Florida By Water has released its annual list of 2011 Holiday Boat Parades. Every year, the award-winning website compiles a comprehensive directory of places to celebrate the season along the water's edge.
Each boat parade is as individual as the area it represents. For major events like Fort Lauderdale’s Winterfest, and other big-city draws like Tampa and Jacksonville, hundreds of thousands of people will line the shoreline to catch a glimpse of the spectacular vessels adorned with lights. For a more hometown feel, you might want to check out smaller events like the boat parades in Astor or Milton. There's something for everyone here in the Sunshine State. Parades begin on November 26th and run through December 18th; the majority will take place on December 10th.
For many Floridians, of course, it just wouldn’t seem like the holidays without Santa riding by on a brightly lit sleigh/boat. But Florida By Water founder Rusty Gardner says Florida boat parades aren't just for locals. Rusty says he's been receiving e-mails since September from people all over the country looking for Florida boat parade information to help make their holiday travel plans.