Embrace the holiday spirit this season at the 51st Annual Boynton Beach Holiday Boat Parade. The Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (BBCRA), in collaboration with the City of Delray Beach, Town of Hypoluxo, and Town of Lantana, will proudly present the festive parade on Friday, December 8, 2023, starting at 6:30 PM.
This seasonal event promises a spectacular showcase of illuminated vessels that will navigate the picturesque Intracoastal waterways, weaving a magical tapestry of lights and colors.
In true South Florida fashion, where water activities are a cherished pastime, the Boynton Beach Holiday Boat Parade has become a highly anticipated local tradition. As the countdown to this extraordinary event begins, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this dazzling celebration.
How to Join the Parade
The BBCRA invites all local boaters to participate in this year’s Holiday Boat Parade! Please complete the online application here.
Entry in the parade is FREE, however all participants are asked to provide a new, unwrapped toy to be donated to Toys for Tots.
All skippers and mates are asked to attend the mandatory captains’ meeting on December 5th at 6:30 PM at City Hall – 100 E. Ocean Avenue, Boynton Beach, FL, 33435, inside Community Room 115. Access to the Community Room is located on the west side of City Hall off of Seacrest Boulevard. During the meeting important information will be shared from BBCRA staff and the BBPD Marine Unit.
Prizes will be awarded for First, Second, and Third Place in three size categories: Under 25 feet, 25 feet to 34 feet, and 35 feet and up. The date and location for the Awards Dinner is TBA. Following the Boat Parade, all participants will receive an invitation to the dinner, which will require a RSVP.
Parade Route
The shimmering procession will commence just south of the Ocean Avenue bridge in Lantana, near the iconic Old Key Lime House, and will gracefully wind its way southward to the C-15 canal in Delray Beach, situated just south of Linton Boulevard.
Traffic Considerations
Anticipate a surge in pedestrian and vehicular activity throughout Boynton Beach and Delray Beach, as spectators flock to various vantage points along the Intracoastal. Plan accordingly, allowing extra time for travel, especially in the eastern areas of each city, notably the Federal Highway corridor and A1A.
Bridge Delays
For the safety of all, several bridges along the route will be raised to facilitate the passage of the boat parade. Though specific bridge closure times are challenging to pinpoint, the following estimates based on previous years’ data provide a general guideline:
Boynton Beach
Ocean Avenue – 7:15 PM
Woolbright Road – 7:30 PM
Delray Beach
George Bush Boulevard – 7:45 PM
Atlantic Avenue – 8:00 PM
Linton Boulevard – 8:15 PM
Optimal Viewing Spots
Numerous enchanting locales offer prime views of the parade, including waterfront restaurants, parks, and marinas. Here are our top picks:
Boynton Beach
Boynton Harbor Marina – 735 Casa Loma Boulevard (Official Watch Location)
Jaycee Park – 2600 S. Federal Highway
Two Georges Waterfront Grille – 728 Casa Loma Boulevard
Banana Boat – 739 E. Ocean Avenue
Prime Catch – 700 E. Woolbright Road
Intracoastal Park – 2240 N. Federal Highway
Harvey Oyer Park – 2010 N. Federal Highway
Delray Beach
Veteran’s Park – 802 NE 1st Street
Knowles Park – 1001 S. Federal Highway
Deck 84 – 840 E. Atlantic Avenue
Del Fuego – 900 E. Atlantic Avenue
Festivities at the Boynton Harbor Marina
The BBCRA will host the official watch party for the parade, starting at 6:30 PM at the Boynton Harbor Marina. Festivities will include live music from the band Spider Cherry, a children’s craft activity provided by Art-Sea Living Studio, face painting, photo opportunities, food and drinks from Two Georges, treats for purchase from Scheurer’s Hand-Dipped Chocolates, and a special visit from Santa Claus and his cheery elves.
Free parking will be available in the lot located at 115 N. Federal Highway and paid parking is available within the parking garage located at the Marina.
Toys for Tots
In the spirit of giving, Sea Tow will join the parade, collecting new, unwrapped toys for Marine Toys for Tots. Illuminate the night by waving a flashlight, signaling a Sea Tow boat to collect your donation at individual docks along the route.
Moreover, on the night of the parade, Toys for Tots donation boxes will be available at Boynton Harbor Marina, Banana Boat, Prime Catch, Two Georges, and Deck 84. Let’s join hands to bring joy to local children during this holiday season.
For additional information about the boat parade, please visit the BBCRA website or the designated Facebook Event Page. Don’t miss out on this radiant celebration that promises to create cherished memories for years to come!
Boynton Beach Insider 
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