There’s nothing like a tropical holiday! We hope you’ll be here with us in Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores and the 
surrounding Gulf Coast area for this year’s holiday season. It’s the perfect time of year for a Gulf beach getaway. Leave the snow and ice storms behind and head south where the white sandy beaches beckon, the warm Gulf of Mexico waters lap gently on the shore, and the festivity of the holiday season abounds.
Everyone loves a boat parade, but the holiday season makes it even better with lights, decorations, and a boat load of holiday spirit. Make your pick for the winning entries, as the boats are judged in their respective categories. Gather your family and friends, find your vantage point, and join in the fun.
Madeira Beach 47th Annual Festival of Lights Holiday Boat Parade
Mad Beach’s Festival of Lights Holiday Boat Parade happens this Saturday, December 14. The official start time of the parade is 6:30p.m. at John’s Pass and the parade continues until about 10p.m. Boats are decked out in their holiday best and light up the night. Boats are judged on their creativity and wow factor in four categories: Best Overall, Under 25 Feet, Over 25 Feet, and Best Old Salt Boat. Be sure to pick your favorites and see if they match the judges’ picks.
Indian Shores Lighted Boat Parade
Indian Shores holds its annual Lighted Boat Parade on Sunday, December 15 beginning at 5:45 in the evening. The parade route begins at the Tom Stuart Causeway and continues north through the Intracoastal Waterway and finishes at The Pub in Indian Shores. The Pub hosts the Award Presentation immediately following the parade.
Indian Rocks Beach 27th Annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Indian Rocks Beach hosts its Holiday Lighted Boat Parade on Saturday, December 21 beginning at 7p.m. at the Holiday Inn Harbourside. The holiday boat parade procession heads north by the Holiday Inn 
Dock, continues under the Walsingham Bridge, and finishes at the north end of the city limits off Harbor Drive North. Judging is in three categories: 23 Feet and Under, 24 to 30 Feet, and 31 Feet and Over. Be sure to pick your favorite!
Come to one or all of these holiday lighted boat parades and join in the holiday fun and camaraderie. Cheer on your favorites and show your support of the locals who put in their time, creativity, and decorating skills to make these boat parades the fun and festive events they are.
We hope to see you there! Let us know if you’ll be joining in the lighted boat parade action whether you are out on the water as part of the parade or on the sidelines watching the procession. Cheers to all the participants! May the best boats win.
