It’s that magical time of year when all of Fort Lauderdale come together to take part in one of the most spectacular winter traditions in South Florida! I am referring to the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, a 12-mile parade that draws over a million attendees to Fort Lauderdale’s New River and Intracoastal Waterway. Referred to as “The Best Show on H20”, Fort Lauderdale is the perfect place for such an event, and attendees will be blown away by the giant showboats, private boats, and of course, unbelievable corporate megayachts draped in hundreds of thousands of lights and festive decorations. Also whipping the crowd into a frenzy will be lively music, entertainment, celebrities, musical groups, beauty queens, and more!

The theme of this year’s 46th Annual Holiday Boat Show is “Broadway on Parade.” The Grand Marshal of the parade will be popular country music group Big & Rich. Ken Ortner will be honored as this year's Commodore, and Genia Ellis is Belle of the Ball. Parade Captain is Captain Lee of television show “Below Deck” fame. Former N’ysnc members Joey Fatone and Chris Kirkpatrick will also be in attendance.

The Boat Parade will start on the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale, along the docks west of Stranahan House to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The Parade travels East to the Intracoastal Waterway as it continues North to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. Parade organizers have stated that it takes approximately 2 and ½ hours to view the parade in its entirety if planning to watch from one location. Special highlights of the parade are the Grand Marshal Showboat, Galleria Mall Reindeer Barge, and the Santa Showboat. Sponsors include JM Lexus, WSVN, Southwest Airlines, South Florida Ford, FPL Jr. Captain, Republic National Distributing, Co., BB&T Dragon and many more!

The Winterfest Boat Parade is a FREE event unless attendees purchase Grandstand seats in Birch State Park. Click here for ticket information.

This Fort Lauderdale tradition is not one to be missed! Get into the holiday spirit in the most fun way possible! Parade hours are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. For more information on the Winterfest Boat Parade, call 954-767-0686 or visit WinterfestParade.com. Have a great time!