Deck the Hulls! It’s Holiday Boat Parade Season!
Down here, we don’t wait for snow to signal the season. The holidays arrive on the first cold snap, the smell of gumbo on the stove, and the shimmer of Christmas lights reflecting off the water. There is a specific kind of magic that happens when Santa trades his sleigh for a center console and the "sleigh bells" are actually the hum of outboards cruising the Intracoastal.
Here is your curated itinerary for the Gulf Coast’s 2025 lighted boat parades:
The season kicks off in the Florida Panhandle, setting a high bar for the rest of the coast. On Friday, December 5, the Pensacola Beach Lighted Boat Parade takes over Little Sabine Bay at 6:30 PM. It’s a classic run, looping the bay before heading to the Santa Rosa Sound—grab a spot at the Boardwalk for the best vantage point.
The following evening, Saturday, December 6, marks a new chapter in coastal tradition with the Perdido Key Christmas Boat Parade. This is a "first annual" event starting at sunset (5:00 PM), meaning you have the chance to be part of history in the making. We recommend posting up at the Sunset Grille or the Oyster Bar to toast the inaugural fleet.
For those seeking a more intimate experience away from the big crowds, look to the Pirates of Fish River Christmas Boat Parade in Fairhope (also slated for the weekend of December 6 —check the local "Pirates of Fish River" Facebook group to confirm the exact roll time). Rolling from Weeks Bay up toward the 32 Bridge, this parade feels like a secret handshake among locals. It’s less about the spectacle and more about the community, often best viewed from near Big Daddy’s Grill.
The heavy hitters arrive on Saturday, December 13, a night that feels like magic. In Mobile, the Christmas on the River parade celebrates over half a century of tradition. Starting at 5:00 PM on the Dog River, this is a legacy event where generations of captains parade from the Alba Club past the Grand Mariner.
Further south, the party gets louder with LuLu’s Lighted Boat Parade on December 13. This caravan travels the Intracoastal Waterway from Gulf Shores to The Wharf in Orange Beach. It’s a long route with plenty of viewing spots along the canal, perfect for setting up a folding chair and a cooler.
Also on December 13—but on the other side of Mobile Bay—the Dauphin Island Christmas Boat Parade offers a salty, unpretentious show at 5:00 PM that perfectly captures the island's laid-back character; catch it from the ferry landing. Call to confirm date and time through the city’s website.
Whether you’re watching from the teak deck of a sportfisher or a weathered dock with a drink in hand, these parades are a reminder of why we live where we do. The lights may be electric, but the spirit is timeless. Mark your calendars, double-check the weather, tides, and local listings, and get out there. We’ll see you on the water.
Cheers,
The Dockside Guide Team