If you’re lucky enough to be near a body of water this holiday season, consider seeking out one of the country’s many lighted boat parades for an extra-special light viewing experience. These nautical processions take advantage of accommodating weather and water to present floating displays of fun, fantastic, and downright beautiful Christmas lights.
Holiday boat parades are family-friendly, free viewing events, and you haven’t seen anything until you’ve seen thousands of twinkling lights doubled by their own watery reflections.
So bundle up and head toward the lights, because it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
Charleston’s Parade of Boats sets itself apart from other boat parades with a dramatic fireworks display shot from the harbor at the parade’s halfway-point. Head to the Battery for the best viewing options and be sure to appreciate the views of stately mansions along Rainbow Row, Sullivan’s Island, and Fort Sumter when you’re not being dazzled by jolly, illuminated boats.
The Christmas Ship Parade in Portland takes place on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers and attracts thousands of spectators. It’s a big deal in the area—reservations are made for many waterfront restaurants a year in advance and hotel rooms with views of the rivers are often booked in mid-summer.
Though it is best known for its U.S Naval Academy, Annapolis also boasts a very popular Christmas boat parade. This year marks the 28th anniversary for the Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade—more than 70 powerboats and sailboats will set sail on the Annapolis Spa Creek waterfront.
Kemah’s Christmas Boat Parade includes hundreds of decorated vessels and draws just as many (if not more) spectators—including many from nearby Houston and Galveston. Decorated boats will cruise past the popular Kemah Boardwalk and down Galveston Bay for what is promised to be a “sensory overload to the extreme.”
Suncoast Charities for Children is collaborating with local agencies like Community Haven and Special Olympics to bring approximately 60-80 special needs attendees to this year’s Christmas Boat Parade of Lights in Sarasota. The best viewing areas are Marina Jack Restaurant, Bayfront Park, City Island and Centennial Park.
The Tempe Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade is the only time of the year that motorized vessels are allowed on Tempe Town Lake. Around 50 lighted boats will take advantage of the opportunity to sail on the lake and show off their decorations to the oohs and aahs of the crowd. The METRO Tempe Town Lake Bridge even gets into the spirit with a programmed LED display. Parents take note: Santa Claus will greet kids at Tempe Beach Park.
Led by a US Coast Guard Cutter, more than 80 vessels will take to the water, for the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. Approximately 80,000 spectators are expected along San Diego’s waterfront. Kids will love the way many boats pay tribute to the famous San Diego Zoo by incorporating animals into their light decorations.
The folks at Newport Beach have plenty of experience putting on their annual Christmas boat parade. The event began 102 years ago (making it the oldest in the country) with just nine boats. Today, about 100 boats of all sizes are expected to participate in what the New York Times called “one of the top ten holiday happenings in the nation.” This year’s parade celebrates the area’s connection to film with the theme “Lights, Camera, Christmas in Newport Beach.” The parade concludes on December 19 with a fireworks extravaganza at 9 p.m.
The Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District joins forces with the St. Francis Yacht Club to launch more than 75 boats on the waterfront of the San Francisco Bay for the Holiday Lights and Sights Parade. Boats will parade along San Francisco’s famous Fisherman’s Wharf.
