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Joshua S.
2 hours ago
Amazing yacht rental experience. Ben was great on board, helpful, friendly and on top of everything. Everything went perfect, and the jet skis were superior. Will definitely be back.
Fort Lauderdale Holiday Charters
Watch the Winterfest Boat Parade from a Private Yacht
Front-row views of the Fort Lauderdale boat parade from the Intracoastal. Private yacht from $1,500, captain and crew included. Parade night books out early, reserve now.
Best price guaranteed. Have another quote? Let us match it.
AS SEEN IN
HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE
Winterfest Boat Parade in Fort Lauderdale
The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is Fort Lauderdale's signature holiday event, a procession of decorated, lit-up boats cruising the Intracoastal Waterway on a December evening. Watching from a shoreline spot means fighting crowds for a blocked view. On a private yacht, you anchor front-row along the route, stay warm on board with a private chef and catering, and watch the lit parade pass at eye level on the water.
A Winterfest Boat Parade charter starts from $1,500 for 4 hours, captain and crew included. We arrange front-row anchored viewing, cruising the route, and pre-parade holiday dinner cruises through the Las Olas Isles. Parade night is the busiest charter night of the season, so browse our full fleet of yacht rentals and reserve early to lock in the best vessel and viewing position.
Our Fleet
Yachts Available for Parade Night
Over 55 private yachts available for the Winterfest Boat Parade, from sport yachts to flybridge cruisers with an open upper deck for unobstructed viewing. Browse our full fleet and reserve early for parade night.
VanDutch | 40ft
10 guests
Price $2,400$2,950 / 4 hours
All included, no extra costs
Captain & crew included
Weekend slots filling fast
Lazzara LSX | 75ft
13 guests
Price $4,000$4,500 / 4 hours
All included, no extra costs
Captain & crew included
Weekend slots filling fast
Azimut | 66ft
13 guests
Price $2,700$3,300 / 4 hours
All included, no extra costs
Captain & crew included
Weekend slots filling fast
Azimut | 57ft
13 guests
Price $1,950$2,400 / 4 hours
All included, no extra costs
Captain & crew included
Weekend slots filling fast
Galeon | 68ft
13 guests
Price $5,000$5,900 / 4 hours
All included, no extra costs
Captain & crew included
Weekend slots filling fast
Azimut | 105ft
13 guests
Price $7,000$8,300 / 4 hours
All included, no extra costs
Captain & crew included
Weekend slots filling fast
ADD-ONS
Parade Night Add-Ons Fort Lauderdale
Private Chef & Catering
Champagne & Hot Cocoa Bar
Holiday Decorations
Private DJ on Board
THE PARADE
What Is the Fort Lauderdale Winterfest Boat Parade?
Known as one of the world's most-watched boat parades, the Fort Lauderdale Christmas boat parade lights up the Intracoastal Waterway every December. Here is what to know before you book.
What It Is
The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is Fort Lauderdale's signature holiday event: a procession of decorated private boats and marine floats lit up in holiday lights, cruising the Intracoastal Waterway on a single December evening. It is one of the largest and most-watched boat parades in the world.
When It Happens
The Winterfest Boat Parade is traditionally held on the second Saturday of December, starting in the early evening and running for several hours after dark. Confirm the exact date each year on the official Winterfest schedule, then book your charter around it.
The 12-Mile Route
The parade runs roughly 12 miles along the Intracoastal Waterway, starting near the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale and heading north past Las Olas, Sunrise Boulevard, and the Galleria to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach.
Why Watch from the Water
Shoreline spots fill up hours in advance and views are blocked by crowds. On a private yacht you anchor in a front-row position along the route, stay warm on board with catering and drinks, and watch the lit parade pass at eye level on the water.
A Holiday Tradition
For families, companies, and visitors, the Fort Lauderdale Christmas boat parade is a South Florida holiday tradition. A private charter turns parade night into a fully hosted event with your own crew, food, and warm deck space on the Intracoastal.
Book Early
Parade night is the single busiest charter night of the Fort Lauderdale winter season. Yachts along the route sell out weeks in advance. We recommend reserving your Winterfest charter as early as possible to secure the vessel and the anchoring position you want.
VIEWING STYLES
Ways to Watch the Boat Parade in Fort Lauderdale
Every group watches the parade differently. Tell us what you have in mind and we match you with the right yacht, viewing position, and timing.
Most Popular
Front-Row Anchored Viewing
Board before the parade begins and anchor in a prime position along the Intracoastal route. The captain holds your spot while the lit parade passes at eye level. Catering and a private chef keep the group warm and fed all evening. The most-requested way to watch the Winterfest Boat Parade.
On the Move
Cruise the Parade Route
Rather than anchor, cruise a section of the Intracoastal alongside the parade and take in the decorated waterfront homes and lit boats from different vantage points along the way. The captain positions the yacht for the best views as the parade moves north.
Downtown Start
New River Start Charter
Board downtown near the New River and Riverwalk where the parade begins. Watch the boats line up and light up before the procession heads out onto the Intracoastal. A great option for groups staying in downtown Fort Lauderdale or Las Olas.
Family-Friendly
Family Holiday Parade Charter
A warm, private deck for the whole family to watch the holiday boat parade together. Hot cocoa, a spread of food, and space for the kids to move around safely. The captain anchors in a calm spot so everyone has a clear view. Pair it with a family yacht charter for the wider trip.
Corporate
Corporate & Group Parade Night
Host clients or the team for parade night on a private yacht with full bar and catering. A memorable end-of-year event on the water. See our Fort Lauderdale corporate charter options for larger groups.
Dinner + Parade
Pre-Parade Holiday Dinner Cruise
Start with a private dinner cruise through the Las Olas Isles at golden hour, then anchor for the parade as the lights come on. A full holiday evening on the water, from sunset dinner to the last lit boat.
DEPARTURE LOCATIONS
Parade Night Departure Marinas in Fort Lauderdale
Board before the parade begins. We meet you at the dock and reach the anchoring position in time.
Select a departure marina to see the location
Cooley's Landing Marina
New River, Downtown
On the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale, near the Riverwalk where the Winterfest Boat Parade begins. The best boarding point for groups who want to be at the start of the parade route as the boats line up and light up.
On the Intracoastal at the eastern end of the Las Olas causeway, right on the parade route. A convenient boarding point for a quick run to a front-row anchoring position as the parade heads north.
Fort Lauderdale's most storied marina, on the barrier island beside the Intracoastal and the parade route. A central departure for beach-area groups, with quick access to the Las Olas and Sunrise Boulevard viewing stretches.
A full-service marina on the 17th Street Causeway with direct Intracoastal access. A convenient south-end boarding point for groups joining the parade route from the beach and downtown areas.
A landmark deep-water marina on the Intracoastal at the 17th Street Causeway. Preferred for larger parade-night groups and corporate charters on bigger yachts with an open upper deck for viewing.
On the Intracoastal just north of the Las Olas causeway, directly on the parade route. A convenient beach-area boarding point for a short run to a viewing position along the central stretch.
A modern full-service marina on the Intracoastal north of Las Olas, near the Galleria and the Sunrise Boulevard viewing stretch. Convenient for groups who want a front-row spot along the northern half of the parade route.
- Cooley's Landing MarinaNew River, DowntownOn the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale, near the Riverwalk where the Winterfest Boat Parade begins. The best boarding point for groups who want to be at the start of the parade route as the boats line up and light up.
- Las Olas MarinaFort Lauderdale BeachOn the Intracoastal at the eastern end of the Las Olas causeway, right on the parade route. A convenient boarding point for a quick run to a front-row anchoring position as the parade heads north.
- Bahia Mar Yachting CenterFort Lauderdale BeachFort Lauderdale's most storied marina, on the barrier island beside the Intracoastal and the parade route. A central departure for beach-area groups, with quick access to the Las Olas and Sunrise Boulevard viewing stretches.
- Lauderdale Marina17th Street CausewayA full-service marina on the 17th Street Causeway with direct Intracoastal access. A convenient south-end boarding point for groups joining the parade route from the beach and downtown areas.
- Pier Sixty-Six Marina17th Street CausewayA landmark deep-water marina on the Intracoastal at the 17th Street Causeway. Preferred for larger parade-night groups and corporate charters on bigger yachts with an open upper deck for viewing.
- Hall of Fame MarinaFort Lauderdale BeachOn the Intracoastal just north of the Las Olas causeway, directly on the parade route. A convenient beach-area boarding point for a short run to a viewing position along the central stretch.
- Sunrise Harbor MarinaIntracoastal WaterwayA modern full-service marina on the Intracoastal north of Las Olas, near the Galleria and the Sunrise Boulevard viewing stretch. Convenient for groups who want a front-row spot along the northern half of the parade route.
HOW TO PLAN
How to Book a Boat Parade Charter in Fort Lauderdale
01
Confirm the Parade Date and Your Group Size
Check the official Winterfest Boat Parade date for the year, then tell us your group size and preferences. Parade night books out weeks in advance, so the earlier you reach out, the better the vessel and anchoring position we can secure.
02
Pick Your Yacht and Viewing Style
We send you a shortlist of yachts available for parade night and help you choose between an anchored front-row spot or cruising the route. Larger groups suit flybridge yachts with an open upper deck for unobstructed parade views.
03
Add Catering, Drinks, and Holiday Add-Ons
Add a private chef, a catering package, a hot cocoa and champagne bar, holiday decorations, or a DJ. Everything is loaded before you board so parade night is fully hosted.
04
Confirm with a Deposit
Secure your parade-night charter with an online payment. Because this is the busiest night of the season, a confirmed deposit locks in your vessel and anchoring plan. We send a clear confirmation with your boarding time and marina address.
05
Board Before the Parade Begins
We meet you at the dock at Bahia Mar, Las Olas Marina, or Cooley's Landing on the New River. Board before the procession starts so the captain can reach and hold the anchoring position while the parade lines up.
06
Watch the Parade from the Water
The lit boats pass at eye level as your group stays warm on board with food and drinks. The crew handles everything from departure to return so you focus entirely on the holiday lights on the Intracoastal.
THE ROUTE
Best Viewing Spots Along the Parade Route
The parade runs about 12 miles up the Intracoastal, from the New River downtown to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. Your captain positions the yacht anywhere along the route for the best view.
Select a viewing spot to see where it is
New River & Downtown
Parade StartThe Winterfest Boat Parade lines up and begins near the New River and the Riverwalk in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Boarding here puts you at the start, watching the decorated boats light up before they head out onto the Intracoastal.
The parade passes the Las Olas Isles, Fort Lauderdale's Venice of America, where waterfront mansions are lit for the holidays. Anchoring near the isles is one of the most popular front-row viewing positions on the route.
The central Intracoastal stretch near Sunrise Boulevard and the Galleria is a wide, well-lit section of the parade route with room to anchor and a long view of the approaching boats.
As the parade moves north past the Coral Ridge and Middle River area, the waterfront homes along the Intracoastal are decorated and lit, adding to the lit boats on the water for a full holiday scene.
The parade concludes at Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach, roughly 12 miles north of the downtown start. A quieter finish-line viewing option away from the busiest central crowds.
The stretch of Intracoastal beside Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and the historic Bonnet House offers a scenic, tree-lined backdrop for parade viewing just north of the Las Olas isles.
- New River & DowntownParade StartThe Winterfest Boat Parade lines up and begins near the New River and the Riverwalk in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Boarding here puts you at the start, watching the decorated boats light up before they head out onto the Intracoastal.
- Las Olas IslesPrime ViewingThe parade passes the Las Olas Isles, Fort Lauderdale's Venice of America, where waterfront mansions are lit for the holidays. Anchoring near the isles is one of the most popular front-row viewing positions on the route.
- Sunrise Boulevard & GalleriaCentral StretchThe central Intracoastal stretch near Sunrise Boulevard and the Galleria is a wide, well-lit section of the parade route with room to anchor and a long view of the approaching boats.
- Middle River & Coral RidgeNorthern ViewingAs the parade moves north past the Coral Ridge and Middle River area, the waterfront homes along the Intracoastal are decorated and lit, adding to the lit boats on the water for a full holiday scene.
- Lake Santa Barbara, Pompano BeachParade FinishThe parade concludes at Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach, roughly 12 miles north of the downtown start. A quieter finish-line viewing option away from the busiest central crowds.
- Bonnet House & Birch State ParkBeach-Side StretchThe stretch of Intracoastal beside Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and the historic Bonnet House offers a scenic, tree-lined backdrop for parade viewing just north of the Las Olas isles.
Check Availability
Reserve Your Parade Night Charter
Parade night sells out weeks ahead. Share a few details and we'll get back to you with available yachts within minutes.
WHY WATCH FROM THE WATER
The Best Seat for the Fort Lauderdale Boat Parade
A private yacht turns parade night into a fully hosted holiday event. Here is what sets a Crown Yachts Miami charter apart.
A Front-Row Seat on the Water
No crowds, no blocked views, no fighting for a spot
Shoreline viewing spots fill up hours before the parade and views get blocked by the crowd. On a private yacht, the captain anchors in a front-row position along the Intracoastal so your group watches the lit boats pass at eye level. Our fleet ranges from sport yachts to luxury yachts with an open upper deck. Browse the full fleet and reserve early.
A Warm, Fully Hosted Holiday Evening
Catering, a hot cocoa and champagne bar, and holiday styling
Stay warm and fed on board while the parade passes. Our private chef and catering team handle a full holiday spread, and we set up a hot cocoa and champagne bar with holiday decorations before you board. Captain, crew, fuel, ice, and water are always included in the price.
Make It a Full Holiday Evening
Pair the parade with a pre-parade dinner cruise
Start with a dinner cruise through the Las Olas Isles at golden hour, then anchor for the parade as the lights come on. For larger groups and companies, a corporate charter makes parade night a memorable end-of-year event. We build the evening around your plans, start to finish.
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FAQ
Winterfest Boat Parade FAQ
- When is the Winterfest Boat Parade in Fort Lauderdale?
- The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is traditionally held on the second Saturday of December, starting in the early evening and running for several hours after dark. Confirm the exact date each year on the official Winterfest schedule, then book your charter around it.
- Can we watch the boat parade from a private yacht?
- Yes. Watching from a private yacht is one of the best ways to see the parade. We anchor in a front-row position along the Intracoastal route, or cruise a section alongside the parade, so your group has a clear view at eye level while staying warm on board with food and drinks.
- What is the route of the Fort Lauderdale Christmas boat parade?
- The parade runs roughly 12 miles along the Intracoastal Waterway, starting near the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale and heading north past Las Olas, Sunrise Boulevard, and the Galleria to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. We position your yacht anywhere along that route.
- How far in advance should we book a Winterfest charter?
- Parade night is the single busiest charter night of the Fort Lauderdale winter season, and yachts along the route sell out weeks in advance. We recommend booking as early as possible, ideally by October or early November, to secure the vessel and anchoring position you want.
- How much does a boat parade charter cost in Fort Lauderdale?
- Winterfest Boat Parade charters start from $1,500 for a 4-hour booking, priced by yacht size and duration. Every charter includes a licensed captain, crew, fuel, ice, and water. Catering, a private chef, a hot cocoa and champagne bar, and holiday decorations are available as add-ons.
- What is included in a parade-night charter?
- Every charter includes a USCG-licensed captain and crew, fuel, ice, bottled water, life jackets, and full use of the yacht for your booking. You get a premium sound system and open deck space for viewing. Optional add-ons include catering, a private chef, a bar setup, holiday decorations, and a DJ.
- How many guests can join a boat parade charter?
- Our yachts accommodate between 6 and 13 guests depending on the vessel, and we have larger vessels for corporate and group parade nights. We match the yacht to your group so everyone has clear deck space to watch the parade.
- Is a boat parade charter good for families?
- Yes. A private yacht is a warm, safe, and comfortable way for families to watch the holiday boat parade together, with room for kids to move around and hot cocoa on board. The captain anchors in a calm spot with a clear view.
- Should we anchor or cruise during the parade?
- Both work well. Anchoring in a front-row position gives you a fixed, unobstructed view as the parade passes. Cruising a section of the route lets you see the decorated homes and boats from different vantage points. Your captain recommends the best option based on your group and the conditions on the night.
- What should we bring on parade night?
- December evenings on the water can be cool, so bring a light jacket or layers. We provide ice and water and can arrange a full catering setup and a hot cocoa and champagne bar. You are welcome to bring your own beverages and any holiday extras you would like on board.
Reserve Your Spot for the Fort Lauderdale Boat Parade
Parade night is the busiest charter night of the season and yachts sell out weeks in advance. Reserve early to lock in your vessel and front-row position for the Winterfest Boat Parade.
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