Everyone loves a good parade, and New Smyrna Beach and Edgewater are no different. In fact, they love their parades so much that they hold them by land and by sea!

Our holiday boat parade – complete with holiday music piped over the waterways, bright colored lights and festive decorations in celebration of the season – is a time honored tradition. The 2018 Annual Holiday Boat Parade will be the 31st of its kind, and it is great fun for spectators as well as participants.

The boats start near mile marker 53 in Edgewater and travel north by Riverside/Manatee Park in New Smyrna Beach for judging. That’s right! There are usually gifts for the entrants and ALWAYS a prize for the winners!

The merry band of boats then proceeds to the north side of Chicken Island along the N. Causeway, east to the Grille at Riverview, south toward Bouchelle Island and west back toward Riverside Park. Once the final boat passes the judges, winners are notified via VHF channel 69.

Spectating is popular along Riverside Drive, at Smyrna Yacht Club, Riverside Park, Anglers’ Yacht Club, NSB Boat and Ski Club, Outriggers Tiki Bar and Grille, The Grille at Riverview and Bouchelle Island Condominiums. The cities of Edgewater and New Smyrna Beach also host events at their respective parks for the public.