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Holiday · Fort Lauderdale

Winterfest Boat Parade 2026 — Where to Watch & Stay

The Winterfest Boat Parade — a mile-long procession of lavishly illuminated yachts along the New River and Intracoastal Waterway — lights up Fort Lauderdale on 12 december 2026. The parade is free to watch from dozens of waterfront spots, and Double Rainbow Suites' pet-friendly homes sit about 10–15 minutes from the best viewing stretches.

Next edition

12 december 2026

Over 3 maanden
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Where to stay

All four homes are 10–15 minutes from the mid-route viewing areas — an easy rideshare on parade night.

Getting there & parking

The parade travels from downtown's New River up the Intracoastal to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. Prime free viewing includes the Las Olas riverfront and waterfront parks along the route — arrive a couple of hours early for the popular spots.

From our homes it's 10–15 minutes to the mid-route viewing areas. Rideshare is smart on parade night, and several waterfront restaurants run watch-party seating — book those well ahead.

Good to know before you go

  • The parade starts in the early evening and takes a couple of hours to pass any given point — bring chairs and a cooler.
  • December evenings can be breezy on the water — pack a light layer.
  • Grandstand seating is ticketed; the rest of the route is free to watch.
  • It's one of the busiest nights of the year on the water — and one of the most magical.

Bill & Jonathan's pick

Make a weekend of it: parade on Saturday night, brunch on Wilton Drive on Sunday. December is our favorite month here — warm days, no humidity, everything lit up.

Frequently asked

When is the Winterfest Boat Parade 2026?

The 2026 parade sails on 12 december 2026, from the New River downtown up the Intracoastal Waterway.

Where is the best place to watch the Winterfest Boat Parade?

Free viewing lines the New River and Intracoastal — the Las Olas riverfront and waterfront parks are favorites. Arrive a couple of hours early, or book a waterfront restaurant watch party.

Is the Winterfest Boat Parade free?

Watching from the public waterfront is free; grandstand seating is ticketed through the official site.

More event guides

Stonewall Pride Visitor GuideBoat Show (FLIBS) GuideTortuga Music Festival GuideFort Lauderdale Air Show Guide

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