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Bookmark these Tampa Bay holiday boat parades

Take part in the magical tradition along Florida’s Gulf Coast from the Riverwalk to Madeira Beach.

December 1, 2025 • 
Bailey LeFever
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Make sure you pack your camera for the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade.

Photo via @cityoftampa

New York City has the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting. Monsters good and bad take to the Richmond streets for RVA Krampusnacht each December — yes, it’s a thing. And Tampa Bay has its lighted boat parades.

Because where else can one see festive flotillas filled with both bright white twinkly lit sailboats and power boats packed with Bucs and Bolts jersey wearin’ sailors?

Don’t miss the TBAY spectacle, here’s some of this year’s boat parades:

Editor’s note: We recommend registering your boat as soon as possible.

Weeki Wachee Christmas Boat Parade | Saturday, Dec. 6

Downtown St. Pete Lighted Christmas Boat Parade | Sunday, Dec. 7

Tarpon Springs Illuminated Boat Parade | Friday, Dec. 12

Madeira Beach Festival of Lights Holiday Boat Parade | Saturday, Dec. 13

BCYC Christmas Lighted Boat Boat Parade | Saturday, Dec. 13

Friends of the Tampa River Walk Holiday Lighted Boat Parade | Saturday, Dec. 20

Indian Rocks Beach Holiday Boat Parade | Saturday, Dec. 20

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