Author: Q Branch
Poster Artist: Dennis Friel
Florida native Dennis Friel’s artwork celebrates coastal culture and, as 2022 Poster Artist, celebrates the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade!
Commodore: Steven Savor
Belle of the Ball: Lisa Duke
Shoreline
Celebrate with Winterfest! Let us know if you are hosting a Parade Viewing Party on Land! Tell us your location – house, condo, business, restaurant, or dock along the route – we want you to light up our ‘stage” for our waterway Parade!
This page will have decorating, contest and parade voting links information in the Fall. Please visit again in September for updates on the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade on December 16, 2023.
LOOKING TO DECORATE and ENTER OUR SHORELINE CONTEST?
• Be a Part of the Shoreline Extravaganza
• Opportunities for a Grand Marshal Shout-out of your Party during the Parade
• Sing along with the Karaoke Boat & see your Party on the screens
• Vote for your favorite decorated home/business and Parade entry for the chance to win prizes
Looking for Lights? Click here for a light catalog by Christmas Decor Southeast.
Looking for a decorator for your home or business? Visit http://xmasdecorfla.com.
Winterfest® Transforms Fort Lauderdale’s Waterways to Shades Of Neon This Holiday Season
The Holiday Tradition Continues December 10, 2022 – The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade organizers announced the celebration of its’ 51st Parade will take place on Saturday, December 10, 2022, with the theme “Neon Nightlife Under the Sea.” The holiday signature event of South Florida will provide an unforgettable night of glowing lights, music, and fun for locals, tourists, and people of all ages. The much-anticipated, ultimate 12-mile neon block-party promises to be a magical night.
Winterfest® has been a beloved holiday tradition since 1971 when it first sailed as an organized event through the “Venice of the Americas,” the nickname for Fort Lauderdale and its famous waterways. The Parade showcases national and local businesses, but also individuals, families, groups, and charities that decorate their boats in lights and become stars on a floating stage, all for the delight of their community.
This time-honored tradition brings more than 1 million spectators along the natural backdrop of Broward County from Fort Lauderdale’s New River and Intracoastal Waterways to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach.
“We are looking forward to having the largest number of private entries in history. Boaters are already planning on how they will showcase their creative decorating talents. The Parade is a time for families and our community to celebrate together, whether they’re watching online from home, applauding from their balconies, or being cheered on while sailing through the Parade themselves.” noted Lisa Scott-Founds, President & CEO Winterfest®, Inc.
Winterfest® hosts a complete line up before the Parade:
Gray Robinson, P.A. Winterfest® Launch Party
Date: Oct. 21, 7-10 p.m.
Location: Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, 3030 Holiday Dr., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Cost: An invitation only event. Tickets are included in sponsorship.
Description: The Launch Party, hosted by Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, will begin with the Robinson Jewelers Grand Entrance and feature delights from featured restaurant, Casa Calabria, and other top chefs’ choices from Andy’s Live Fire Grill, BK Lobster, Eddie V’s, Billy’s Stone Crabs, Mimi’s Ravioli, Piazza Italia, 3030 Ocean, Timpano, Sea Level and Fogo de Chao. Guests will be able to relax in the Neuvana Lounge with a cocktail from Republic National Distributing, Co.
Secrets of the Sea
Date: Nov. 5, 7-10 p.m.
Location: Casa de Palma – Private Residence
Cost: Limited tickets are available. $100 per person
Description: Steve Savor opens his private mansion for this fun event, in conjunction with Fort Lauderdale Film Festival, and in association with The Umbrella Group.
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Winterfest® Family Fun Day presented by Publix
Date: Nov. 20, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Esplanade Park. 400 SW 2nd street Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312
Cost: FREE
Description: Fun for kids of all ages! Families will enjoy “The Polar Express,” face painting, food and beverage sampling, Pet Rescue Row, Stoked on Salt Conservation Village, photo opportunities with Santa, free giveaways, sampling by LaCroix, activities by Fifth Third Bank, South Florida Ford, Publix live entertainment and so much more.
Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Black Tie Ball Presented by Broward Health in association with Republic National Distributing Company
Date: Dec. 3, 6 p.m. till midnight
Location: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, Fl 33314
Cost: Tables of 10 start at $3,000.
Description: The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino will transform into explosion of excitement for this black-tie ball with entertainment sponsored by DEX Imaging, Welcome Reception by Hotwire Communications. Guests will enjoy special performances from the North American Tour of TINA, and the evening will be filled with a rich array of music from the 12-piece band “Private Stock.” Republic National Distributing, Co. will bring spirits and wines such as Chloe, Imagery, Tribute and 13 Celsius. Bid on amazing items in the Fidelity Investments silent auction.
Skipper’s Meeting
Date: Dec. 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Location: Coral Ridge Yacht Club
Cost: Parade participants only.
Description: In association with Frank & Jimmie’s Propeller, FB Marine Group, Chevron, and Marine Association of South Florida (MIASF). Parade captains will enjoy dinner following the mandatory meeting. Goodie bags will be provided to each boater with Chevron gift cards.
Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Grand Marshal Reception Presented by University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Date: Dec. 9, 6-9 p.m.
Location: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, Fl 33314
Cost: An invitation only event. Tickets are included in sponsorship.
Description: The Reception will honor the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade Grand Marshals, Jr. Captain, Child Ambassador, and celebrity guests.
Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade
Date: Dec. 10, starting at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Fort Lauderdale
Location: 12-mile route commencing on the New River and traveling along Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal waterway to Pompano Beach
Cost: FREE
Description: Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade will celebrate with the theme, “Neon Night Life Under the Sea.” A highly anticipated signature event of the holidays, the Parade can be viewed along the 12-mile route commencing in downtown Fort Lauderdale. This year’s Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade will glow and sparkle with aquatic images, music and décor. The dazzling event will close out the year with floating stages of entertainment, Miss Florida USA, Miss Florida Teen USA, beauty queens, celebrities and starry-eyed spectators of all ages. Since its inception in 1971, Winterfest® has become a Florida tradition with national and international viewers.
Sponsor entries include Kroger Delivery fireworks, Fifth Third Bank Grand Marshal Showboat featuring the host city, the City of Fort Lauderdale, showstopper entries sponsored by WSVN-FOX, FPL, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Republic National Distributing, Co., Aqua Flight, Blah Face, LLC, Ren – Fest on board Bluefoot Pirate Boat, H-PROOF, Santa on board Jungle Queen, Water Taxi, Floating Concert Entries, and more. Parade viewers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite entry on the Winterfest® App.
VIP Viewing Area Presented by Holy Cross Health, Nova Southeastern University
Date: Dec. 10, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Tunnel Top Park
Cost: An invitation only event. Tickets are included in sponsorship.
Description: Guests will experience an intimate view of the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade. The most prestigious location to watch the Parade, close to 500 community leaders, dignitaries, and Winterfest® Sponsors will enjoy the ambiance and prestige of attending the private function between the Riverside Hotel and Stranahan House, directly located at the Parade start on the New River. This event includes great food from the Riverside Hotel and area restaurants, along with cocktail creations with Republic National Distributing, Co. products such as Fireball Whisky, Chloe and Tribute wines and sampling by LaCroix. The area is also host various media (thank you to Visit Lauderdale) and exclusive filming of the WSVN television show, and livestreaming. Votes will be cast in the Broward Mall Judges Area.
Baptist Health Parade Viewing Area presented by Florida Panthers
Date: Dec. 10, Gates open at 4 pm, Parade arrives at 7 pm, followed by a concert till 10:30 pm
Location: Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park — 80 Las Olas Cir., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Cost: $25 adults/$20 children
Description: In association with the Beach Business Improvement District, and the Florida Panthers, spectators will experience a “Party in the Park” festival atmosphere at the Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park. Visitors will enjoy the Stella Artois Culinary Courtyard featuring Twin Peaks Restaurant, Coca-Cola, LaCroix, Stella Artois and food vendors. Sampling by Kroeger Delivery, Checker’s and Celsius. The area will host a variety of activities, South Florida Ford, photos with Santa, and live entertainment on the City of Fort Lauderdale stage with the Shane Duncan Band and Southern Blood. Parade commentary from Y100’s Drew, will be heard throughout the area.
Coming from out of town to see the Parade? Winterfest® has a variety of weekend hotel/ticket packages available at winterfestparade.com.
Unable to come to Fort Lauderdale in December? No worries, the Parade will be available for viewing online. Winterfest® is once again teaming up with long time local community partner WSVN-TV Channel 7 to stream the Parade online. WSVN Channel 7 will also air the Winterfest® one-hour special to ensure no one is left out of the fun.
About Winterfest, Inc.
Winterfest® is a Florida not-for-profit organization based in Broward County that produces a variety of events including the free public event known as the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade – “The World’s Most Watched Boat Parade.” On a typical year, more than one million spectators view the Parade along the 12-mile route, with millions more via television and the internet, bringing national and international recognition to South Florida. Winterfest® also hosts a variety of annual events to enhance the community’s image and provide unique, wholesome family entertainment. For more information, visit us online at winterfestparade.com, call 954-767-0686 or follow us: Facebook: winterfest.parade, Instagram: WinterfestInc. Join the conversation: #WinterfestFL
August Happy Hour
The 2024 August Happy Hour has entered the history books!
Coming in 2025, this page will be updated with all the exciting details of our next August Happy Hour.
We’ll see you then!
Savor Cinema
August 28
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
503 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Theme announcement for the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade.
Get ready to celebrate the end of Summer with Winterfest. On August 28, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Savor Cinema will host the Winterfest Happy Hour and Roll Out of this year’s Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade theme: “Sawgrass to Seagrass: Waves of Holiday Cheer”
Join us for an evening of comradery with parade participants, control boat volunteers, Winterfest board and advisory members, community leaders, and fans as we toast the end of the summer and the countdown to this year’s Winterfest Celebrations. Savor Cinema is one of our series of monthly Happy Hours and various events culminating with the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade. Winterfest has been a beloved tradition in Broward County for over 53 years, captivating audiences with its stunning displays on boats and festive spirit.
Savor Cinema, renowned for its unique ambiance and dedication to the arts, provides the perfect backdrop for this theme announcement. Delight in the company of fellow Winterfest enthusiasts, local leaders, and community members.
WE LOVE OUR WINTERFEST and BOATING COMMUNITY
Please join your friends at Winterfest for fun, hors d’oeuvres, raffles, and happy hour prices.
Boaters registered for the Parade (as an entry or control boat) will be automatically entered to win additional prizes.
Register to enter the parade NOW: https://winterfestparade.com/parade-application
Register to be a Control Boater NOW: Boaters – We Need YOU! | The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade (winterfestparade.com)
Savor the Winterfest Season Party
The 2024 SAVOR the WINTERFEST SEASON PARTY has entered the history books!
Coming in 2025, this page will be updated with all the exciting details of the next Savor the Winterfest Season Party.
We’ll see you then!
Until then, enjoy a look of all the fun people had at the 2024 Savor the Winterfest Season Party
WINTERFEST & FLIFF
Present
Barbie’s Las Olas Beach House
Hosted by Steven Savor
The party will host a spectrum of entertainment and fashion, with special guest Bob Mackie.
See the Lookbook here!
Valet Parking, Limo or Uber Recommended
SPONSORSHIPS
Host: Steven Savor’s Villa de Palma
Liquor: Republic National Distributing Company
OPEN SPONSORSHIPS
Title Sponsor:
Entertainment: $10,000
Cuisine: Trade
Valet: $5,000
Décor Sponsor: $5,000
Photography Sponsor: $3,000
Christmas In July
2023 Christmas In July has entered the history books!
Coming in 2024, this page will be updated with all the exciting details of our next Christmas In July.
We’ll see you then!
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU – Take our Christmas in July Poll – one random voter will win a $50 Gift Card (your name and email must be included with your vote) https://woobox.com/tkhrek
Join Us for Christmas in July!
Why wait for the winter to participate in your favorite holiday festivities?
Good ol’ Saint Nick is taking a vacation to Fort Lauderdale this summer, and you are invited to participate in the Christmas Day Fun on July 22, 2023!
Daytime: Family Fun with Santa & the “Nice List” Gang
Nighttime: The Elves Go Rogue with “Jingle Bells and Naughty List” Elves
JULY 22, 2023 – Daytime
“The Nice List”
SANTA ON LAS OLAS BOULEVARD
11:00 AM – 12:50 PM SANTA’S GOLF CART BRIGADE on LAS OLAS BLVD.
SANTA STOPS
11:20 AM Robinson’s Jewelers Las Olas
11:35 AM Louie Bossi
11:50 AM B-Square
12 NOON Anne’s Florist
12:10 PM Carroll’s Jewelers
12:20 PM Kilwins – Fort Lauderdale
12:30 PM El Camino
12:40 PM Piazza Italia – Link to Specials for the Day
PHOTOS WITH SANTA @ RIVERSIDE HOTEL
1:15-2:10 PM Photo opportunity at the Fireplace
BAKEOFF JUDGING / TREATS @ NEW RIVER CAFE & BAKERY
1:00-2:30 PM Bakeoff Judging – “Christmas In July” Teen Bake-Off Link
2:15 PM Santa Visits for a Cookie
2:20-2:30 PM Bakery Treats for Guests
WATER TAXI HOLIDAY CRUISES
2:20 PM Santa visits the Water Taxi Stop at Stranahan House / Tunnel Top Park
2:30 PM Family / “Nice List” Cruise click to purchase tickets
( Look for lunch / dinner savings with your pre-purchased Water Taxi Ticket Cruise and Save – Water Taxi )
MORE CHRISTMAS IN JULY DAYTIME
Las Olas Yoga– Enjoy a class with the studio decorated for the holidays. Classes are from 9 am – 1 pm. Holiday savings on retail as well as discounts on our new student specials and memberships.
Robinson’s Jewelers– One of Santa’s stops! Ask about their July specials!
Warby Parker– Festive staff members all day long!
Ya Mas Taverna– Hosting a “Barbie” brunch! The most popular toy comes alive at Ya Mas on 7/22!
YETI– Ask them about their Christmas In July specials on holiday themed inventory!
Zola Keller– Shop for your Winterfest Black Tie Ball Gown EARLY and SAVE! Click to view this special and more (click to our hotel page)
JULY 22, 2023 – Nighttime – “Jingle Bells and Naughty Elves”
“The Naughty List”
THE ELVES GO ROGUE
11:30 AM ’till close – Piazza Italia – Specialty Drinks all day – Link to Specials for the Day
JINGLE BELLS and NAUGHTY ELVES
5:30-6:00 PM – Stranahan House – Elves Gathering
6:30 PM – Jingle Bells and Naughty Elves Water Taxi Cruise click to purchase tickets
New River Café & Bakery will have Tiramisu in an edible chocolate cup with a Grand Marnier infusion for Water Taxi Guests with tickets for the Jingle Bells and Naughty Elves Cruise.
( Look for lunch / dinner savings with your pre-purchased Water Taxi Ticket Cruise and Save – Water Taxi )
For additional details with the Naughty Elves
MORE CHRISTMAS IN JULY NIGHTTIME
American Social– Specialty Cocktails and a special place to stop for your social media needs- Take an “ELFIE” using a 360 camera photo opportunity provided by GoQuiPlus.com
B Square– Themed cocktails and food specials, with a festive staff ready to welcome you! Take an “ELFIE” at the Photo booth set up provided by GoQuiPlus.com for some more Christmas In July fun!
Boathouse– Themed Cocktails and menu specials all day long!
Cuba Libre– Will be celebrating in true “elf” style with specialty cocktails all night!
Riverside Hotel– Offering an option to “Elf Responsibly” with room specials so you can “take the elevator home” if you’d like to stay overnight!
LAST MINUTE UPDATES
Last minute updates on Boulevard Activities at night can be found on LasOlasBoulevard.com
DID YOU MISS SANTA?
Stop by July 21-23 and drop off your letter:
Riverside Hotel
Robinson’s Jewelers Las Olas
Kilwins – Fort Lauderdale
BE AN ELF on SOCIAL MEDIA and WIN PRIZES: Look for the Christmas in July Posters at various locations along Las Olas Boulevard and “Elf Yourself” – weekly winners will be announced on social media.
Or, click the link, take a photo, and upload it on social using the five #’s:
#ChristmasInJulyOnLasOlas #GotElfed #WinterfestFL #LasOlasBlvd #Waterataxi
REMEMBER YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA MUST BE PUBLIC (not private) for us to see your photos).
TOO SHY to change your social media accounts to public? No Worries – Email your photo using our frame or one of you in “Elf attire” to boats@Winterfestparade.com, and we will confirm the photo can be uploaded into our contest and send you a confirmation link.
Winners will be announced weekly ending July 25th.
PRIZES INCLUDE: $20 Gift Cards, $50 Restaurant Gift Cards, Santa Books, Tickets onboard Water Taxi, Hotel Stay at Riverside Hotel
Want to expand Christmas in July beyond one Day? Bring the Christmas in July Inspiration home!
Looking for a Summer Get-Away? Stay Local? Click here!
2022
Winterfest Flashback to 2022
“Neon Nightlife Under The Sea”
THE PEOPLE OF WINTERFEST
Grand Marshals: Say “Bye Bye Bye” to just one and plan on being more than “Satisfied” with three Florida – based Grand Marshals for Winterfest 2022 – Taylor Dayne, Joey Fatone and Chris Kirkpatrick
Celebrities: Captain Lee (Bravo’s Below Deck)
Commodore: Steven Savor
Belle of the Ball: Lisa Duke
Jr. Captain of the Parade: Luna Maria on behalf of the Forza Stefano Charitable Foundation
Poster Artist: Dennis Friel
Ornament Designer: Pat Anderson
