A boat decorated with holiday lights for the Pompano Beach boat parade

If you’re an out-of-towner planning on spending the holidays in beautiful Pompano Beach, Florida, just North of Fort Lauderdale, you have to check out the Greater Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade. It is the oldest continuous holiday boat parade in the U.S. This December 9, 2022, it is celebrating its 60th anniversary with the slogan “60 years of magic on the water.”

Sponsored by Chaos Fishing, this longstanding holiday tradition brings together locals and visitors alike to admire a brilliant display of holiday cheer that runs for miles along the Intracoastal Waterway. 

Before you set off to ring in the holidays at the Greater Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade, there are a few things you should know. The local experts at Beach Vacation Rentals have you covered. Not only do we offer well-appointed vacation rentals within walking distance of the parade, but we’re happy to extend our area expertise to help you plan your vacation. Continue reading for the complete guide on attending the area’s most cherished holiday tradition, the Greater Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade.

What is the Greater Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade?

The Greater Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade is an annual celebration of the holidays. You’ll see everything from huge yachts to assorted pleasure boats to groups of kayaks making their way along the crowd-lined route.

During the parade, some 50-75 boats traverse the Intracoastal Waterway, decked out with spectacular displays of holiday lights and music. Singing, dancing, and other demonstrations of holiday spirit are common as well, as the crowd along shore cheers them on. 

The parade travels north from Lake Santa Barbara at the Northern border of Fort Lauderdale, through Pompano Beach, to Hillsboro Blvd. in Deerfield Beach, passing onlookers and a panel of judges along the way.

There are several ways to watch the parade. Many nearby parks and restaurants offer free and paid viewing stands, respectively, not to mention all of the spectators who attend the many private viewing parties at homes along the Intracoastal. The parade begins at 7:00 p.m. on December 9, but if you want to find a free spot to sit, you’ll need to get there early. The parade draws thousands of people along the Intracoastal Waterway, so expect a crowd.

The excellent news for Beach Vacation Rentals’ guests is that great spots for viewing the parade are just a short walk away from our properties. Plus, if you need something to do before or after the parade, there are great dining options nearby, many of which offer live entertainment. With so many people in Pompano Beach for the parade, you can expect the city’s nightlife to be especially festive following the event. Be sure to take an evening stroll along Pompano’s spectacular half-mile oceanfront promenade park, all decorated like a winter wonderland!

A view of Cottages by the Beach, a vacation rental property in Pompano BeachStay in a Rental near the Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade

The Greater Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade is a great way to embrace the spirit of the holidays and experience the local community coming together. If you want accommodations near the parade, stay at one of Beach Vacation Rentals’ vacation properties. Our top-rated vacation rentals in Pompano Beach are clean, safe, private, and quiet. To stay with us, please contact a reservationist.