The 55th Winterfest Boat Parade is Saturday, Dec. 12, from 6 p.m. on the New River and Intracoastal. Free from shore; viewing-area tickets are not on sale yet.
Is it on this year? Yes. The 55th Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026. The preshow starts at 5:30 p.m. and the parade and fireworks at 6 p.m., according to Winterfest. Watching from shore is free. The 2026 theme is “Party in the U.S.A.,” marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Last checked Oct. 12, 2026. Ticket prices for the viewing area, the grand marshals and the road and bridge arrangements had not been published; this page will be updated as Winterfest and the city post them.
The short version
- When: Saturday, Dec. 12. Parade and fireworks from 6 p.m.
- Where: New River downtown, east to the Intracoastal, then north to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach, about 12 miles.
- Free: from bridges, parks and public spots along the route.
- Ticketed: the Parade Viewing Area at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park, gates at 4 p.m. Prices not out yet.
- Watch from home: live on YouTube and Facebook from 6 p.m.; WSVN 7 airs it Dec. 18.
What is confirmed and what is not
| Item | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Date: Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026 | Confirmed | Winterfest, City of Fort Lauderdale |
| Start: preshow 5:30 p.m., parade and fireworks 6 p.m. | Confirmed | Winterfest |
| Route: New River to Lake Santa Barbara, about 12 miles | Confirmed | Winterfest |
| Theme: “Party in the U.S.A.” | Confirmed | Winterfest |
| About 100 lit boats | City listing | City of Fort Lauderdale |
| Viewing area ticket prices | Not yet published | Winterfest says “available soon” |
| Grand marshals | Not yet announced | Not on Winterfest’s site |
| Road closures and bridge times | Not yet published | Expected from the city closer to the date |
The route
Winterfest says the boats start on the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale, head east to the Intracoastal Waterway, then turn north and finish at Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach, about 12 miles in all. The city’s event listing calls it the “World’s Most Decorated Parade,” with about 100 lit and decorated boats.
The boats should reach the Las Olas viewing area about 6:30 p.m., Winterfest says. Spots farther north on the Intracoastal see them later. Winterfest has a parade map linked from its FAQ page.
Where to watch for free
Winterfest’s ways to watch page names the bridges, The Riverside Hotel and “other various locations along the parade route.” Its hotels, restaurants and attractions directory can be filtered to “On Parade Route” for places that overlook the water. Get there early: the boats pass each spot once.
The ticketed Parade Viewing Area
The official Parade Viewing Area is at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park, 80 Las Olas Circle, at the southeast corner of Las Olas Boulevard and the Intracoastal. Winterfest lists:
- Gates at 4 p.m.; the city’s listing runs the area until 11 p.m.
- A chair for every guest, stage entertainment, commentary from iHeartRadio, food courts, games, vendors and photos with Santa and mascots before the parade.
- No outside bottles, coolers, chairs or pets.
- Rain or shine.
- Tickets: “available soon.” Winterfest has not posted prices yet.
The Las Olas bridge is locked open during the parade, Winterfest says, so be on the east side of the Intracoastal by 6 p.m. if you are going to the viewing area.
Parking and getting there
Winterfest encourages rideshare. The Las Olas Parking Garage, 200 Las Olas Circle, is next to the viewing area, but Winterfest warns parking will be very limited on parade night. Downtown, the city garages near the Riverwalk are the closest to the New River stretch of the route; rates are on our getting around page.
The city has not published road closures for parade night yet. The Las Olas bridge over the Intracoastal is already down to shifted lanes for construction, so allow extra time near the beach; see our road construction and closures page.
Watch on TV or online
From Winterfest’s broadcast schedule, which it says may change:
- Live stream: YouTube and Facebook, from 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12.
- WSVN 7: 7 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18; 5 to 6 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 25; 5 to 6 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 1.
- ABC Miami 18: 5 to 6 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m. on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
Before the parade
- Winterfest Family Fun Day, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, at Esplanade Park, 400 SW 2nd St. Free: crafts, a pet rescue row, an ocean conservation village, music from the School of Rock, free boat rides and photos with Santa, the city’s listing says.
- The rest of the season, from Light Up Lauderdale on Nov. 5 to the tree lightings, is on our Christmas parade and tree lighting page and holiday lights and Christmas events page.
Organizer: Winterfest, winterfestparade.com. City events line: 954-828-8000.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Winterfest Boat Parade in 2026?
The 55th Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026. Winterfest lists a preshow at 5:30 p.m. and the parade and fireworks at 6 p.m.
What is the route of the Winterfest Boat Parade?
The parade starts on the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale, heads east to the Intracoastal Waterway and then north to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach, about 12 miles, Winterfest says. Boats should reach the Las Olas viewing area about 6:30 p.m.
Is the Winterfest Boat Parade free to watch?
Yes, from public spots along the route, including bridges. The official Parade Viewing Area at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park is ticketed; Winterfest says tickets will be available soon and has not posted prices.
What is the 2026 Winterfest theme?
Party in the U.S.A., marking the nation’s 250th anniversary, according to Winterfest.
Can I watch the Winterfest Boat Parade on TV?
WSVN 7 airs it 7 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, with repeats on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Winterfest also streams the parade live on YouTube and Facebook from 6 p.m. Dec. 12.
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