Winterfest Boat Parade returns with dazzling lights along Broward County waterways
Broward County, Florida – The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade will bring back its famous blend of lights, music, and holiday cheer to the waterways of Broward County. The annual event starts along the New River and then moves east toward Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway. From then, the lighted fleet goes north until it reaches Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. The route remains one of the most famous in South Florida, and thousands of people come to see the decorated boats glide through the night.
The parade this year will start at 6:00 PM on December 13, 2025. This is a somewhat different start time that will give people more time to get ready before the parade comes. Once again, the organizers say that the official Parade Viewing Area is the best area to see the action up close. The site is at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park in east Fort Lauderdale and is meant to look like a holiday festival ground, with live entertainment before and after the boats pass.
Tickets for the viewing area are likely to sell out quickly, so organizers suggest that people get their tickets ahead of time. People may see the parade well from the controlled viewing zone without having to deal with the crowds that are common along the route.
There are still a lot of options for people who want a more laid-back atmosphere. There are more sites to observe the procession along the New River and Intracoastal, like bridges, waterfront hotels like The Riverside Hotel, and open spaces. Winterfest has also put together a longer list of hotels, restaurants, and things to do for anyone who want to spend the whole weekend there. There are even filters to help you find places right on the parade route.
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For a lot of people, the event is a way to get away from the stress of the end of the year or the freezing weather in the north. The parade continues to be one of South Florida’s most beloved holiday traditions, with colorful floats, a beautiful route, and many places to watch.
