Published: November 25, 2024
There is nothing quite like it. The beauty of the Winterfest Boat Parade. Now in its 53rd year, this one-of-a-kind floating procession will make its way along a 12-mile Intracoastal route on Saturday, December 14 while more than a million viewers look on.
The annual event includes a range of boats from small privately owned boats to showboats to corporate mega-yachts. Some will have music and entertainment, and all will be decked out in holiday lights and décor. Spectators can also expect to see displays that pay homage to our oceans, wetlands and waterways as the 2024 theme is “From Sawgrass to Seagrass: Waves of Holiday Cheer.”
This year, the Co-Grand Marshals are actor and musician Jack Wagner, and Florida Panthers mascots Stanley C. Panther and Viktor E. Rat.
The Winterfest Boat Parade is scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., with a pre-show of non-motorized vehicles beginning at 6 p.m.
The route begins at the Stranahan House, traveling east along the New River in Fort Lauderdale to the Intracoastal Waterway north to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. Spectators are invited to bring lawn chairs to view the parade from the shore, or you can purchase tickets to the Parade Viewing Area at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park where there will be seating as well as live entertainment, activities, games, vendors and more.
