Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade

Celebrate the holiday season with the 31th Annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade, an event that lights up the Intracoastal Waterway with dazzling decorated boats and a spectacular Zambelli fireworks display. With up to 80 vessels, family-friendly viewing spots, and opportunities to support Toys for Tots and Little Smiles, this tradition is a must-see.

When is the 2025 Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade?

The Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade is on Saturday, December 6 at 6:00 PM.

Find additional event information here.

Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade Route & Bridge Openings

The boat parade kicks off with a stunning Zambelli fireworks display along the Intracoastal Waterway, starting in North Palm Beach and making its way to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.

Due to varying weather conditions, winds, tides, and currents, it is not possible to provide the exact times when bridges along the parade route will open and close. Below are estimated opening times based on previous parades. Permits allow for a maximum opening duration of one (1) hour.

• Parker Bridge: Expected to open around 6:00 p.m.
• PGA Bridge: Expected to open around 6:15 p.m.
• Donald Ross Bridge: Expected to open around 7:00 p.m.
• Indiantown Road Bridge: Expected to open around 7:30 p.m.
• Jupiter Federal Bridge: Expected to open around 7:45 p.m

About The Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade

The Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade is celebrating 31 years of bringing the community together for the holidays. Organized by the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County (MIAPBC) and sponsored by Lessing’s Hospitality Group, this festive event features up to 80 boats adorned with dazzling decorations and thousands of lights.

The evening starts with a fireworks display to kick off the parade. The boats, decorated with lights and festive themes, will float along the water for everyone to enjoy. Radio hosts Mo & Sally from KOOL 105.5 will serve as Grand Marshals, joined by Santa Claus.

The parade also supports Toys for Tots and Little Smiles with its annual toy drive, helping brighten the holidays for local kids.

This year, the event will be featured in the holiday movie Christmas Overtime, premiering online in December and streaming on NBC Peacock in the spring.

Visit the 2025 Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade Website

Where To Watch The Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade

The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County (MIAPBC) has announced the best viewing locations for the 30th Annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade on December 7. Here are the official viewing spots for the 31st Annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade:

North Palm Beach Country Club

Kick off the night with the Let It Glow Party from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Enjoy drinks, snacks, and a glow-in-the-dark celebration on the putting green. Plus, Santa will make a special appearance for photos and holiday cheer.

Harbourside Place

Harbourside Place’s Dine at popular restaurants like The Woods, The Jupiter Grill, and Ruth’s Chris Steak House while enjoying prime parade views.

Charlie & Joe’s at Love Street

Another top view spot is Charlie & Joe’s at Love Street. Join the Holiday Boat Parade Viewing Party at Lucky Shuck Oyster Bar & Taphouse for $150 per person, featuring all-you-can-eat buffets, drinks, and raffles. Alternatively, enjoy sit-down dinners at BEACON or rooftop cocktails at Topside.

Public Parks

Five parks along the parade route—Juno Park, Bert Winters Park, Waterway Park, Sawfish Bay Park, and Jupiter’s Lighthouse Park—offer fantastic views for the whole family.

Can’t make it in person? Download the free KnowWake GPS app to track the parade in real-time from your phone.

Share the Joy with the Annual Toy Drive

MIAPBC will collect toys by land and by sea for Toys for Tots and Little Smiles. During the first week of November, donation boxes will be placed throughout the county for toy drop-offs. A “toy fleet” of boats traveling along the parade route will offer easy dockside pickups for your donations. Simply wave a flashlight when you see a boat with toy drive signage, and uniformed Marines and volunteers will pull right up to your dock to collect your donations. Last year, MIAPBC collected more than 15,000 toys.

Vessels Registration For The Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade

Register your boat today to join this festive tradition! A panel of judges will assess each entry based on lights, enthusiasm, and themed décor! Participating vessels are eligible to receive up to $10,000 in cash and prizes.

All vessels must be registered by Tuesday, December 3. Boat registrants are also required to attend the 6 p.m. Captain’s Meeting on December 3 at The Twisted Tuna in Jupiter, Fla. Entry is free with a $50 refundable deposit. For more information, visit palmbeachboatparade.com or call (561) 863-0012.

Explore More Activities & Holiday Fun in The Palm Beaches

The Palm Beaches offer plenty of ways to keep the holiday spirit alive. From festive events and light displays to waterfront dining and shopping at local markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Make the most of your visit by exploring seasonal activities, family-friendly attractions, and unique experiences throughout the area.