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.
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…