Nothing says “holidays” on the Chesapeake quite like lighted boat parades. Whether you plan to participate or simply spectate, it’s a magical time of the year. Be sure to check event websites for any last-minute updates or cancellations, and if more events are announced, we will add them to our list.
Middle River Lighted Boat Parade: November 30.
The Mid-Atlantic's largest lighted boat parade and almost the largest in the US! In Middle River, MD. To register, text your name, address, and boat type to (410) 463-2686. The captain’s package includes gift cards totaling over $400. Boats must pre-register; to check in, meet in front of Stansbury Yacht Basin at 5:30 p.m. and text photos of your boat in the parade to the number above. For an approximate schedule, visit facebook.com/mrboatparade.
RRYC Lights on the Creek Lighted Boat Parade: November 30.
Hosted by the Rappahannock River Yacht Club (RRYC) on Carters Creek in Irvington, VA. Parade participation is open to members and non-members alike. Prizes will be awarded in various categories. The club docks will be open to all, including the general public, for parade viewing and judging from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. There is no cost for the boat parade, but boats should register online at rryc.org (where you can also find a list of cruising instructions). All club members, parade participants, and their guests are invited to a post-parade party at RRYC from 7 to 10 p.m. featuring red beef and white chicken chile, cornbread, salad, and desert. Tickets cost $25; BYOB. Registration is required.
Colonial Beach Lighted Boat Parade: November 30.
From 5 to 7 p.m. in Colonial Beach, VA. Location: Potomac River, Marker #2, just off of the Colonial Beach Point. Presented by the Colonial Yacht Club. To register, visit colonialyachtclub.clubexpress.com.
24th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights: December 7.
At 5:30 p.m. the parade begins at the Alexandria City Marina in Alexandria, VA, and cruises Southward. Head to Waterfront Park at the foot of King Street for festivities from 2 to 8 p.m. including a pop-up beer garden, food and beverage vendors, and family-friendly activities. The parade stretches for one mile along Old Town Alexandria’s waterfront. You can find a list of viewing locations and register your boat at visitalexandria.com.
32nd Annual Holiday Boat Parade and Party at the Wharf: December 7.
6 to 8 p.m. at the Wharf in Washington, DC. Celebrate the holidays with this iconic DC event that features more than 60 beautifully decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel. Party to live music from Yani the Band on District Pier while you sip on hot toddies and drinks from the Corona Cheer Garden. Get into the spirit with ornament decorating, holiday karaoke, s’mores at Camp Wharf, visits with Santa, the Jack Daniel’s Barrel Tree, and a 45-foot illuminated Christmas tree on District Pier. A spectacular fireworks salute will conclude the boat parade at 8 p.m. Visit wharfdc.com/boatparade to register your boat.
Bohemia River Boaters Lighted Boat Parade in Chesapeake City: December 7.
In Chesapeake City, MD. The starting point will be near the mouth of the Bohemia River. Boats will head towards the west side of the C&D canal around 5 p.m. and continue east towards the Chesapeake City Bridge arriving at approximately 5:30/5:45 p.m. Good viewing locations include Pell Gardens, Bayard House, Schaefer’s Canal House, and Chesapeake Inn Restaurant and Marina. Bring canned goods and non-perishable items to help fill Chesapeake City’s food pantry; boxes will be set up at all of the restaurants listed and Pell Gardens. For more information, visit chesapeakecity.com and the Bohemia River Boaters Facebook group.
Pasadena Lighted Boat Parade: December 7.
The Broken Oar in Pasadena, MD, will start things off with a Pre-Parade Party for all Captains and first mates from 3 to 5 p.m. Parade boaters will cast off at 5 p.m. and motor to Rock Creek, arriving at 5:45 p.m. and then return and do two loops through Stoney Creek and Nabbs Creek from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Boaters return to the Broken Oar around 7:30 p.m. There will be Christmas music, a kiddie corner, Santa, a special drink menu, and more. Admission: $5 (ages 12 and under are free). To register for the boat parade, contact Keegan Fisher at [email protected]. Visit facebook.com/PasadenaBoatParade for updates.
Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade: December 7. 6 to 8 p.m. in Yorktown, VA.
Pre-parade festivities start at 6 p.m. and include caroling around illuminated braziers, a musical performance by the Fifes and Drums of York Town, and complimentary hot cider. At 7 p.m. the boats will finish out the evening as they make their way down the river in a dazzling show of lights. The Yorktown Trolley will run from 5 to 9 p.m. To register, head to visityorktown.org.
Baltimore Parade of Lighted Boats: December 7.
6 to 8 p.m. in Baltimore, MD. Watch the creatively decorated vessels as they parade around the Inner Harbor, Fells Point, and Canton in holiday style. Stay tuned for more details at sailbaltimore.org/events.php.
Solomons Christmas Walk: December 14.
Solomons Business Association celebrates its 43rd year of the Christmas Walk with the lighted boat parade coordinated by Solomons Island Yacht Club, Solomons Yachting Center, and Southern Maryland Sailing Association. The parade begins at dusk and end along the Riverwalk at approximately 7:15 p.m. A captain’s meeting covering the route, safety issues, and rules for judging will begin at 5:15 p.m. at the Solomons Yachting Center. Contact [email protected] or call Fleet captain on 667-256-6272 with questions. Also, many other events throughout town including photos with Santa, open houses, a vendor fair, cookie decorating, beer tastings, and more.
St. Michaels Lighted Boat Parade: December 14.
In St. Michaels, MD. The parade will take place around the harbor, with several great viewing locations. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will open its campus, and an admission fee will be charged after 4 p.m. The exhibition buildings will be closed, but the bathrooms will be open. For a map of the parade route and to register your boat, visit christmasinstmichaels.org.
Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade: December 14.
6 to 8 p.m. in Annapolis, MD. The Spa Creek Bridge will be closed to vehicles crossing between downtown Annapolis and Eastport periodically from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The EYC clubhouse will only be open to members. Viewing locations include the Eastport Bridge, Naval Academy, City Dock, and Ego Alley. You can find more at eastportyc.org/lights-parade, as well as a map of the parade route and boat registration information.
Hampton Lighted Boat Parade: December 14.
The Hampton River will come to life as a fleet of decorated boats parade past the Downtown Hampton waterfront. The parade runs from 7 to 8 p.m. and concludes with an awards ceremony at 8:30 p.m. Following the parade, Santa will join the fun dockside. This event is free and open to the public. Register your boat and view the parade route at downtownhampton.com/lightedboatparade.
Deale's 7th Annual Parade of Lights: December 15.
The parade event will be held on December 15th, beginning at 5:30 pm. Organizers encourage all boats to begin at Hidden Harbor if possible. If you can not fit under the bridge, all others may follow beginning at Happy Harbor or Shipwright Marina. Any questions, email: [email protected]. Free to participate but please register ahead of time. The community will be choosing the best in show by submiting their favorites online. Stay tuned for more details at facebook.com/DealeMDParadeOfLights.
Tips for Spectators:
- Always pack more layers than you think you need. You can always take off extra layers and leave them in the car. Bring mittens, a winter hat, scarf, coat and leggings or long-johns under pants.
- Wear warm shoes and socks. You will be standing outside, either on a dock, seawall, or beach, so this is not the time for cute heels and boat shoes. Wear winter boots and bring hand/foot warmer packets just in case.
- Bring a thermos of hot chocolate, tea, or coffee. These events are often family affairs so please leave the alcohol at home. Warm up at the bar after the parade. Also a few snacks will be great to have on-hand.
- Have a parking plan in place. Certain areas might be harder to find parking in, so find out beforehand if there is a garage or free street parking. That way you won’t waste time searching for a spot and miss the parade.
- Choose your viewing location ahead of time. Most parades have a map of the route on their website, so pick your restaurant or park accordingly (some restaurants require reservations while others are first come, first served, so best to arrive early).
- Bring a blanket. If it’s extra cold, chances are you will want something more to wrap around you.
- If allowed, bring collapsible chairs.
- Bring a camera with a night setting. We are always looking for great lights parades photos! Email your favorites to [email protected] and they just might end up in the magazine.