12.14.2023 UPDATE - THE PARADE HAS BEEN CANCELED

As organizers of this cherished community event, we regret to announce that this year's Indian River County Christmas Boat Parade has been canceled due to hazardous boating conditions. The latest marine forecast calls for strong winds, heavy rain and rough chop through the weekend, making conditions much too dangerous for anyone to enjoy the parade. We want to thank the community and our sponsors for their support. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.


Indian River County Christmas Boat Parade

Registration is free to all boaters who would like to participate. Captains (or a crew member) are required to attend the captain’s meeting prior to each of the parades where all participants will be briefed on boater safety, parade route and collect their boat numbers.

Boats are divided into three categories (Small, Medium and Large), with winners in each category receiving prizes based on scores determined by a panel of judges. The judges are well-qualified individuals. All are briefed and understand the challenge of decorating a vessel, and each brings an appreciation for design, imagination, and implementation of your ideas.

Boats are expected to form a line behind a lead patrol boat and operate at no wake speed throughout the duration of the event. Boats must also complete the parade route in order to be eligible for a prize.


Important Dates

Captain’s Meeting:
Date: Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Time: 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Location: Quail Valley at the Pointe, 1 Royal Palm Pointe, Vero Beach, FL 32960

Parade:
Date: Saturday, December 16, 2023
Time: Staging begins at 5:30 p.m., Parade starts at 6 p.m.
Location: Staging begins in the Intracoastal Waterway Channel, north of the Merrill P. Barber Bridge

Christmas Parade Route