Holiday Boat Parade of Lights set for Dec. 8 in Sarasota

Bayfront Park and Marina Jack among most popular viewing areas

A vessel in a past Holiday Parade of Boats is festively adorned. Image courtesy City of Sarasota

On Saturday, Dec. 8, the 33rd Annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights will illuminate the Sarasota Bayfront, City Manager Tom Barwin has announced.

The parade will begin at 6 p.m., Barwin noted in his Nov. 30 newsletter. “Dozens of boats, ranging in size from luxury yachts to petite dinghies, will be decorated with bright holiday flair and light up the night as they glide around the Bay,” he wrote.

The most popular viewing areas are Bayfront Park, Marina Jack, City Island and Centennial Park, Barwin added.

The parade route has been modified this year, he continued, so all of the entries “will pass within a few yards of spectators” along the waterfront of Bayfront Park. “Plan to arrive early to secure a viewing spot,” he added, noting the family-friendly aspect of the event.

The Boat Parade of Lights is a fundraiser for the nonprofit organization Suncoast Charities for Children, Barwin pointed out. Sixty special needs children who will attend the event will be provided with VIP seating, so they can get a close-up look at the decked-out vessels, Barwin wrote.