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!

Santa visiting Las Olas!
Christmas in July

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

Christmas in July / Summer Savings

JULY 22, 2023 – Daytime
“The Nice List”

Nice

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 )

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!

Riverside Hotel logo
Winterfest Full Logo
Water Taxi logo
Las Olas Association logo
New River Cafe & Bakery logo
Stranahan House logo
Piazza Italia Logo
Robinson's Jewelers Las Olas logo
Carroll's Jewelers logo
Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau logo

November Happy Hour

2025-11-18 The Winterfest November 2025 Happy Hour at the Mai-Kai!

The Mai-Kai

November 18
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
3599 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

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.

October Happy Hour

Laudy Bar Craft Kitchen logo

Laudy Bar Craft Kitchen

October 15
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
433 NW 1st Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

PARKING OPTIONS

  • Public Parking Lot at 300 NW 1st Ave – Free after 6pm  (2 min walk to the restaurant)
  • Metered Street ParkingTHG Paris at 433 NW 1st Ave 
  • Neighboring business – parking spots along the north side of their building after 5pm
  • Construction Site – Parking along the construction site should be permissible after 5pm

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.

Winterfest Appreciation Party

The 2025 Parade Year Winterfest Appreciation Party has entered the history books!

Coming in 2027, this page will be updated with all the exciting details of our next Winterfest Appreciation Party.
We’ll see you then!

Winterfest Appreciation Party Logo

March 11, 2026

5:00 – 7:00 PM

The House On The River Logo
The House On The River
301 SW 3rd Ave.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312

ATTENTION: PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS

This invitation-only celebratory event honors the people who play a huge role in the success of Winterfest® – our volunteers!

Hors D’oeuvres – Cocktails – Raffles – Fun – Friendship – More

The Carolyn McLaughlin Spirit of Volunteerism Award winner is announced during the event.

If you would like to be a volunteer – contact the Winterfest office.

Captains’ Meeting

WINTERFEST CAPTAINS’ MEETING

December 8, 2026, 6 – 8 PM

Before the big night, all Parade participants are required to attend the Captains’ Meeting. Captains will receive line-up information and rules and regulations for the parade. Boat number and goodie bags featuring great items from our sponsors and raffle items are for Parade participants. CAPTAINS ONLY.

Following the meeting, first time boaters will have the opportunity to view the route on a Water Taxi.

Want to promote your company to boaters? Donation items/gift certificates to the boaters – contact Winterfest for details.

ADDITIONAL PARTNERS: Image360, Marine Industries of South Florida, Suntex Marinas and Water Taxi.

Chevron logo
Frank & Jimmie's Propeller logo
Suntex Marinas logo
Water Taxi logo
Image 360 Fort Lauderdale logo

Photos are on our Facebook page.

PRESS CREDENTIALS: All media requests must be submitted using an email address from the media’s active domain address. The submission must include a commitment from an editor/publisher noting where and when the story/photos will be printed/uploaded on social media platforms.

Any social media influencers must submit their handles, viewership, and pre-/event day promotion plans when requesting credentials.

VIP Viewing Party

2025 VIP Viewing Area Top Banner

Coming in 2026, this page will be updated with all the exciting details of the
55th Annual Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade VIP Viewing Party.
We’ll see you then!

Until then, enjoy a look back at the 2025 VIP Viewing Party

Winterfest VIP Viewing Party

SPONSOR: Holy Cross Health

The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade makes its “Official Start” at one of Fort Lauderdale’s most iconic locations – Tunnel Top Park, overlooking the historic Stranahan House and Riverside Hotel. More than 500 community leaders and sponsors will gather to enjoy an unforgettable evening filled with elegance, energy, and excitement.

Guests will sip cocktails and savor culinary creations from a variety of local restaurants, while mingling with Parade judges, WSVN’s television crew, and fellow supporters of this cherished community tradition.

A special thank you to Holy Cross Health for their continued support in making this exclusive experience possible. This is a sponsor-only event, offering unparalleled views of the Parade, premium hospitality, and a front-row seat to all the action in the Judging Area. Join the Winterfest® family of sponsors and be part of the magic where the Parade begins!

Chairs: Alyssa Lovitt, Nicole Covar & Gary Correll.

This area is Winterfest’s way of saying thank you to all our Board of Directors and Sponsors.
BY INVITATION ONLY.

Are you vacationing in this area for the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade and looking for something to do?
CLICK HERE to Discover Fort Lauderdale Beach or HERE to Visit Lauderdale

VIP Area

People’s Choice Award – You Be the Judge

Your vote decides who wins! Whether you’re watching from home, the shore, or aboard a boat, cast your vote for your favorite parade entry and you could win round-trip travel on
Download the Winterfest® App, scroll through parade entries, and vote daily through January 8. Each boat has an assigned number – details available at WinterfestParade.com.
Celebrate creativity, spirit, and design – and honor the hard work of our amazing participants.

2025 Parade Judges:

2024 Parade Judge Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis

Mayor Dean Trantalis, City of Fort Lauderdale

Dean Trantalis has been mayor of Fort Lauderdale since March 2018 and previously served on the City Commission representing District 2 for eight years. As mayor, he represents the Broward County Tourism Development Council, the Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Broward Workforce Development Board.

Official USCG portrait of Rear Admiral Adam Chamie, the Assistant Commandant for Response Policy (CG-5R)

Rear Admiral Adam A. Chamie, Assistant Commandant for Response Policy (CG-5R)

Rear Admiral Adam Chamie assumed the duties as the Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Response Policy in May, 2024.  In this capacity, he is responsible for developing strategic response doctrine and policy guidance for all Coast Guard forces.  These policies encompass seven of the eleven operational maritime missions, including law enforcement, search and rescue, maritime security, counterterrorism, defense operations, marine environmental response, and emergency management and disaster response programs. Read more…

In RDML Chamie’s previous assignment, he served as the Coast Guard’s Chief of Congressional and Governmental Affairs.  In this role, he was the Commandant’s strategic advisor for legislative affairs and was responsible for coordinating all engagements with Congress.

His military awards include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with operational device, among other personal, campaign, and unit awards.  In 2023, RDML Chamie was designated an honorary Chief Petty Officer by the Commandant and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard.  RDML Chamie was the 2002 Coast Guard Elite Athlete of the Year in the sport of powerlifting.

iHeart Media personality and 2024 Parade Judge Paul Castronovo

Radio Personality Paul Castronovo, iHeart Media – The Paul Castronovo Show

Celebrating his 40th year on the air in South Florida, Big 105.9 Morning Man, Paul Castronovo, host of the Paul Castronovo Show, is part of the landscape of South Florida. An avid Boater and Fishermen as well as being on the board of directors for the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Paul says he is the perfect candidate to judge the legendary Winterfest Boat Parade. “What an honor to be a judge once again, and for all the boat entrants, I take Venmo” Paul quips. Paul can be heard weekday mornings on Big 105.9 FM from 6-10am

Debbie Danto, 2025 Chair of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce

Debbie Danto, 2025 Chair of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce

As the COO of Danto Builders, Debbie Danto has played a pivotal role in growing Danto Builders in South Florida through building relationships with clients and the community, persistence and relentless attention to detail. Her and her husband’s, Craig Danto, industry expertise spans commercial, aviation, hospitality, healthcare, multifamily, retail government and industrial projects, always with a focus on quality and integrity. Her leadership at Danto Builders has helped many businesses and organizations bring their visions to life. Read more…

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Debbie has been an active and passionate advocate for local businesses, economic growth, workforce development and heart health. Her involvement with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce has been instrumental in fostering collaboration among industries and enhancing opportunities for entrepreneurs and business leaders in the region.

Jonathan Lickstein, President of Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie REALTOR®

Jonathan Lickstein, President of Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie REALTOR®

Jonathan Lickstein is the 2025 president of Broward, Palm Beaches and St. Lucie Realtors®. With 18 years of experience in the real estate industry, Jonathan shares his extensive knowledge in emerging technologies, social media strategies, professional standards, and the Code of Ethics essential for today’s AI-driven marketplace. Beyond his role as president of Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors®, Jonathan also serves on the Board of Directors for both the Florida Realtors® and National Association of Realtors ®, as well as on several committees across the Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors® and Florida Realtors®. Read more…

After living in Honduras for six years and being exposed to different markets, Jonathan made a grand impact to the expansion of LoKation Real Estate. He played a pivotal role in growing a small team to more than 4,300 agents, earning recognition from Real Trends and RISMedia as the 11th largest independent brokerage in the U.S.

Beyond his role as president of Broward, Palm Beaches and St. Lucie Realtors®, Jonathan is the Chief Operating Officer at LoKation Real Estate, serving as a Broker, Mentor, and Certified Instructor. He also prioritizes giving back to the real estate community as an RPAC Major Investor and contributes to various committees with Florida Realtors® and the National Association of Realtors®.

2024 Parade Judge Stacy Ritter

President & CEO Stacy Ritter, Visit Lauderdale

Stacy Ritter was the 2024 Winterfest Belle of the Ball and is President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (GFLCVB). As CEO, she is responsible for the administration of the GFLCVB, a 45-person organization of sales and marketing professionals with a $24 million operating budget that focuses its efforts on behalf of the County for multicultural tourism, LGBT+ development, film and entertainment as well as national and international advertising and public relations.

AND YOU!


Be part of the judging team – along with community leaders – and help crown this year’s People’s Choice winner! Official Rules: winterfestparade.com/peoples-choice-award

The Riverside Hotel logo
Visit Lauderdale logo
Boathouse logo
Wild Sea Oyster Bar & Grille Logo
WSVN 7 logo
Eye on South Florida logo
ABC Miami logo
J.F. Haden's Craft Liqueurs logo
Republic National Distributing Company logo
Deep Eddy Vodka logo
LaCroix Logo
Great HealthWorks logo
Hollywood Donut Factory logo
Pet HealthWorks logo
Jay's Steakhouse Logo

What can I do while I’m in town for Winterfest? Click Here

Captain’s Cup

The Epic 2025 Captain’s Cup is In The History Books!

Coming in 2026, this page will be updated with all the exciting details of our next Captain’s Cup celebrating 2026 winners and supporters.
We’ll see you then!

2025 Winterfest Captain's Cup Banner

February 25, 2026

6:00 – 9:00 PM

The Venue logo
2345 Wilton Drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305

Complimentary Valet Parking

Dinner and Cocktails

Every Boat Entry attending the event will receive a copy of the Winterfest Television Show courtesy of WSVN Channel 7.

Winterfest celebrates parade participants and partners that make the year magical.

This wrap-up party recognizes parade entries, corporate sponsors, the board of directors, and Winterfest supporters. The Awards Dinner is decorated to the Parade’s theme with entertainment to compliment.

One lucky boater wins the People’s Choice Award.  By voting – you are saying thank you to those that went the extra mile to become a winner! Voters have the opportunity to win airline tickets (see rules).

Live entertainment, cocktails, full-course dinner, and more!

EVERY PARADE ENTRY receives two (2) complimentary tickets to the event. Additional tickets can be purchased for $40 per person (limited tickets available and must be purchased in advance).

Want to invite additional guests?

Tickets may be purchased for $40 per person.