Tampa Bay BoatingTampa Bay BoatingEvery December lighted boat parade around the bay, night by night — where it runs, when it starts, and where to watch. Full details, entry info and any last-minute changes live on our Events calendar.
Historic Downtown Tarpon Springs, E Tarpon Ave & Pinellas Ave. Illuminated boat parade through the Anclote River and the bayous, plus a downtown street festival with snow, a tree lighting and live entertainment. Santa arrives by boat in Spring Bayou about 8:30pm.
Lowry Park to Sulphur Springs, Hillsborough River. Free community lighted boat parade — kayaks to powerboats — hosted by Friends of the Hillsborough River and the Tampa Bay Sierra Club. Get on the water 5:00–5:30pm; the parade runs 6–7pm, paddlers first.
Riverview Park & Civic Center, 11020 Park Dr, Riverview. The 42nd annual lighted boat parade on the Alafia River — Santa, a chili cook-off and live music at the park.
Marker 1 Marina to Dunedin Marina, Dunedin. Decorated, illuminated boats parade along the Intracoastal to Dunedin Marina for the city's returning holiday boat parade.
Intracoastal Waterway, Venice — Albee Road Bridge to Circus Bridge. Decorated boats run south from Nokomis toward the Circus Bridge, with free viewing along the jetties and waterfront.
MarineMax St. Petersburg, 6810 Gulfport Blvd S. Free lighted boat parade hosted by MarineMax — decorated boats cruising past South Pasadena, with a shore viewing party at Barbara Gilberg Park.
Clearwater Yacht Club — Mandalay Channel to Clearwater Beach Marina. The 52nd annual decorated-boat procession; free entry for all vessels. Captain's meeting Thu Dec 10, 6pm at the yacht club.
Madeira Beach waterfront / ROC Park. The 60th annual — one of Tampa Bay's longest-running lighted boat parades, hosted by the City of Madeira Beach.
Boca Ciega Bay, Gulfport. The yacht club's 40th annual Christmas boat parade, paired with the Operation Santa toy drive — skippers donate new, unwrapped toys instead of an entry fee.
Downtown St. Petersburg waterfront (Municipal Marina area). Downtown St. Pete's own lighted Christmas boat parade along the waterfront.
Tampa Sailing Squadron, 1250 Apollo Beach Blvd. Lighted boat parade hosted by Tampa Sailing Squadron, with a chili cook-off and Christmas carolers at the launch site. Skippers: mandatory captain's meeting at the clubhouse on parade morning.
Manatee River, Bradenton — starts at Shaw Point (boats stage 5:30pm). Lighted boats parade past the Bradenton Yacht Club, Riverhouse and Pier 22. Public viewing from the Green Bridge and Palmetto Pier.
Sarasota Bay, Bayfront Park / Marina Jack. Lighted boat parade benefiting Suncoast Charities for Children.
Boca Ciega Bay, St. Pete Beach. Lighted boat parade with cash prizes for the best-decorated boats — boaters wanted. Viewing party and concert at Horan Park, 7701 Boca Ciega Dr.
Hillsborough River / Tampa Riverwalk. Tampa's largest lighted boat parade, cruising past Sparkman Wharf, Harbour Island and the Convention Center. Boat registration: (813) 221-1539.
Treasure Island — Isle of Palms to John's Pass. Decorated-boat procession around Treasure Island's isles, finishing at John's Pass.
Intracoastal Waterway, Indian Rocks Beach. No-registration lighted boat parade — bring a decorated boat and join the procession. Free.
Entry rules, captain's meetings, route maps and updates for every parade — plus every other event on the water — are on our Events calendar. It's free, always.
One short email a week — the weekend's events, the best weather windows, and local know-how. Free, no spam, ever.
Dates and times come from the event organizers and were checked Nov 1, 2026. Organizers can move a parade — glance at the Events calendar before you head out.
TampaBayBoating.com is 100% free for everyone — local marine businesses sponsor it so boaters never pay.