WEST PALM BEACH, FL — A new holiday parade is lining up on the Intracoastal next weekend, though organizers talk about it like it’s been years in the making. Sailfish Marina is putting on the first Boat Parade of the Greater Palm Beaches on Saturday, Dec. 13. Two hours on the water, starting near 98 Lake Drive, drifting south toward West Palm Beach as the lights come on along Singer Island.
It runs 6 to 8 p.m. Boats dressed up for the season, fireworks somewhere overhead, maybe late in the lineup. Santa’s riding the WPBF Grand Marshal Boat, which should get a reaction from the kids pressed up along the railing by the marina.
Sailfish Marina is presenting it but partnered with the City of West Palm Beach too, since the parade ties into the Little Smiles toy drive. That’s the push for new, unwrapped toys — thousands every year — for local kids. A good cause, though these things always feel a little rushed once December hits.
Their promo pitch calls it a “dazzling new holiday tradition,” and maybe it will be. The sponsor list they sent over is packed, logos stacked on top of each other like someone ran out of space.
Crowds will likely fill the usual spots — the north end of Singer Island, Peanut Island cut, some of the parks closer to downtown. Blue Heron gets slow around sunset on a regular day, but this will probably test patience.
Organizers say the parade goes on weather permitting. They hope it becomes a yearly thing, something that settles into the mid-December mix up here.
See the official event website for more details.
More boat parades in our area: Holiday Boat Parades Continue This Week — Boca Remains on Shore
