Last updated: November 11, 2026

Every December, decorated boats float down the New River and the Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale. The Winterfest Boat Parade 2026 is the 55th edition of the show, and it takes place on Saturday, December 12, at 6 p.m., with a pre-show of non-motorized vessels at 5:30 p.m. The 2026 theme is “Party In The U.S.A.”, tied to America’s 250th anniversary. Winterfest says the parade draws more than a million spectators. This guide covers the route, where to watch, tickets, how to get to Fort Lauderdale and when to exchange currency if you are flying in for the weekend.

Winterfest Boat Parade 2026 at a glance

Detail	Information
Date	Saturday, December 12, 2026
Time	6 p.m. (pre-show of non-motorized boats at 5:30 p.m.)
Edition	55th annual Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
Start	New River, downtown Fort Lauderdale, west of Stranahan House
Route	East on the New River, then north on the Intracoastal Waterway to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach
Official viewing area	Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park
Official site	winterfestparade.com

Dates and times can change, so check winterfestparade.com before you travel. The organizers also list the dates of the next parades: December 11, 2027, and December 9, 2028.

Where does the Winterfest Boat Parade go?

The boats stage on the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale, along the docks west of Stranahan House. From there the parade travels east along the river to the Intracoastal Waterway and turns north, ending at Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. The route is long, so you have more than one place to watch.

Where can I watch the parade?

Winterfest recommends its official Parade Viewing Area at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park, on the east side of Fort Lauderdale. It has live entertainment before and after the parade. Tickets are electronic: $40 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under, and children 3 and under are free, according to the official site. The site also warns that tickets can sell out, so buy early and read the ticket policy first.

You can also watch from other points on the route, including the bridges and the Riverside Hotel. Bridge timings are approximate and traffic can cause delays, so plan to arrive early wherever you choose.

Tips for parade night

• Buy your viewing area ticket in advance and keep the electronic ticket on your phone.
• Get to your spot before the 5:30 p.m. pre-show so you do not miss the first boats.
• Expect traffic and road closures near the river and the Intracoastal, and leave extra time between your hotel and the viewing area.
• Check the weather the day before. The parade is outdoors and the evening air by the water can feel cooler than the afternoon.
• Carry a charged phone and a small amount of US cash in small bills.

How do I get to Fort Lauderdale for the parade?

You can fly into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) or Miami International Airport (MIA). If you are staying in Miami, add a buffer for the drive north, because parade night brings extra traffic. If you stay in Fort Lauderdale, choose a hotel near the river, Las Olas or the Intracoastal to keep the trip short.

Make a weekend of it

The parade is part of a larger Winterfest weekend. A free Family Fun Day takes place on the New River on November 22, 2026, which suits visitors who arrive earlier in the month. If you are in South Florida for the art fairs, Art Basel Miami Beach opens to the public on December 4, one week before the parade. Our fall and winter events calendar lists every date by neighborhood.

What cash should I bring to the parade?

Spending the holidays in South Florida? Exchange before you head out to the river. A night around Las Olas usually means dinner, parking or rides, and tips along the way, and small bills make quick purchases easier. Airport exchange counters usually offer less favorable rates than a branch in the city, so it is worth waiting until you are in town.

Where can I exchange currency in Fort Lauderdale?

Our Fort Lauderdale branch is at 3329 E Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308. It is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., so you can still exchange on the morning of the parade.

We buy and sell more than 80 currencies, including euros, British pounds, Colombian pesos, Mexican pesos, Brazilian reais, Peruvian soles and Chilean pesos, at the best rate in Miami. Call +1 (305) 374-2336, message the branch on WhatsApp at +1 (305) 954-9534, or reserve online before you arrive.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Winterfest Boat Parade 2026?

Saturday, December 12, 2026, at 6 p.m., with a pre-show of non-motorized boats at 5:30 p.m.

Where does the Winterfest Boat Parade start?

It stages on the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale, west of Stranahan House, and travels east to the Intracoastal Waterway.

Do I need a ticket to watch the Winterfest Boat Parade?

Not for every spot. The official Parade Viewing Area at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park requires a ticket. You can also watch from other points along the route, such as the bridges.

How much are Winterfest Boat Parade tickets?

The official site lists $40 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under. Children 3 and under are free. Check winterfestparade.com for changes.

Where can I exchange currency near the Winterfest Boat Parade?

Euro Money Exchange Fort Lauderdale, at 3329 E Oakland Park Blvd, is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., so you can exchange on the morning of the parade. WhatsApp +1 (305) 954-9534.

Nearest Euro Money Exchange

Euro Money Exchange Fort Lauderdale
3329 E Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
Mon to Fri 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. · Sat 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: +1 (305) 374-2336 · WhatsApp: +1 (305) 954-9534

Maps and directions for all our branches are on our locations page.

Coming for the Winterfest Boat Parade? Call +1 (305) 374-2336 or message our Fort Lauderdale branch on WhatsApp at +1 (305) 954-9534, and get the best rate in Miami before the weekend.