We have many opportunities each year to view countless Christmas light displays and attend heartwarming holiday parade processions. The scene is the same throughout most of the nation, and these are the holiday traditions that so many folks hold dear.
The proximity of certain Mid-Atlantic states to the Chesapeake Bay makes for even more interesting opportunities—regional, riparian holiday traditions based on the water. These unique offerings most often take the form of floating lighted boat parades comprised of varying vessels, all decked out in light of the holiday season.
Are you wondering where to catch some of this year’s most anticipated lighted boat processions and when they’re slated to set sail? You’re in luck because I’ve compiled a list of various events for such throughout the Chesapeake Bay Region of Maryland and Virginia this 2024 holiday season.
Colonial Beach Annual Lighted Boat Parade
Sponsored by the Colonial Yacht Club, the 2024 installment of this seasonal staple promises to be even bigger, better, and brighter. Setting sail at 5 p.m. on November 30, prepare to be amazed by a lineup of even more boats showing off their themed holiday décor.
The procession sets sail from Marker #2 on the Potomac River, just off the Colonial Beach Point (close to Dockside Restaurant and Tiki Bar). Spectator viewing locations are located along Irving Avenue and the Main Pier. The event is slated to last two hours. Visit the website to learn more.
Lights on the Creek Holiday Boat Parade
Also occurring on November 30 is Irvington, Virginia’s Lights on the Creek Holiday Boat Parade. Hosted by the Rappahannock River Yacht Club, the event is open to members and nonmembers alike—anyone with a boat to boast about, decorate, and show off during the evening parade procession. Prizes will even be awarded in various categories.
The event opens to the public at 5 p.m., allowing for the enjoyment of hot cider and cookies beforehand. Boats gather in Gaskins Cove at the official opening and depart at 5:45 p.m., traveling past the yacht club and up the creek beyond the Tides Inn.The end time is roughly 6 p.m., and viewing locations are ideal from many different places. Click here to learn more or register for free.
MPB-Middle River Lighted Boat Parade
This annual procession, now in its 36th year, is often touted as the largest lighted boat parade in the Mid-Atlantic and one of the largest in the country. Located at Maryland Party Boat Charters in Middle River, the 2024 installment will be November 30 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Doors open at 3:45 p.m. with a boat departure slated for 4:30 p.m. (sunset).
Eager spectators can expect to see somewhere in the range of a hundred adorned boats set sail. Other events throughout the evening include delicious food, drink, a cash bar, and family-friendly happenings. Discover more about this event on the site link.
Baltimore Parade of Lighted Boats
Baltimore’s own holiday lights spectacle on the water will be on December 7 this year. The official duration is 5:45 p.m. to 8 p.m., with boats sailing from Anchorage Marina in Canton, passing by Fell’s Point around 6 p.m. The procession moves throughout the waterfront at a slow, observable pace, eventually leading to the Inner Harbor by 8 p.m. Click here to learn more.
Bear Creek Lighted Boat Parade
For the past five years, the Bear Creek Sailing Association has been presenting its own organized lighted boat procession. Starting and stopping at Dundalk’s Hard Yacht Café, the 2024 installment gets underway beginning at 5 p.m. sharp on December 7. Visit the website for all other details.
Bohemia River Boaters Lighted Boat Parade
The Bohemia River Boaters group will also present its third annual lighted boat parade at 5 p.m. on December 7. Based in Chesapeake City, Maryland, this year’s lineup will feature more than 50 participating boats traveling a mile-long stretch, lighting up the Bohemia River in its wake. Ideal spectator viewing spots can be found at Pells Gardens, Bayard House, Schaefer’s, and Chesapeake Inn Restaurant and Marina. Click on the event link to find out more.
Christmas Boat Light Parade
Hopewell City Marina in Hopewell, Virginia, will host a holiday light boat parade on December 7. Occurring between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., the procession will sail along the James River and the Appomattox near City Point. Suggested viewing locations can be found at City Park on Appomattox St., Old City Point Waterfront Park on Pecan Ave., and Hopewell Riverside Park at Riverside Ave. Learn more on the event link.
Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Continuing a tradition 24 years in the making is the Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, sponsored by Amazon. As part of a weekend-wide holiday tradition, you are cordially invited to view dozens of dazzling, lighted, and decorated boats as they make their way on a one-mile course off the Potomac River shoreline. While the parade begins at 5:30 p.m. on December 7, holiday dockside activities will commence at 2 p.m. and continue through the evening, concluding at 8 p.m. Visit the website to discover more.
Holiday Boat Parade @ the Warf
How about heading to District Warf in D.C. for the ultimate holiday boat parade and party? A free, fun-for-the-whole-family event, the Warf will be buzzing with activity between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on December 7. Activities include a Corona Cheer Garden, s’mores, ornament decorating, live music, visits with Santa, and more. Boats will arrive in the Washington Channel at 7 p.m. A fireworks finale will rap things up during the evening conclusion at 8 p.m. Click here to learn more.
Pasadena Boat Parade
This year’s annual Pasadena Boat Parade in Pasadena, Maryland, will be on December 7. Hosted by the Broken Oar Bar & Grill, and Captains Jimmy Jernigan and Jason Krauch, the day gets underway with a preparade party for Captains and First Mates between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Then, at 5 p.m., participants will head to Rock Creek, arriving at 5:45 p.m. Upon returning, they will do two loops through Stoney Creek and Nabbs Creek between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. At this time, Santa will hop on one of his elf’s boats for a ride back to the Broken Oar.
Once ashore, festivities will continue with Christmas music, a Kiddie Corner, a special drink menu for all ages, and plenty of holiday fun! All events conclude at 9 p.m. Click on the website link to discover more.
Riverside Vines Holiday Boat Parade
Back by popular demand is the second annual Riverside Vines Holiday Boat Parade. Located on Lake Chesdin in Sutherland, Virginia, this year’s event will take place on December 7 and span a multi-hour celebration setup running from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The actual parade part will begin at 5 p.m. Awards will be given for first, second, and third place. There will be plenty of viewing areas available to spectators. Find out more here.
Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade
Yorktown Waterfront in Yorktown, Virginia, will also host a lighted boat parade of acclaim. Preparade festivities will get underway beginning at 6 p.m. on December 7. Onsite follies will include carols, complimentary cider, and even a musical performance by the Fifes and Drums of York Town. The boats will arrive on the scene at 7 p.m. and feature a multitude of fascinating themes and designs. Visit the website to learn more.
Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade
Head to Annapolis, Maryland, on December 14 for the Eastport Yacht Club’s presentation of an on-water boat parade of great renown. Sponsored by Long & Foster, this ongoing holiday tradition draws in countless spectators and several direct boasting participants yearly. The event duration is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Go to the site for all other details.
Hampton Lighted Boat Parade
Downtown Hampton, Virginia, is holding its unique lighted boat parade on December 14. Presented by Towne Bank, the main parade procession will be from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. An awards ceremony will follow at 8:30 p.m.
Other dockside fun will be available independently of the parade. Offerings include live music, food, visits with Santa, and even special cruising opportunities aboard the Hampton Queen. Follow the link to learn more.
St. Michaels Lighted Boat Parade
As part of their extensive, town-wide Christmas in St. Michaels celebration, the community of St. Michaels, Maryland, will once again feature their annual lighted boat procession of such acclaim. This year’s sailing will be on December 14. All activities surrounding the parade get underway at 6 p.m. Spectators have loads of optimal viewing locations to choose from. Discover more by clicking here.
Solomons Christmas Walk Annual Lighted Boat Parade
A 43-year-old tradition continues in Solomons Island, Maryland on December 14. It’s their annual Christmas Walk and Annual Lighted Boat Parade. Presented by Solomons Business Association in partnership with Solomons Island Yacht Club, Solomons Yachting Center, and the Southern Maryland Sailing Association, this year’s parade starts promptly at dusk, venturing a routed waterway along the Riverwalk at approximately 7:15 p.m.Visit the website for all other details.
Deale Parade of Lights
Warf 38 in Deale, Maryland, will be site to an over-21 onsite offering on December 15. It’s the Deale Parade of Lights boat procession and onsite party! Doors open at 4:15 p.m., with appetizers served between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Then comes the main attraction—the Deale Parade of Lights from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Following the parade, you can enjoy a chili bar and toppings between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. But do save room for the lavish dinner buffet from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Go to the event link to learn more.
These are just some of the lighted boat parades being showcased throughout the Chesapeake Bay Region this year. As is always the case, event times and dates are always subject to changes or even cancellations. Therefore, it’s always best to plan accordingly and check all websites and social media accounts for the most current, updated information before heading out.