The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is the traditional kickoff to the South Florida holiday season. Bringing together the community and visitors from around the world, this one-of-a-kind parade of beautifully decorated boats of all sizes is a can’t-miss extravaganza.

The parade takes place at 6:30pm with a pre-show of non-motorized vessels at 6:00 p.m. The parade will stage on the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale, along the docks west of Stranahan House to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

The parade starts at Stranahan House, traveling East along the New River in Fort Lauderdale to the Intracoastal Waterway and continues North to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach.

Private boats, giant showboats and corporate megayachts will be adorned with hundreds of thousands of lights, music, entertainment, decorations, celebrities, musical groups, beauty queens, and many other exciting entries expected to be viewed by over one million spectators.

The 12-mile parade takes approximately 2½ hours to view from one location (starting locations stagger as you travel north). 

List of other viewing areas includes:

Bridges

The Riverside Hotel

Downtowner Saloon

Various other locations along the parade route

Please check website to confirm other viewing areas and party options.

Check out our full list of South Florida's top holiday light displays!