Boat captains can now sign up for this year’s Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade, set for Saturday, December 5, at 6 p.m. along the Intracoastal Waterway.
The 42nd annual parade will run from the Hammock Beach Bridge to Grand Haven, with boats traveling from the North Cut to the gazebo at Grand Haven. Popular spots for the public to watch include Waterfront Park, which now offers 100 additional parking spaces and improved waterfront access, and the St. Joe Walkway Trailhead beneath the Hammock Beach Bridge, across from European Village.
City officials are encouraging all boats to take part, regardless of size or whether they’re decorated. Staff said the event was shaped with input from a focus group of local boaters, many of whom have participated in the parade before.
Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Brittany McDermott spoke about the tradition behind the event. “For over 40 years, the Palm Coast Boat Parade has been a staple of our community, and we are proud to continue this tradition with the support of our boaters,” McDermott said. “We would like to formally invite all boat captains, of boats big and small, to join us in helping to spread the holiday cheer this season by being a part of this event.”
Ahead of the parade, all captains will attend a pre-parade meeting to go over logistics and answer questions. Details about giveaways and award prizes will be announced as plans come together.
Captains can also choose to compete for awards in four categories:
- Best of Parade
- Most Creative
- Most Spirited Crew
- Best Theme
Entering the award competition is optional. Captains who would rather not compete can select “Not Interested” on the registration form, an option added based on feedback from the boater focus group to keep the awards a lighthearted part of the event without added pressure or expense.
Boat captains interested in signing up for the 2026 Holiday Boat Parade can register at https://form.typeform.com/to/A8Kx24Xo.
