It’s how we Christmas in Florida. Every year the creative boaters step up their game with lights, characters and music and sail along Florida waterways. Here’s where to go this year.

• December 2: Tarpon Springs

  At 6:30pm, the boats begin the journey down the Anclote River. Head to Craig Park! That’s where the judging will be done at 7:30pm.

• December 3: Riverview

  The Alafia Lighted Boat Parade will start at Williams Park at 5pm and wind up at River’s Edge.

• December 3: Bradenton

  Head to Longboat Pass Bridge around 6pm for the best view of the Bradenton Beach Boat Parade.

• December 3: New Port Richey

  At 6pm, the journey for the Cotee River Christmas Boat Parade begins from Miller’s Bayou to Sims Park.

• December 3: Dunedin

  Santa arrives by boat for the lighting of the Christmas Tree.  The Dunedin Holiday Boat Parade can be seen at the marina and Edgewater Park starting at 5pm.

• December 3: Sarasota

  The Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights starts at 6:45pm.  Head to Marina Jack Restaurant or Centennial Park for the best views.  They’ve expanded spectator viewing area at Bayfront Park.

• December 9: South Pasadena

  At 6:30pm, the South Pasadena Lighted Boat Parade starts on the northeast side of Pasadena Isle near Marine Max and ends at Causeway Village and The Fountains.

• December 10: Apollo Beach

  Not just lighted boats – a chili cookoff too! The parade starts around 6pm. Put 1250 Apollo Beach Blvd in your GPS.

• December 10: Bradenton

  The Christmas on the Braden River Old Florida Holiday Boat Parade starts at Jiggs Landing at 6:30pm.

• December 10: Clearwater

  The parade passes by Coachman Park at about 8:30pm.

• December 10: Bradenton

  The Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. Head to Caddy’s Bradenton and Pier 22.

• December 10: Madeira Beach

  The 55th Annual Festival of Lights Illuminated Boat Parade starts at 6:45 pm. There’s a tree lighting, and boat parade kickoff party at ROC park.

• December 17: Tampa

  Head to the Tampa Riverwalk.  The route starts on the southern tip of Davis Islands at 6pm, heads up by the Convention Center and then to the Heights.  They’ll then turn around and head to Sparkman Wharf.

• December 17: Treasure Island

  The boat parade begins at 6:20pm.  Head to the Treasure Island Causeway Bridge or John’s Pass for the best viewing.

• December 17: Indian Rocks Beach

  Getting underway this year at 7pm, the parade heads north from the Holiday Inn and finish off at Harbor Drive North.

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