Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade

Two cultural icons will headline this year’s spectacle.

Montell Jordan, whose 1995 anthem “This Is How We Do It” remains one of the defining songs of the era, will bring his unmistakable sound and charisma to the parade. With a career spanning more than two decades, he continues to inspire both on stage and through his outreach work, making him a natural fit for an event rooted in joy and connection.

Alongside him, Romero Britto will add his signature flair. The world-renowned artist is famous for his vibrant pop-cubist style that has brightened galleries, landmarks, and public spaces across the globe. In addition to his role as Co-Grand Marshal, Britto has been commissioned as the official 2025 Winterfest poster artist, bringing his vibrant vision to everything from merchandise to the Grand Marshal Showboat.

Together, Jordan and Britto embody what Winterfest is all about: creativity, celebration, and community spirit.

The fun gets underway at 5:30 p.m. with a lively preshow that fills the waterfront with music and anticipation. At 6:00 p.m., the parade officially starts at its new earlier time, launching on the New River near the Historic Stranahan House Museum with fireworks overhead. From there, the 12-mile route continues east to the Intracoastal and then north to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach.

By about 6:30 p.m., the fleet arrives at the official Viewing Area, where iHeart Radio personalities provide live commentary on each display. From cozy sailboats to towering superyachts, every vessel becomes a floating canvas. Some highlight tropical themes with palm trees and flamingos, others twinkle with classic holiday scenes, and many showcase playful nods to Greater Fort Lauderdale’s coastal culture. 

For a front-row experience, the official Viewing Area, presented by Nicklaus Children’s Health System, is the place to be. Located at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park, it blends the excitement of a waterfront party with unbeatable sightlines.

Gates open at 4:00 p.m., giving guests plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere before the festivities begin. Here, families can explore interactive games, snap a photo with Santa, shop from vendor booths, and wander through the Stella Artois Culinary Courtyard. On stage, the Shane Duncan Band is set to keep the energy high with country-rock hits leading into the evening.

Tickets include seating, so everyone has a chair waiting. That means you can relax, enjoy the food and music, and be ready when the first fireworks signal the start of the parade.

Admission is $40 for adults and $35 for children 10 and under. Purchase tickets here.

With more than a million spectators, the Winterfest Boat Parade is one of the busiest nights of the season. Here are some tips to make sure your night is holly, jolly, and stress-free:

• Arrive early. Gates open at 4:00 p.m., giving you time to enjoy the preshow entertainment and grab a good spot before the boats arrive.
   
• Consider rideshare. Drop-off points are close to the Viewing Area and save you the hassle of parking.
   
• Parking is limited. The Las Olas Parking Garage at 200 Las Olas Circle is the closest option, though it fills up quickly.
   
• Watch the bridges. The Las Olas Boulevard Bridge will remain raised from 6:15 p.m. until the end of the parade, which will affect traffic in the area.
   
• Leave pets at home. Animals are not permitted in the Viewing Area.
   
• Dress for the evening. South Florida nights are usually warm with a light breeze, so festive attire and light layers are all you need.

The Winterfest Boat Parade is just the beginning of a holiday escape in Greater Fort Lauderdale. Turn the night into a weekend and wake up to more sunshine, shopping, and waterfront vistas.

Stay in the heart of it all at the Riverside Hotel on Las Olas Boulevard, where timeless charm meets a bustling stretch of boutiques and cafés. For a more modern retreat, the Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale offers sweeping Intracoastal views and chic amenities, including its tucked-away speakeasy, Rm. 901, for a nightcap after the parade.

Both hotels keep you close to the action while offering a stylish getaway once the boats have passed.

The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is more than boats draped in lights. It’s a celebration of everything that makes Greater Fort Lauderdale sparkle: a love of the water, a welcoming vibe, and a holiday season with its own tropical twist.

Each year, families return, friends gather, and visitors discover a tradition that feels both timeless and uniquely South Florida. With Montell Jordan’s music, Romero Britto’s art, and a fleet of illuminated vessels bringing yacht rock to life, the 2025 parade promises a night you’ll always remember.

For more details, tickets, and updates, visit winterfestparade.com.