How to Experience the Winterfest Boat Parade in Greater Fort Lauderdale

When: Dec. 12; preshow at 5:30 p.m. and parade/fireworks at 6 p.m.
The route: The 12-mile parade route starts on the New River outside of the Stranahan House in downtown Fort Lauderdale, then makes its way north up the Intracoastal until just south of Atlantic Boulevard.
The theme: In honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary, this year’s Winterfest Boat Parade theme is Party in the U.S.A.

A parade viewing area will be available at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park. Tickets are $40 for adults and $35 for children ages 4-12, while children 3 and younger receive free admission. Chairs are provided for all guests, and festivities include live entertainment, photo opportunities with Santa Claus, games and more.

The Winterfest Boat Parade started small, with a handful of yacht owners decorating their boats with Christmas lights and taking to the water to celebrate the holidays. Since then, the parade has grown into a spectacular annual tradition, with more than 100 boats participating and more than 1 million spectators lining the waterways. The event is also televised after the festivities. Keep an eye out for standout boats, as spectators can vote for their favorite displays in the People’s Choice Awards. Local leaders also serve as judges, recognizing the best overall displays, themes, sound and lighting across different boat categories.

Over the past 55 years, the celebration has expanded beyond the parade itself to include a variety of festivities. The free Family Fun Day takes place Nov. 22 at Esplanade Park, featuring a Highland cow petting zoo, Broward College’s annual snow mountain, cookie decorating by Publix, a teddy bear clinic hosted by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, live entertainment, the Catabella Express Train, a conservation village and more. From 3 to 5 p.m., the Museum of Discovery and Science, located just across the street, will also offer free admission.

On Dec. 5, the Black Tie Ball takes place at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, with the theme “Adorned in the USA: American Elegance Through the Decades.” The evening features food, drinks, auctions, dancing and live music by the Manhattan Orchestra.

Since 1979, grand marshals have been selected to lead the boat parade, and for 2026, country music singer-songwriter duo Locash was announced as celebrity grand marshals. Past marshals include Frankie Valli, Shaqille O’Neal, Kim Kardashian, Mario Lopez, Brett Michaels, Pitbull, Flo Rida, Jim Belushi, and other stars.

Last year, the Winterfest team selected two co-grand marshals: artist Romero Britto and R&B singer Montell Jordan.

If 1 million people watching the Winterfest Boat Parade live wasn’t impressive enough, millions more watch the fun from their television screens up the eastern seaboard of the United States. WSVN 7 airs the parade on Dec. 18, 25 and Jan. 1 and ABC Miami airs the parade on Dec. 25 and Jan 1. Plus, the parade and festivities are aired in Boston, too.

Whether you're visiting for the Winterfest Boat Parade or call Greater Fort Lauderdale home, there are plenty of hotels and waterfront restaurants where you can enjoy the festivities. For a front-row view of the parade, consider staying at Riverside Hotel, Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach - A Double Tree By Hilton, Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach, Residence Inn by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal/Il Lugano or GALLERYone - a DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel.

For an up-close view of the illuminated boats while dining, make reservations early at waterfront restaurants such as Boathouse at the Riverside, Shooters Waterfront, Blue Moon Fish Company, Coconuts, Bokampers Sports Bar & Grill, Kaluz or Mastro's Ocean Club.