Calling All Captains: Registration Still Open for Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade

The holiday season is just around the corner, and the City of Palm Coast is reminding local boat owners that there is still time to be part of one of the community's favorite holiday traditions! Registration remains open for the 43rd Annual Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade, taking place Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 6 p.m. along the Intracoastal Waterway.

For more than 40 years, local boaters have helped bring this holiday tradition to life, decorating their vessels with festive lights and spreading holiday cheer to spectators gathered along the waterfront. This year, the city is encouraging both returning participants and first-time captains to join the celebration.

Whether you have a small fishing boat, a pontoon, or a larger vessel, all boats are welcome to participate, regardless of size or decorations. Registration is completely free, and the more boats that participate, the bigger and better the celebration becomes for everyone watching from shore. Every additional captain and crew helps create a more festive parade and a memorable holiday experience for the Palm Coast community.

To help encourage new participants, the city has also released a series of videos featuring local boat captains sharing their experiences participating in previous parades. From the excitement of decorating their boats to seeing families cheering along the shoreline, these firsthand stories offer a glimpse into what makes the event special for those on the water.

Watch the captain testimonials here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLczqEFuto050 

This year's parade will begin at the North Cut Canal and travel south along the Intracoastal Waterway to the Grand Haven gazebo before returning north. Popular public viewing locations include Waterfront Park and the St. Joe Walkway Trailhead beneath the Hammock Dunes Bridge, across from European Village.

Participating captains will also have the option to compete for awards in four categories: Best of Parade, Most Creative, Most Spirited Crew, and Best Theme. Participation in the competition is entirely optional, allowing boaters to enjoy the parade without the pressure of competing.

The city has worked closely with a focus group of local boaters to incorporate participant feedback into this year's event. A pre-parade captains' meeting will also be held to review event logistics and answer questions ahead of December 5.

The City also thanks the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) for its support of this year's parade through a $1,000 grant. This funding will allow the City to provide commemorative burgees to all registered boat captains as a special keepsake recognizing their participation in this beloved community tradition.

Registration is open through November 29, 2026. Boat owners interested in participating are encouraged to sign up today. It's free, it's fun, and every boat makes a difference! Register at https://form.typeform.com/to/A8Kx24Xo. 

For additional information about the 2026 Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade, visit https://www.palmcoast.gov/newsroom/home/details/2026-palm-coast-holiday-boat-parade. 

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