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Sail Into the Holidays — Sarasota’s 2025 Boat Parade of Lights

Mark your calendars — the 39th annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights returns on Saturday, December 13, 2025, bringing a festive fleet of illuminated boats gliding across Sarasota Bay. This beloved seasonal tradition, hosted by Suncoast Charities for Children in partnership with Marina Jack, transforms the waterfront into a holiday spectacle.

Event Details

Date & Time: Saturday, December 13, 2025 — 6:00–8:00 PM (boats begin around 6:00 PM).
Best Viewing Spots: Watch from Marina Jack or Bayfront Park in downtown Sarasota. Admission is free.
Fun Touch: The parade is more than lights and boats — it’s a “Parade with a Purpose.” Spectators and participants are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy or book. Donations benefit local organizations supporting children with special needs.

Thank you to – All Angles REM for Capturing last year’s Boat Parade and all the holiday magic.

What to Expect: Boats, Lights, and Holiday Magic

Each year, a dazzling variety of vessels — from modest private boats to luxury yachts — are decked out in festive lights, décor, and holiday themes. The fleet sails a route across Sarasota Bay to Marina Jack and Bayfront Park, often passing under the iconic Ringling Bridge for a memorable waterfront spectacle.

Past events have featured:

Colorful light displays reflecting across the water.
Holiday music and festive ambiance.
Families watching from shore with lawn chairs and picnic baskets.
A giving spirit — many attendees bring toys or books for donation.

On a cool December evening by the bay, the glow of boat lights and the cheers of crowds create a warm, magical holiday atmosphere.

Community & Charity: A Parade with Heart

The Boat Parade supports Suncoast Charities for Children — a local organization helping children, teens, and adults with special needs. For 2025, thanks to a matching-gift challenge by the Reinhart Foundation, all monetary donations up to $10,000 will be matched dollar-for-dollar.

Even if you can’t attend, you can still show support — the event’s donation drive welcomes unwrapped toys, books, and monetary gifts up through mid-December.

Learn More About Where to Give at: https://suncoastcharitiesforchildren.org/holiday-boat-parade

Tips for Attending & Enjoying the Parade

Arrive early: Seating at Marina Jack fills up fast, and early arrival ensures a good waterfront view.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket: Watch comfortably from Bayfront Park or other waterfront vantage points.
Dress for a breezy evening: Even in Florida, December nights by the water can be cool.
Pack a toy or book: Add a charitable spirit to your night — donations go to children in need.
Bring a camera or smartphone: The reflections, lights, and skyline make for magical photos.

Why the Parade Matters

The Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights offers more than entertainment — it’s a symbol of community, generosity, and coastal holiday spirit. It brings together locals, visitors, families, and boaters to celebrate the season while supporting children in need.

For many, it’s become a holiday tradition — the kind of event that builds memories, strengthens community ties, and shines lights both literal and metaphorical across Sarasota’s waterfront.

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