Fort Lauderdale event guide
Winterfest Boat Parade Weekend
The Winterfest Boat Parade lights up Fort Lauderdale's waterways on Saturday, December 12, 2026, from Stranahan House along the New River and up the Intracoastal. Here's a weekend plan for a group.
By Cameron HergetEvent dates checked against the official source
- Parade night
- Groups of up to 20
- Sat, Dec 12, 2026
Where to stay for the boat parade
All Fort Lauderdale staysSuggested plan, day by day
These are suggestions, not a package. AvantStay doesn’t book, sell, or arrange any of these activities. Check hours, tickets, and reservations directly with each place.
Day 1 · Fri: Riverwalk & Las Olas
A walk along the river, then dinner on Las Olas.
Outdoors · Afternoon
A waterside path along the New River downtown.
Neighborhood · Dinner
Shops, restaurants and bars along Fort Lauderdale's main street.
Day 2 · Sat: Parade night
A historic house by day, the boat parade at night.
Museum · Morning
A historic estate and gardens between the beach and the Intracoastal. Check tour times.
Landmark · Afternoon
One of the city's oldest buildings, on the New River where the parade begins.
Event · Evening
The official Parade Viewing Area. The parade starts at 6 pm; check the official site for viewing tickets.
Day 3 · Sun: Beach morning
A last morning by the ocean.
Beach · Morning
Where Las Olas Boulevard meets the ocean.
Good to know
Getting in
Fly into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL); Miami International (MIA) is another option. Allow extra time for traffic and event road closures.
The route
The parade starts at Stranahan House, travels east along the New River to the Intracoastal Waterway and continues north to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach, per Winterfest.
Where to watch
The official Parade Viewing Area is at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park. You can also watch from spots along the route.
Optional extras
Through AvantStay concierge you can add fridge stocking or a private chef, booked and paid separately.
Frequently asked questions
Saturday, December 12, 2026, at 6 pm, per Winterfest.
It starts at Stranahan House, travels east along the New River to the Intracoastal Waterway and continues north to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach.
The official Parade Viewing Area is at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park. Check Winterfest's site for tickets.
Near Las Olas, the beach or the Intracoastal keeps the parade route within reach. Set your dates and group size above to see the stays that fit.