Venice, Florida Christmas Boat Parade Dazzles Visitors

A church and Christmas tree light up this entry in the Venice, Florida Christmas Boat Parade.

The Intracoastal Waterway will become a sea of floating holiday-light displays on December 2nd during the 35th annual Venice, Florida Christmas Boat Parade. Seasoned boating enthusiasts and novices alike will take to the water for the magical evening and a chance to claim top spot for the best-decorated holiday boat. The parade is set to begin (weather permitting) at 6 p.m. just north of the Albee Road bridge, heading south with a turnaround before Circus Bridge, and proceeding to the channel marker in the jetties.

Lights, Reindeer, Action!

Boating participants go all-out on decorations, with holiday themes ranging from popular movies and cartoons to children’s books and more. Colorful lights, giant snowmen, inflatables, and flying reindeer offer a mesmerizing display of holiday eye candy. You may even see an elf or two singing in Santa’s workshop, or perhaps Santa himself leading the way with Rudolph and his friends.

Great Views All Around

There are plenty of great spots along the Intracoastal Waterway for viewing the parade. (Visit Venice Christmas Boat Parade for more information and a map of the route.) Set up your lawn chairs and picnic with friends and family on the shore or anchor your boat to take in the fun. You might opt to dine at one of the local restaurants and watch the festivities while sipping on your favorite beach beverage.

The Grinch is one of several holiday-themed characters you'll see in the Christmas Boat Parade in Venice, Florida.

Easy on the Budget

This popular event is provided to the public at no cost, with sponsorships benefitting youth-related boating activities and a marine sciences scholarship fund. With so much goodness to go around, the Venice Holiday Boat Parade offers something for everyone at any age!

Where To Stay for the Venice, Florida Christmas Boat Parade

For places to stay in the area, view our listings of condos, beach houses, and hotels at Sarasota vacation rentals, Siesta Key vacation rentals, and Anna Maria Island vacation rentals. Book here and plan on a wonderful time during a magical season along the Gulf Coast!

Lisa Milberger Moore wrote this article originally and it has been updated by BeachGuide staff.

Published on Friday, November 3, 2017