.This parade is sponsored, jointly, by the towns of Redington Beach, North Redington Beach, Redington Shores and Indian Shores.
The Parade Route: The Parade starts at Tom Stewart Causeway Docking and it meanders into the creeks and canals that branch off the ICW, passing along the shoreline of each of the participating communities and ends at The Pub.
Public View Tip: You definitely get a great view at both Seabreeze restaurant (make reservations)) in Redington Shores and The Pub in Indian Shores (no reservations just go early).
For further information about the Redington Beaches/Indian Shores Boat Parade, call Redington Beach Town Hall, (727) 391-3875
St Pete Beach Boat Parade /South Pasadena Boat Parade
City of St. Pete Beach Winter Festival And St Pete Beach Boat Parade Viewing Party will be held on Friday December 4th 2015 at 6pm / Dusk.
Parade Route: The St Pete Beach boat parade starts at 6:00pm at the Blind Pass Bridge (in front of the St Pete Beach Community Center / Horan Park)and heads south to the Bayway Bridge.
Public View Tip: Best place to see the St Pete Beach boat parade is probably going to be at Horan Park (701 Boca Ciega Dr, St Pete Beach, FL 33706) where they will also be having their tree lighting ,music, hot chocolate, face painting, and a special visit from SANTA after the St Pete Beach Boat Parade!
Click to get Interactive & Printable Parade Route Map & Calendar of Parade Dates
St Pete Beach Boat Parade /Vina Del Mar Parade Boat Parade
Pass-a-Grille/Vina Del Mar Parade will be held on December 5th 2015 6:00pm / Dusk (Rain Date, December 6th)
Parade Route: This St Pete Beach Boat Parade Starts and stops at the Merry Pier (801 Pass a Grill Way.) and travels through the canals of the Vina Del Mar waterfront neighborhood.
Public Viewing Tip: Easiest probably along the seawall / walk around the Merry Pier.
Downtown St Pete Boat Parade
Annual Illuminated St Pete Boat Parade will be held on December 12th, 2015 6:00 pm ( Second Saturday of December) . Enjoy one of the city’s most beautiful holiday traditions as boats festively decorated with thousands of twinkling lights sail through the Vinoy Basin and along Bayshore Drive on the downtown. Organized and presented by the Rotary Club of St Petersburg.
Parade Route: The St Pete boat parade travels from Bayboro, passing in front of the Pier, near the shoreline in and around the Vinoy Basin and back out into Tampa Bay.
Public Viewing Tip: The St Pete Boat Parade can easily seen and lots of public spaces along the Vinoy Basin, Spa Beach, Pier Approach waterfront, St. Petersburg, Florida)
Broadwater Boat Parade (added 12/5/115)
This St Pete boat parade started in 2009 when the Gulfport Holiday Boat Parade quit going into the Broadwater waterfront neighborhood. This is put on by the Broadwater Civic Association. The 2015 Parade will be on Saturday December 12, 2015
Click to get Interactive & Printable Parade Route Map & Calendar of Parade Dates
Tampa Hillsborough River Holiday Boat Parade
Hillsborough River Holiday Boat Parade will be held December 13th, 2015 6:00 open to Paddlers and boaters alike. If it floats it’s welcome.
Parade Route: Parade starts and boats put in at Lowry Park boat ramp at 6:00pm then the parade goes upriver with an incoming tide to the Sulphur Springs City Pool Park off Nebraska Ave.
Public Viewing Tips: The public can enjoy the boat parade at the starting location at Lowry Park or at Sulphur Springs City Pool Park (713 E. Bird St Tampa Fl) – Nebraska Avenue south of Bird St., where there’s plenty of parking, room for viewing the parade.
Twinkle In Tampa Bay: A Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
The Channelside Holiday Lighted Boat Parade takes place on the 19th of December at 6:30pm along the water at the by Davis Island, Harbour Island and the Channelside District.
Parade Route: Boat Parade goes from Davis Island, up to Curtis Hixon Park and the Children’s Museum and then back down, between Harbour and Davis Island and around to Channelside Bay Plaza!
Public View Tip: Come down to Channelside Bay Plaza and enjoy the parade from the open wharf! You will be able to see the parade along the a great stretch of land from Davis Island to Channelside. Channelside Bay Plaza, located in the Channelside district of Tampa, is near downtown Tampa and easily accessible from the Selmon Expressway as well at I-4 and I-275. Parking is available at several public parking lots. . Across the street from Channelside is a multi-level parking structure.
Click to get Interactive & Printable Parade Route Map & Calendar of Parade Dates
Tampa – Bay Crest Boat Parade
The Bay Crest Boat Parade will be held December 12th. 2015 @7:00pm The rain date is Sunday Dec 13th.
Parade will start at the main entrance to the channel leading to Bay Crest Park.
Tampa – Dana Shores, Pelican Island, & Sweetwater Boat Parade
Tarpon Springs Boat Parade
The Tarpon Springs Boat Parade and Snow Place Like Tarpon will be held on December 4th, 2015 4:30pm -9:30pm
Boat Parade Route: Boat will proceed down the Anclote River and into the bayous where Santa will give out treats to the children in Spring Bayous. The boat parade ends at Spring Bayou around 8:00 pm, as always, but we now have live reindeer, falling snow, food, vendors, carriage and hay rides and about 30,000 people! It’s expanded it a block this year, going the full three blocks from Ring Avenue to Spring Bayou and down Safford Street. The kids’ area will also have Christmas movies, as well as inflatables, games, food and a lot of fun!
Public Viewing Tip: Best viewing is from Craig Park/Spring Bayou. Boats enter Spring Bayou between 8:30 and 9pm
Click to get Interactive & Printable Parade Route Map & Calendar of Parade Dates
Lake Tarpon Christmas Boat Parade benefiting Wheelchairs 4 Kids
December 12th. 2015 6:30pm to 9:00 pm
Public Viewing Tip: We’ve enjoyed it from the Tarpon Turtle Grill & Marina (1513 Lake Tarpon Avenue Tarpon Springs FL) Poker Run around Lake Tarpon.
Hosted by the Tarpon Turtle Registration is $30 per boat with $20 of that going to Wheelchairs 4 Kids.
Treasure Island Boat Parade
Treasure Island Boat Parade called the Treasure Island Holiday Boat Parade will be held on Saturday December 19th, 2015
Public Viewing Tip: Best public viewing areas for the Treasure Island Boat Parade is on 115th Ave on Isle of Palms (bring your own lawn chairs); The Treasure Island Causeway Bridge, Kingfish Drive at Johns Pass (Gator’s Cafe & Saloon) and the Blind Pass Bridge (between Treasure Island and St Pete Beach) – Parking may be limited so go early or be able to walk to get there.
Parade Route: The Treasure Island Boat Parade will start at the TI Club (Treasure Island Club at 400 Treasure
Island Causeway Treasure Island Fl) and proceed up and down the canals of the Treasure Island waterfront neighborhoods of Treasure Island including Isle of Palms and Isle of Capri ending at Johns Pass at about 8:15pm depending on weather and number of boats. In recent years this has been one of the largest local boat parades with upwards of 50 boats.
The Treasure Island Causeway Bridge will close to vehicular traffic at 7pm on December 19, 2015 for approximately 30 to 45 minutes to allow the Treasure Island boat parade to pass through.