The best way to see the Parade, is to BE IN THE PARADE !
Check out the easy to follow Parade route with it’s user-friendly new starting location. Throw a few sets of lights on the boat and find our firsthand what it’s all about, or come to the decorating workshop to see just how easy and inexpensive it can be to take some LED lights, a $40 inverter, some plastic wire ties, plastic mesh & pipe to make a few nice lighted creations.
WHERE TO SEE THE PARADE FROM LAND
The Parade route is within Punta Gorda Isles.
There are no specific, designated public viewing areas on the parade route, however every year thousands of spectators find adequate viewing locations along the 4.5 mile route.
Do not use any location marked with no trespassing signs.
Drive along the route and find a location that you like. There are many viewing areas along the route, including the areas near the Santa’s Cove Parade Start. Do not park on the street. Many spectators bring chairs to reserve their spot very early on parade day.
FROM THE WATER
VIEWING THE PARADE BY BOAT REQUIREMENTS
- securely anchored – vessels will not be permitted to drift or motor about the Parade route
- your vessel must be well away from the Parade path
- your anchor line must be well away from Parade activity
- regulations require the display of an all around anchor light
- the life jacket requirement for children will be enforced
- kayakers are not exempt from these requirements
LAW ENFORCEMENT AND FLORIDA MARINE PATROL WILL BE ACTIVELY ISSUING CITATIONS FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT SECURELY ANCHOR, OR CHOOSE TO DRIFT OR MOTOR NEAR THE PARADE.
The safest spots to view the parade by boat are the many adjoining canals along the Parade route. DO NOT ANCHOR ON OR NEAR THE PARADE ROUTE, however if you anchor up extremely close to the mangroves, you may view the Parade from west side of the wide area of the rim canal, immediately south of the Ponce Inlet.
With the exception of registered boaters with numbered signboards, do not tie up to any private dock without verifiable, written permission in hand from the property owner of record.
Safety is key, and LAW ENFORCEMENT will be out IN FORCE on Parade night.
copyright © – 2000-2024 The Saturday Night Before Christmas Eve Boat Parade, Inc Sponsored by the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association