Enjoy the holiday festivities as the City of Boca Raton lights up the intracoastal waterway with the 42nd Annual Holiday Boat Parade . Here are some tips to #KnowBeforeYouGo !

*Bridges will be held in the UP POSITION for approximately 45 minutes at different
times throughout the parade. Please avoid the bridges listed below during
estimated closing times.
What to expect?:
  • Holiday decorated vessels of all sizes traveling through the intracoastal waterway. Enjoy the parade, food and drinks in parade viewing areas along the water.
  • Date - Saturday, December 22
  • Time - 6:30pm - 8pm
  • Location - Starting at C-15 Canal (Boca Raton - Delray Beach city limits) traveling south to Hillsboro Bridge.
  • Weather - The parade goes on rain or shine.
  • Viewing areas - Red Reef Park (west), the Wildflower Property and Silver Palm Park.
  • Hold up - Bridges are held in the UP POSITION for approximately 45 minutes during the parade. Please avoid these areas during estimated closing times to avoid traffic delays. The estimated bridge closing times are:
  • 6:50pm - Spanish River
  • 7:20pm - Palmetto Park Road
  • Camino Real Bridge is closed to traffic for construction through summer 2019. The bridge remains in the up position.
How to get there and where to park:
  • FREE available parking -
  • Wildflower Park (551 E Palmetto Park Road)
  • Silver Palm Park (600 E Palmetto Park Road)
  • Red Reef Park West (1400 N Ocean Blvd) - additional parking is available across the street (metered parking will be waived for all patrons)
  • FREE additional parking & FREE ride - Park at these following locations and hop on the Round the Town electric vehicle and have them pick you up and drop you off at one of the boat parade viewing areas! Call or text 561-303-9173 for pick-up.
  • City Hall (201 W Palmetto Park Road)
  • Building Administration (200 NW 2nd Avenue)
  • Downtown Public Library (400 NW 2nd Avenue)
  • Bicyclists - Be sure to wear reflective clothing and add reflective material to your bike for safety. If you are biking to and from the boat parade, look and listen before crossing any train tracks.
  • Plan ahead - Whether you are utilizing a shared ride program or driving your car to the boat parade, leave early and plan ahead in order to arrive safe and on time.
More Things to Do Downtown:
  • Night out on the town - Looking for happy hours, quick bites or fine dining? Check out places to go in Downtown Boca before or after the boat parade.
  • Oh Christmas Tree - Did you see the decorated Christmas tree in Mizner Park? Be sure to check out its fun light show and holiday music during a family stroll through Downtown.
Get Social:
  • Let's Be Friends - Like Boca Raton Special Events on Facebook to stay updated on event updates as well as future City events.
  • Spread the Love - Use the hashtag #LoveBocaRaton when posting your photos around the City. You might be featured on one of our pages!
  • Stay Connected with the City - For official City news, information and events, subscribe to our monthly City Connection.
Safety Reminder from Police & Fire Services:
  • It takes four seconds or less for someone to break into your vehicle - Be sure to lock your car and take all personal items with you. Never leave your keys in your vehicle.
  • Plan ahead - Talk to your family members about a potential meet up spot around the parade viewing areas in case you get separated.
  • Stay in the know - Sign up for NIXLE for road closures, train crossing reminders, bridge closures and emergencies. Text your zip code to 888777 to start receiving notifications.
  • More safety tips - Listen to Officer Gwynne Friters chat about holiday safety tips on the City's podcast, Boca Behind the Scenes, before attending the boat parade.