36th Annual Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade

December 7, 2024 6:00 pm

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Salty Sam's Marina
2500 Main St. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931

Join Us for a Magical Christmas Boat Parade!

Get ready to be enchanted by the twinkling lights and festive spirit at our annual Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade!

Come and witness a spectacular display of beautifully decorated boats, each adorned with dazzling lights and holiday decorations. As the boats glide gracefully across the water, you’ll be captivated by the shimmering reflections and the joyous atmosphere.

Bring your family and friends to enjoy this unforgettable evening filled with holiday cheer, music, and the warmth of the community. Don’t miss out on this magical event that will surely light up your holiday season!

Parade Highlights

Santa and Mrs. Claus will lead the parade aboard the first boat, greeting all parade-goers.
Barry Lawrence, a local beach musician and resident, will provide live music and MC services for the event.
Live Music at Bayside Veterans Park, enjoy live music in the park at the base of Old San Carlos Blvd. all evening long while you watch the beautiful boats glide by.

Enter A Boat In The Parade

We invite you to be a part of the magic by entering your own boat in the parade. Decorate your boat with dazzling lights and festive decorations, and join the procession of beautifully adorned vessels. Show off your creativity and holiday spirit as you sail through the bay, spreading joy and cheer to all who watch. It’s a wonderful opportunity to be a part of a cherished community tradition and make lasting memories.

Cost to enter a boat in the parade is $40 or $75 if your boat has a business sponsor. Download the application here. You can scroll down to pay online below, but YOU MUST submit the completed application to us in order to participate in the parade.

If you have questions please contact Dayla at [email protected].

Video By Nicholas Becker, Cruisin Tikis Fort Myers Beach

Boat Parade Details

Make your voice heard! Vote for your favorite boat in the parade to help them win the People's Choice Award. Voting will be enabled on the day of the parade. Please check back.

The boats will assemble in front of the docks at Salty Sam’s Marina at 5:30 PM, with the parade set to depart promptly at 6:00 PM. The boats will travel northwest under the Matanzas Pass Bridge, passing the Coast Guard station, and continue through Estero Pass. The parade will then turn and head toward the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina. After passing the Pink Shell, the boats will turn south and travel along Estero Island before crossing the Matanzas Harbor.

If time and weather permit, the boats will make a second loop around the back bay area, passing under the Matanzas Pass Bridge for a second loop as they continue their festive journey.

The parade can be viewed from many locations along the bayfront including one of the many wonderful restaurants lining the back bay area. These spots offer a great view of the boats as they pass by, so make a reservation early and enjoy the show! In addition, many boat tour companies will be taking passengers to view the parade from the water.