The Winterfest Boat Parade, also known as “The Greatest Show on H20,” returns Saturday, December 16, 2023 and is the much hyped kickoff to the South Florida Holiday Season. This one-of-a-kind parade consists of many decorated boats of all sizes – From corporate megayachts to private fishing boats, kayaks and more – And attracts over a million viewers along the 12 mile parade route. Boats in the parade are decorated with hundreds of thousands of holiday lights, music, entertainment, decorations, celebrities, musical groups and more.
The 2023 parade marks the 52nd anniversary celebration of the highly anticipated event. The Grand Marshals for the 2023 event will be Boyz II Men.
The boat parade stages and begins along the New River in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, from the docks in front of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts eastbound to in front of the historical Stranahan House. The parade kicks off at 6:30 pm with fireworks (launched from the front of the parade). A non motorized pre-show will begin at 6:00 pm.
From downtown, the parade route winds east on the river towards the Intracoastal Waterway and then north to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach.
Here’s what else you need to know:
- Watch in person along the route (free) or live on TV (WSVN) or Facebook
- Thousands will line the riverfront so arrive early for a great spot
- If watching in person, bring beach chairs to watch in comfort
- Traffic will be heavy! Arrive early and enjoy the pre-parade entertainment
- Public parking spots and garages will fill up early
- Homes along the riverfront and Intracoastal are extremely popular vantage points
- Waterfront restaurants with views of the parade route will be packed – Arrive early
- Popular Watch Locations: Bridges, The Riverside Hotel, Downtowner Saloon, Salt7, Rivertail, Shooters
- Bridge closures will last a few hours. Details here
- Have a boat? Apply online to be in the parade for next year
- The official Winterfest Parade Viewing Area offers tickets that include a festival atmosphere with live entertainment before and after the parade. Get tickets here
- For more information, visit the official Winterfest Boat Parade website.
Enjoy and Happy Holidays!
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