The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
Spectators can watch private boats, giant showboats, and corporate megayachts adorned with hundreds of thousands of lights, decorations, celebrities, and musical performers. The 12-mile procession begins along the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale and travels north along the Intracoastal Waterway to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. Visitors at the official viewing area can also enjoy continuous stage entertainment, interactive games, festival food, and photo opportunities with Santa Claus.
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Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
Boat entry fees start at $30.
Hours
6:00 PM to 8:30 PM; pre-show of non-motorized vessels at 5:30 p.m.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Fort Lauderdale
Food & Drink
The Culinary Courtyard offers a variety of festival foods.
Parking
The Las Olas Parking Garage is next to the viewing area; parking is very limited on parade night, and rideshare is encouraged.
Pets
Pets are not allowed at the Parade Viewing Area.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Buy a separate Parade Viewing Area ticket if you want access to its stage entertainment, games, food vendors and Santa photo opportunities.
- Use rideshare or allow for a walk from parking because spaces at the Las Olas Parking Garage are very limited on parade night.
- Leave bottles, coolers, chairs and pets at home; chairs are provided for guests at the viewing area.
- If travelling across the Las Olas Bridge, plan to be on its east side before it is locked open for the parade.
- Allow about two and a half hours to watch the parade from one location, as its starting locations stagger along the route.
Special Events & Promotions
- Children three and under enter the Parade Viewing Area free.
- Children twelve and younger have a separate ticket option for the Parade Viewing Area.
- The Parade Viewing Area has its own tickets, separate from watching the parade along the route.
- The viewing area adds a new 20-foot LED Soundwave truck for the 2026 event.
- Santa is available for photos at the viewing area before joining the parade.
Links & Contact
Run by Winterfest, Inc.
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can visitors see at the parade?
Decorated private boats, showboats and corporate megayachts travel along a 12-mile route, with lights, music and entertainment.
What activities are included at the public viewing area?
The area has festival food, vendors, interactive games, continuous stage entertainment, Santa photo opportunities and parade commentary. Chairs are provided.
What food and drink is available?
Festival food and drinks are available at the viewing area’s Culinary Corner.
Where can I park for the viewing area?
The Las Olas Parking Garage is next to the viewing area, but parking is very limited on parade night. Rideshare is encouraged.
What should I know before bringing items to the viewing area?
Bottles, coolers, chairs and pets are not allowed. Chairs are provided for guests.
Browse Christmas in Fort Lauderdale
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.