Winterfest Boat Parade This Saturday – Lights, Boats, Magic! 🚤✨

December 12, 2024

Alright, South Florida, it’s time to light up your weekend! The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is back this Saturday, December 16, and it’s bringing all the festive vibes to Fort Lauderdale. This isn’t just any parade—it’s THE event that kicks off the holidays in style, with over a million people turning out every year to witness the magic.

Here’s the rundown:

📅 When: Saturday, December 16, 6:30 PM
📍 Where: Downtown Fort Lauderdale (starting at the historic Stranahan House)

What to Expect:
🎄 Picture this: 12 miles of holiday magic as boats decked out in hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights glide by. Think everything from cute private boats to massive showboats and even corporate yachts, all serving main character energy.

📍 Route:

Boats start on the New River in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.
They head east to the Intracoastal Waterway and then north to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach.
It’s a 2.5-hour vibe from any single viewing spot, so get comfy and enjoy the show!

Where to Watch:
🔥 Grandstand Area: Just north of Sunrise Boulevard—prime views guaranteed.
🔥 Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park: The official public viewing spot. (Parking available at the Las Olas Parking Garage—plan ahead!)
🔥 Restaurants + hotels along the route also make great viewing spots if you want to mix holiday fun with delicious food.

Tickets:
🎟 Viewing at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park: $40 for adults, $35 for kids under 10.
🎟 Wanna join the parade with your boat? Entry fees start at just $35.

This Saturday, grab your crew, your best holiday fit, and some hot cocoa (or a festive cocktail) and get ready to feel the holiday spirit in full glow. Whether you’re watching from the Grandstand or chilling dockside, the Winterfest Boat Parade is the ultimate South Florida holiday flex.

Written by: MJ