5

Parade

Lights on the Water boat parade

Saturday 5 December 2026, 6 pm

St. Lucie River, downtown Stuart

First boat under the bridge at 6.15 pm

Boats strung with coloured Christmas lights moving across dark water at night, their reflections streaking the surface

The boat parade starts at the Roosevelt Bridge at six and runs down the river past the Riverwalk, round the point and back, sixty or so boats from kayaks to sportfishers strung with lights, playing music and throwing candy to the children on the docks. The Riverwalk is the best seat in town and fills by five; the bridge sidewalk is the best photograph, and the Boathouse dock is the best seat with a drink in your hand, if you booked.

Boats can enter for free and are judged from the stage; the trophy is a brass sailfish and the bragging rights last a year.

Good to know

  • The Riverwalk fills by 5 pm; the bridge sidewalk is less crowded.
  • Dress warmer than you think; the river wind is cold in December.
  • The parade takes about an hour and a half to pass.
  • Entry for boats is free and closes a week before.

A fictional event at a real public venue, written to show what the Keel theme can do.

While you are there

Make a weekend of it with the night market the evening before and a room on the river.