The 40th Boat Parade of Lights is Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on St. Andrew Bay, with a drone show and Santa at the Panama City Marina.
Last checked Oct. 9, 2026. Dates, the route and parking come from Destination Panama City’s Boat Parade of Lights page and captain application. Destination Panama City runs the parade with the City of Panama City. This page is updated each year at the same address.
The 40th annual Boat Parade of Lights is Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026. Lighted boats parade along St. Andrew Bay from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., after a 5 p.m. drone show at the Panama City Marina. Watching is free. A Holiday Village with Santa opens at the marina at 4 p.m.
Know before you go
- Holiday Village: 4 to 7 p.m., Panama City Marina, 1 Harrison Ave., with vendors, music and Santa
- Drone show: 5 p.m., downtown Panama City Marina
- Boat parade: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club west to the Hathaway Bridge
- Cost: free to watch; seating is not provided
- Leave at home: tents, glass, weapons, knives, firearms and illegal substances
- Questions: Destination Panama City, 850-215-1700, info@destinationpanamacity.com
The route
The parade starts at the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club and travels west along the shoreline, passing, in order:
- Historic downtown Panama City
- The Panama City Marina
- West Beach Drive
- The St. Andrews Marina
- Historic St. Andrews
- Sun Harbor Marina
It ends at the Hathaway Bridge. Boats line up at the yacht club by 5 p.m., and the parade runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Where to watch
Destination Panama City suggests the shoreline along the route, the Panama City Marina, the St. Andrews Marina, or a table at one of the waterfront bars and restaurants. The Holiday Village, the drone show and Santa are all at the Panama City Marina downtown.
Holiday Village and drone show
The free Holiday Village at the Panama City Marina runs from 4 to 7 p.m., with holiday-themed vendors, music and a visit from Santa. The drone show over the downtown marina starts at 5 p.m., half an hour before the boats set off.
Parking
Destination Panama City lists these public lots downtown, along with plentiful street parking:
- 8 Harrison Ave., the old Marina Civic Center site
- 9 Harrison Ave., south of West Government Street
- 36 Oak Ave., south of McKenzie Park
- 413 Harrison Ave., behind the Martin Theatre
- 2-98 E. Sixth St., between Harrison and Luverne avenues, south of Sixth Street
Accessible parking is first come, first served. The city’s downtown parking map shows time limits and lots. If you plan to watch from St. Andrews, see the St. Andrews parking map.
Best boat and entering the parade
The public votes on the best-decorated boat. Captains also compete for Judges’ Choice and Destination Panama City Choice awards.
To enter, fill out the captain application. The registration fee is $25, collected after Destination Panama City staff review the application. Every captain must attend one of two captain’s meetings, with dinner, at Destination Panama City, 101 W. Beach Drive, at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, or Thursday, Dec. 10. Vendors and sponsors apply through the vendor and sponsorship pages.
What to know
- Bring chairs or blankets. Event seating is not provided.
- No tents, glass, weapons, knives, firearms or illegal substances.
- Weather: no rain date is published. Destination Panama City posts updates on the parade’s Facebook page.
- The week before: the city’s Christmas parade and the tree lightings are on our Christmas parade and tree lighting page.
More for the season: holiday lights and Christmas events and things to do in Panama City.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Boat Parade of Lights in Panama City in 2026?
Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026. The parade runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., after a drone show at 5 p.m. and a Holiday Village at the Panama City Marina from 4 to 7 p.m.
What is the Boat Parade of Lights route?
Boats leave the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club and head west along the shore past historic downtown, the Panama City Marina, West Beach Drive, the St. Andrews Marina, historic St. Andrews and Sun Harbor Marina, ending at the Hathaway Bridge.
Where is the best place to watch the Panama City boat parade?
Destination Panama City suggests the shoreline, the Panama City Marina, the St. Andrews Marina or a waterfront bar or restaurant. Seating is not provided, so bring a chair or blanket.
Where do I park for the Boat Parade of Lights?
The organizer lists public lots at 8 and 9 Harrison Ave., 36 Oak Ave., 413 Harrison Ave. behind the Martin Theatre and 2-98 E. Sixth St., plus street parking. Accessible parking is first come, first served.
Can I enter my boat in the parade?
Yes. Destination Panama City takes captain applications with a $25 fee. Captains must attend a meeting on Dec. 3 or Dec. 10 and be lined up at the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club by 5 p.m. on parade day.
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