2023 Pinellas County Lighted Christmas Boat Parade Schedule

It's how we do Christmas in Florida. In December, the waterways of Tampa Bay light up in red and green as the holiday boat parades get us in the Christmas spirit... since chances of a white Christmas are minimal. From yachts to canoes and everything in between, the vessels will be lit up in festive colors while onlookers from the shore cheer on.

Here's the rundown of the Holiday Boat Parade schedule specifically for Pinellas County this year.

- Clearwater - 12/9 at 6:30pm
- Dunedin 12/2 at 6pm
- Gulfport - 12/9 at 6pm
- Madeira Beach 12/9 at 6:30pm
- Redington Beaches/ Indian Shores - 12/10 at 6pm
- St Pete Beach 12/1 at 6:30pm
- St. Pete 12/9 at 6:30pm
- Tarpon Springs 12/1 at 7pm
- Treasure Island Beach - 12/16 at 6:20pm

Which boat parade is your favorite? I can't believe I've still never been to a boat parade since moving to the Tampa area about 12 years ago. This year, I'm determined to go to at least one so which one should I hit up first? I want to start off with the best of the best. Tag me on Twitter @GenoRadio or on my Facebook page.

We have a lot of non-traditional holiday celebrations in the Sunshine State. While many other cities can take advantage of winter-themed celebrations, we have to get creative in the Sunshine State. Light-up boat parades are one of the more popular Florida Christmas events, you can see Christmas sand sculptures or make "sand angels", or catch a classic holiday movie at the Tampa Theatre. And all of our theme parks transform into a holiday paradise. Here are some unique ways you can spend your Christmas day in Tampa. If you want to head across the bridge, check out these must-see holiday events happening in 2023.

Looking for some ways to get into the holiday spirit without breaking the bank? You've come to the right place! One of our favorite holiday traditions is driving around neighborhoods in the Tampa metro area to see some of the best Christmas lights displays. Scroll down to see our favorite neighborhoods.

There are plenty of events and options to see some dazzling Christmas displays. But keep in mind how much you'll have to pay to get in and how much you'll spend on holiday-themed drinks, snacks, etc. Some families work for days to get their houses lit up beautifully for the holidays. Why not take advantage of the free Christmas light displays around the Tampa Bay area? If driving around isn't enough for you, we have the must-see holiday events guide here. 

We have a lot of non-traditional holiday celebrations in Tampa. While many other cities can take advantage of winter-themed celebrations, we have to get creative in the Sunshine State. Light-up boat parades are one of the more popular Florida Christmas events, you can see Christmas sand sculptures or make "sand angels". And all of our theme parks transform into a holiday paradise.  Here are some unique ways you can spend your Christmas day in Tampa.

When driving around the area gazing at lights, remember to respect the privacy of the families in their houses. Try not to park in front of their yard or ask them to keep their displays on longer. Also, keep in mind some families might turn off their displays when it's raining. We got our inspiration for this list from a Reddit thread and added a few of our favorites.

You could spend hours just admiring the houses along Bayshore Blvd and in Hyde Park, but during the holidays it's another level. The best street is South Boulevard between Swann and Bayshore.

The neighborhoods of Lake Park Estates, Wieker, Lakeside Estates, and Lake Seminole Village, generously decorate their homes and yards with over 3.0 miles of Christmas Lights and Decorations for the public to enjoy. Donations are accepted at the Suncoast Hospice Cart located along the route. 100% of the donations are provided to Suncoast Hospice to support their community activities. Find more info here.

This Palm Harbor neighborhood has been going all out for the holidays for YEARS! You can drive down any street in this neighborhood and find all of the houses decked out in lights.

The St Petersburg Oakdale neighborhood has been putting on this nationally recognized Christmas display for 46 YEARS! They have 500,000 lights, fantastic 18 Train HO Scale Model Railroad and more! They'll be open from Friday November 24, 2023 to January 3, 2024. Click here for more info.

This neighborhood in Temple Terrace starts decorating for Christmas in SEPTEMBER! So you know the stroll through the neighborhood is worth it.

Address: 7804 River Ridge Dr Temple Terrace, FL 33637

This Tampa neighborhood goes all out every year for the holidays. Drive by houses with decked out lights, inflatables, and a light show tuned to a radio station!

Any Tampa local knows all about the Chick-Fil-A on Waters Ave in Town n' Country. Every year this stores Christmas lights display gets bigger and bigger. We can't wait to see what they do this year!