Winterfest Boat Parade 2026 Fort Lauderdale (December 12)
Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park 80 Las Olas Circle, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Winterfest Boat Parade 2026 in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, December 12: holiday lighted boats, fireworks, and viewing tickets.
THE EXPERIENCE
About this event
The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade returns on Saturday, December 12, 2026, bringing holiday lights, decorated boats, music, community groups, and waterfront excitement to Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach. Known as “The Most Spectacular Show on H2O,” this annual tradition is the official kickoff to South Florida’s holiday season. The 12-mile parade begins near the Historic Stranahan House on the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale, travels east to the Intracoastal Waterway, and continues north to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. A pre-show of non-motorized vessels begins at 5:30 PM, followed by fireworks and the official parade launch at 6 PM. The official Parade Viewing Area at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park offers an organized festival setting with pre- and post-parade entertainment. The parade is expected to arrive at this viewing area at approximately 6:30 PM. The parade travels the New River and Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale, about 40 minutes north of downtown Miami. Ticketed viewing is at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park near the beach, and free viewing spots fill up early along the route. Winterfest Boat Parade FAQ When is the Fort Lauderdale boat parade in 2026? Saturday, December 12, 2026. The pre-show starts at 5:30 PM, and the parade and fireworks start at 6 PM. Is the boat parade free? Yes, from public spots along the route. Official Parade Viewing Area seats are 40 dollars for adults, 30 dollars for ages 12 and under, and free for ages 3 and under. What is the 2026 theme? Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary. Where should you park? The Las Olas Garage at 200 Las Olas Circle is next to the viewing area, but parking is very limited, so rideshare is recommended. The Las Olas Bridge is locked open during the parade, so be east of it by 6 PM. Can you watch on TV? Yes. WSVN 7 airs the parade special on Friday, December 18, from 7 PM to 8 PM, with repeats on December 25 and January 1.
GOOD TO KNOW
Before you go
The parade occurs on Saturday, December 12, 2026. Official Viewing Area gates open at 4 PM; the pre-show begins at 5:30 PM; fireworks and parade start are at 6 PM. The parade takes about two and a half hours to watch from a single location, though arrival time varies across the 12-mile route.
The official Parade Viewing Area is at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park and provides a festival atmosphere, entertainment, and organized seating/viewing. Rideshare is encouraged; parking at the nearby Las Olas Parking Garage is limited on parade night. Plan to arrive on the east side of the Las Olas Bridge before 6 PM because the bridge remains open for the parade duration.
All Ages