The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, FL

The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade in Fort Lauderdale marks the beginning of South Florida's holiday season every December, attracting over a million spectators along its 12-mile route. This extravagant event features a stunning array of boats, from small private vessels to grand showboats and corporate yachts, all beautifully illuminated with hundreds of thousands of festive lights.

Christmas Parade

In addition to the mesmerizing displays, the parade often showcases beauty queens, musical performances, and celebrity appearances, enhancing the festive atmosphere. For those unable to attend in person, the parade can be viewed live on television or online, contributing to its reputation as one of the world's most-watched boat parades. It's affectionately dubbed the "Greatest Show on H2O" due to its vibrant celebrations on the waters

Route & Schedule

The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade kicks off at 6:30 pm in downtown Fort Lauderdale, right next to the historic Stranahan House. The parade route takes the boats along the New River, heading east to the Intracoastal Waterway, then north to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach, concluding around 8:30 pm. The parade lasts approximately 2.5 hours from a single viewing point as boats pass by at staggered intervals while making their way north.

Best Viewing Spots

For the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, several excellent vantage points are available at restaurants and hotels along the New River and Intracoastal Waterway. The premier location is the Grandstand Area, situated just north of Sunrise Boulevard, which provides a great view of the parade. Additionally, the Winterfest organizes the only public viewing area at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park in east Fort Lauderdale. Parking is available at the Las Olas Parking Garage

Tickets

For the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, tickets for viewing are priced at $40 for adults and $35 for children aged ten and under. Additionally, if you're interested in entering a boat in the parade, fees start at $35.