Clearwater Yacht Club Annual Holiday Boat Parade

The annual Clearwater Yacht Club Holiday Boat Parade is a holiday tradition you won't want to miss!

On Saturday, Dec. 12, the parade launches just north of the Mandalay Channel bridge, and cruises around Island Estates, past Coachman Park (a prime viewing area) and toward Sand Key Bridge, all the way past Clearwater Yacht Club and ending at the Clearwater Beach Marina, where the boats will be judged. Cash, trophies and prizes will be awarded for several categories.

There are a number of restaurants and hotels along the route that will be great viewing spots.

Come out and experience this beautiful light show on the water!

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026
• Time: 6:00 PM

Best Viewing Locations

• Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater 33756
• Sand Key Bridge
• Papaya Street Boat Launch (near Papaya Street Plaza, Clearwater Beach)
• Hotel guests who plan strategically will be able to see the parade from their hotel: Bayside rooms at the JW Marriott Clearwater Beach, Opal Sands Resort, Hilton Clearwater Beach and Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach will provide excellent views.
• Marina Cantina, Bait House Tackle & Tavern, and Jimmy’s Crows Nest are among the popular waterfront restaurants for parade viewing.
• See the Parade from the Water: Cruises are available during the parade. Book your spot with companies like ParrotDise Express.
• Parade Participation: Open to all! The yacht club welcomes boat registrations and sponsorship inquiries from community members and businesses alike.

Parking & Transportation

Find parking at the Clearwater Yacht Club, Clearwater Municipal Marina (aka Clearwater Beach Marina), parks and hotels. Nearby public beach parking lots that are within walking distance include at 420 S. Gulfview Boulevard; 429 Mandalay Avenue; and the Main Clearwater Beach Parking Lot at Pier 60. See more Clearwater parking information.

Coachman Park is reachable by its own Clearwater Ferry stop and PSTA buses 61, 70 and 78 routes with stops nearby on S. Myrtle Avenue. The Clearwater Beach Marina also has its own Clearwater Ferry stop, as well as its own stop on the Jolley Trolley’s North Beach and South Beach Routes. 

To reach Clearwater Beach from nearby beach communities, consider taking the Suncoast Beach Trolley.

More Details to Come

A watch party for Clearwater Yacht Club's Annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade was held in 2025, but details for 2026 are not yet available. In the past, several companies offered cruises during the parade, including The Tropics Boat Tours, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, StarLite Cruises and Paddle Pub, though their participation this year has yet to be confirmed. Check back later for updates.