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It’s the season to be jolly, and for boaters, the holidays wouldn’t be complete without a dazzling holiday boat parade. As Christmas and New Year’s draw near, waterways across the United States come alive with yachts and boats beautifully decorated and glowing with festive lights. Just like decorating your home for the holidays, owning a boat opens up another wonderful way to spread the cheer of the season.
Boat parades offer a fantastic way for boat owners to showcase their holiday spirit, bringing together their crew and entertaining thousands of spectators along the route. It’s a spectacle not only for onlookers but also for participants, with hundreds of boats joining each year in a friendly competition to create the most impressive holiday display.
Yachts of all types including express cruisers, center consoles, sportfishing yachts, and luxury motor yachts, partake in the fun. Some boat owners bring carolers on board to sing, while others keep the festivities lively by playing Christmas music. The best part? Everyone’s having a fantastic time. If you’re new to yacht ownership and eager to join a holiday parade this year, we’ve gathered some tips and tricks to help make your display truly shine.
Thanks to yacht broker Andrew Maryott, we have some tips for first-time yacht decorators that will help the process go smoother. Start by envisioning how you want your yacht or boat to look. What type of holiday decorations, lights, and music will set the perfect festive vibe? If you need inspiration, check out our Holiday Boat Parade Board on Pinterest.
There are countless ways to decorate for the holidays, from string lights and papier-mâché sculptures to festive plants, flags, and banners. For a more intricate approach, try attaching lights to chicken wire to form words or images, then mount them on a wooden frame. You can secure these displays using halyards, lines, blocks, and boat structures like outriggers, masts, booms, and spinnaker poles.
Once your plan is set, it’s essential to think about plug placement. This often-overlooked step is crucial for a smooth setup. Be mindful not to overload the plugs or lights—using a surge protector is a smart choice. For added safety, connect the surge protector to two different outlets.
When you’re ready to start decorating with lights, it’s best to invest in new ones. Saltwater exposure shortens the lifespan of holiday lights, so last year’s may not work well or stay lit long after setup. Be sure to test all your lights before decorating, and use shrink-wrap tape and zip ties to secure them to your yacht. Once everything is in place, leave the lights on for a couple of hours to ensure they’re all set. Finally, showcase your masterpiece with pride and enjoy the celebration with your crew!
If you’re thrilled to join a holiday boat parade or simply want to experience the magic of one nearby, we’ve got you covered! Explore our list of the most spectacular parade locations along the enchanting Gulf and Pacific coasts. Each festive boat parade is conveniently organized by date and listed alphabetically by city or county.
Saturday, November 30, 2024
Friday, December 6, 2024
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Friday, December 13, 2024
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Friday, December 20, 2024
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Discover the perfect boat for your holiday adventures with our expertise and extensive resources. With over five decades of experience, a network of 14 locations, and a dedicated team of over 200 professionals, we have the knowledge and inventory to help you find the finest yachts for sale worldwide. Whether you’re searching for brand new yachts or pre-owned boats, Galati Yacht Sales is here to assist you. Reach out to our certified yacht brokers today and let us guide you towards your dream boat.
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