Boat Parades Around St Pete and Pinellas County

Published on 11/24/22: Boat parades, golf cart parades, light displays, artificial snow and festivals. There’s lots to see around our area these next 45 days! I’ll write several posts with suggestions for 2022, but let’s start with boat parades…

Who in the @LovingStPete family has watched or participated in a boat parade? If you haven’t, try to check one out this year. They’re free and make for a fun community event, with spectators often making a party out of it. #FloridaLife

What to Bring to Florida Boat Parades?

I suggest bringing tailgate chairs or blankets, drinks, and snacks. I’m not encouraging alcohol, simply saying that you’ll be out for 1-2+ hours and you need to stay hydrated. Whether that’s water, eggnog, hot chocolate w/ peppermint schnapps or whatever else, if you’re not driving and the community allows.

 

Dates below may change due to weather etc, so Google the particular event online for updates or use links below. Additionally, keep in mind that boat parades of course cover quite a bit of territory, so there will be multiple viewing spots. If you’re watching from a spot near the beginning of the route, you’ll see it near the beginning of the time range below. If you’re watching from near the end of the parade route, it may not begin to pass you by until 45+ minutes after the start time.

The intention of this post is to primarily point out the various parades and get you near the parade route. Links to each boat parade on my LovingStPete.com blog.

City of St Pete Beach Boat Parade

Dec 2nd from 6-9pm: City of St Pete Beach Boat Parade.  Viewing at Horan Park @ 7701 Boca Ciega Drive, St. Pete Beach. Boats depart at 6:30pm. Live music, a special visit from Santa, and the Tree Lighting. Beverages available for purchase. https://spbrec.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=1582

Tarpon Springs Boat Parade

Dec 2nd from 8-10pm: Tarpon Springs Boat parade. Viewing at Spring Bayou Area and Craig Park at Tarpon Ave at Spring Blvd, Tarpon Springs https://exploretarponsprings.com/event/32nd-annual-boat-parade/

 

Dunedin Holiday Boat Parade

Dec 3rd from 6-9pm: Dunedin Holiday Boat Parade. Viewing at Edgewater Park @ 51 Main Street, Dunedin. “Boats launch from Loggerhead Marker 1 Marina and parade the intercoastal towards Dunedin Marina, leading up to the arrival of Santa. Holiday music, seafood treats from Olde Bay Café, roast marshmallows to create a s’more. The night concludes with the lighting of the Christmas tree”. https://www.dunedingov.com/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/40802/30?sortn=EDate&toggle=all&npage=6

South Pasadena Boat Parade

Dec 9th from 6-7:30: South Pasadena boat parade. Viewing party at Barbara Gilberg Park @ 1600 Pasadena Ave S, St Pete.  One of the bigger payouts for the best decorated boats. Two $1200 1st place prizes, two $750 2nd place prizes, and two $500 3rd place prizes. https://www.marinemax.com/stores/st-petersburg/events/activities/south-pasadenas-holiday-lighted-boat-parade-2022-12-09

Downtown St Pete Lighted Boat Parade

Dec 10th @ 6:15pm: Sponsors are bringing the Christmas Lighted Boat Parade BACK to downtown St Petersburg and the St Pete Pier. Follow Pier Dolphin Cruises on FB and IG for details and updates. 2022 Downtown St Pete Lighted Boat Parade | Facebook

Clearwater Yacht Club Annual Holiday Parade

Dec 10 @ 6pm: Clearwater Yacht Club Annual Holiday Parade.  Can be seen from waterfront restaurants, hotels and private homes. The parade launches just north of the Mandalay channel bridge, following its traditional route heading north, then through the Island Estates community, then to the Memorial Causeway bridge, then back towards the beach, turning around at the City Fuel Dock, and then down to the judging area in front of the Clearwater Yacht Club. https://www.myclearwater.com/Events-Activities-and-Meetings/Clearwater-Yacht-Club-Annual-Holiday-Boat-Parade

 

Madeira Beach Boat Parade – 52nd Annual

Dec 10th @ 6:45: Madeira Beach 52 Annual. Parade begins at the American Legion Post 273 at 6:30pm, travels all the finger canals through the city, and ends at John’s Pass. Ending at approx 9:45/10pm. Watch The Parade from ROC Park and shop at the Merry Market, enjoy live music and join the kick off party on the seawall and watch the parade. 

Alternatively, watch from John’s pass with an evening of Holiday music and shopping with a late viewing of the parade. https://madeirabeachfl.gov/festival-of-lights-holiday-boat-parade/

 

Smacks Bayou / Snell Isle / Shore Acres Boat Parade

Dec 17th @ 6pm: Smacks Bayou (near Snell Isle) Last year the St. Raphael Church offered viewing from their waterside field. Field opened at 5pm and boat parade began passing soon after 6:30. They had live music + food trucks. 1376 Snell Isle Blvd NE, Saint Pete. https://facebook.com/events/s/smacks-bayou-3rd-annual-boat-p/469473305120982/

 

Treasure Island Boat Parade

Dec 17th from 5-7:30: Treasure Island.  A holiday celebration will be held at Treasure Bay Resort & Marina, 11125 Gulf Blvd., from 5-7:30 p.m. with a DJ, a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus, interactive entertainers and food and beverage concessions. https://www.mytreasureisland.org/residents/departments/recreation/holiday_lighted_boat_parade.php

 

Boca Ciega Yacht Club Boat Parade

Dec 17th @ 6pm: Boca Ciega Yacht Club parade (36th Annual). “We start at the Gulfport Municipal Marina and pass by the BCYC clubhouse on our way out into the bay heading to Gulfport’s Williams Pier and the beach, passing by the Gulfport Casino. We make our way through the communities of Town Shores, Pelican Bay, Skimmers Point, Bayview Circle, past Kipps Colony, near the Pasadena Yacht & Country Club (please note, that due to the Marina, we can only get halfway down that canal), then along Dolphin Blvd, to the Pasadena Golf Club Estates, across to Isla del Sol, and then we will head back to our slips.” https://www.sailbcyc.org/event-4732828

 

Redington Beaches and Indian Shores Holiday Parade

Dec 18th @ 5:30pm: The Redington Beaches / Indian Shores Holiday Boat Parade. It concludes at Caddy’s Indian Shores, possibly best ‘public’ place to watch it and why the ‘after party’ could go a while.

20025 Gulf Boulevard, Indian Shores https://m.facebook.com/1851685748218764/

Post brought to you by the Loving St Pete Team and HB Realty.

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