Christmas on the coast is a little different—and that’s the way we like it in Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches. Here, we shovel sand instead of snow and sip on tropical cocktails in lieu of cocoa. Our local holiday traditions also run as deep as the water, like the annual Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade. For years, locals and visitors have celebrated the season with a dazzling water parade featuring vibrantly lit boats and yachts cruising down the Intracoastal. That time-honored tradition continues in 2024 with the 41st anniversary of the boat parade.

This year’s Christmas boat parade in Palm Coast will take place on December 15 at 6 p.m. and will feature plenty of decorated watercraft. Viewers are invited to soak up the holiday spirit by marveling at beautifully decorated vessels, their sparkling lights reflecting in the water.

The event starts at Cochise Waterway and will then head south to the Grand Haven gazebo, where it will turn and boats will return to their home ports. The City of Palm Coast will provide free shuttle service between European Village and the Daytona State College Campus parking lot and the Community Center.

The annual Palm Coast boat parade is sponsored by the Palm Coast Yacht Club and is billed as the largest lighted boat parade in the State of Florida. Can't attend? The City of Palm Coast will provide worldwide simultaneous live coverage on its YouTube page.

Check out more festive things to do this Christmas in Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches.