Tampa Area Holiday Boat Parades for 2024

Some Tampa area holiday boat parades had to shorten their route or cancel this year. But there are still a handful of great celebrations all over Tampa Bay. If you're new to the area, this is a fun Florida Christmas tradition. This weekend's boat parades Tonight (Friday, December 6) head to Tarpon Springs for their Illuminated Boat Parade starting at 6:30. It'll head down the Ancolote River to Spring Bayou where Santa will hand out treats. Tomorrow night, head to Riverview for the Alafia Lighted Boat Parade at Williams Park. The rest of December Clearwater always does it up big. Their boat parade is next Saturday night (December 14) at 6:30 winding down at the Clearwater Yacht Club after traveling along the inlets. Or head to Madeira Beach for their Festival of Lights Illuminated Boat Parade. ROC Park is a great spot to watch. If you're on the other side of the Bay, head to Apollo Beach. Or the Homosassa Christmas Boat Parade is another good pick. If you're up for a road trip, the St. Augustine Regatta of Lights is pretty special. Watch from the bayfront seawall at the Bridge of Lions. On Sunday, December 15, you can check out the Redington Beach and Indian Shores Holiday Boat Parade at 6 south of the Park Boulevard Bridge. On Saturday, December 21, Tampa's Riverwalk Lighted Boat Parade begins just after 6pm. Lots of great places to watch like Armature Works, Curtis Hixon Park or Sparkman Wharf. That night Treasure Island's parade is also happening. The holiday boat parades are a great time, but if this is your first time, here's the big tip - get there early. Parking spots vanish fast. Plus there's usually plenty of music, food and fun to enjoy while you wait for the lit up boats to come by. Which one's your favorite? Leave a tip on our Facebook page.