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.
Theme Roll Out for the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade.
Get ready to celebrate the end of Summer with Winterfest. On August 27, 2025, 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: “Yacht Rock of Ages.”
Join us for an evening of camaraderie 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 54 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. Delight in the company of fellow Winterfest enthusiasts, local leaders, and community members.
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
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.
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:
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
The 2025 Grand Marshal Experience will be hosted at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. This Winterfest Celebration welcoming our Grand Marshals includes dignitaries and celebrities who join us at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to celebrate, Winterfest style.
RECEPTION BY INVITATION ONLY.
CO-GRAND MARSHALS
2025 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Co-Grand Marshals Romero Britto and Montell Jordan
Co-Grand Marshal for 2025 – Romero Britto
Co-Grand Marshal for 2025 – Montell Jordan
The 54th Annual Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade is set to shine brighter than ever, led by two global icons:
Montell Jordan – R&B legend, inspirational performer, and community advocate. Known for the anthem “This Is How We Do It,” Jordan brings not only a legendary career but also a passion for community, outreach, and connection.
Romero Britto – internationally acclaimed artist whose bold, joyful style has captivated the world. His vibrant, signature artwork will define the look and feel of Winterfest® 2025. From brochures and shirts to the showboat décor, Britto’s art will be everywhere turning the Parade into a living masterpiece.
Together, these Co-Grand Marshals embody the perfect fusion of sound, color, and celebration, making Winterfest® 2025 an unforgettable experience of music, art, and holiday magic.
The Grand Marshals will be honored at the exclusive Grand Marshal Reception, followed by leading the Parade the next night onboard the Grand Marshal Showboat presented by Fifth Third Bank.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCE by Montell Jordan
POSTER ARTIST
In addition to his role as Grand Marshal, Romero Britto has also been commissioned as Winterfest® 2025 poster artist, further adding to the color, creativity, and cultural impact of this year’s festivities. His artwork will be featured on brochures, newsletter, online materials, shirts and reflected on the decor of the Grand Marshal Showboat sponsored by Fifth Third Bank.
Attendees will receive this year’s Poster created by Romero Britto courtesy of South Florida Business Journal.
Entertainment by Yacht Rockettes Trio sponsored by Rick & Flo Celender
Photo Booth sponsored by
Special Guests
Many local VIPs, dignitaries, and sponsors will be on hand to welcome this year’s celebrity Co-Grand Marshals. Fort Lauderdale’s Mayor, Dean Trantalis, will give the Co-Grand Marshals a key to our beautiful city and Riverwalk, Inc. will present a brick in their name(s) for the Riverwalk Celebrity Walk of Fame on the banks of the staging area of the Parade.
2025 Grand Marshal Reception Celebrities – Ryan Cabrera, Chris Kirkpatrick, Jr. Captain Sydney, Captain Lee, the Yacht Rockettes, Skip Ahoy
Meet Florida’s Powerhouse: Your New Miss Florida USA!
Crowned with purpose and passion, Lou Schieffelin is your newly crowned Miss Florida USA and she’s ready to make history. No stranger to the spotlight, Lou first dazzled the pageant world as Miss Florida Teen USA 2018, placing in the Top 10 at Miss Teen USA and has only soared higher ever since.
A proud magna cum laude graduate of the University of Florida, she blends beauty, brains, and bold ambition. With over 16 years as a professional model in the best markets around the US, she knows how to command a runway and through pageantry, a room. Now, Lou is taking her drive to the skies as a pilot in training, proving that no dream is too high to chase.
However, Schieffelin’s greatest mission is grounded in purpose. As a passionate advocate, she was a FL House Floor honored catalyst behind the life-saving legislation that ended the texting while driving epidemic saving an estimated 11 lives every single day in Florida. In partnership with AT&T’s national “It Can Wait” campaign, Lou also authored a children’s book to further amplify her message and reach.
Determined to protect Florida’s youth, Lou has gone on to curate her empowering workshop “Red Flags Run.”, a program educating teens on how to stay safe in the digital world.
From the stage to the skies, the Capitol to the classroom, she’s a woman on a mission. And now, she’s setting her sights on the national crown. Lou is ready to bring home Florida’s first-ever Miss USA title. Grace, grit, and an unstoppable spirit: Miss Florida USA is more than a title. She’s a movement.
Join Us
Winterfest® is more than a Parade—it’s a tradition that unites South Florida and draws national recognition. With Montell Jordan and Romero Britto at the helm, this year promises to be a spectacular celebration of creativity, culture, and community.
Please view photos of our past Grand Marshals Jack Wagner with the Florida Panthers’ Mascots: Stanley C. Panther and Viktor E. Rat,Taylor Dayne, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick, Mario Lopez, Brett Michaels, Huey Lewis, Big & Rich, PITBULL, Flo Rida, Deborah Norville, Barry Gibb, Brooke Burke, Kim Kardashian, Alonzo Mourning, Jim Belushi, Lorraine Bracco, Frankie Valli, Randy Jackson, Shaquille O’Neal, Ryan Hunter-Reay, and many more on our Facebook page.
Now is the perfect time to partner with Winterfest® and showcase your brand on the most dazzling stage of the season.
A Powerful Platform for Partners
By partnering with Winterfest®, you align your brand with world-class talent, international media attention, and unmatched community engagement.
High-Profile Visibility: Featured alongside iconic names such as Pitbull, Flo Rida, Shaquille O’Neal, and Barry Gibb—past Grand Marshals who have elevated the Parade’s reputation.
Cultural Impact: Britto’s artwork and Jordan’s influence ensure that Winterfest® 2025 resonates across art, music, and media landscapes.
Prestige & Access: From the exclusive Grand Marshal Reception to the Parade itself, your brand will connect with VIPs, dignitaries, celebrities, and tens of thousands of attendees.
This is a private reception to honor our Grand Marshal. Become a Sponsor – Get Invited! SPONSORSHIPS are available with this event. The event includes honoring our Jr. Captain from the Winterfest Foundation.
ALL PARTICIPATING STUDENTS, PARENTS, TEACHERS and PRINCIPALS are invited. JOIN US for the 2024-2025 STUDENT ART EXHIBIT and AWARDS CEREMONY presented by Broadway director Neil Goldberg, author of the new award-winning children’s holiday book POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance. AWARDS FOR FIRST, SECOND and THIRD PLACE AND HONORABLE MENTIONS.
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.
The 2024 November Happy Hour has entered the history books.
Coming in 2025, this page will be updated with all the exciting details of the next November Happy Hour. We’ll see you then!
Public Parking Lot at 300 NW 1st Ave – Free after 6pm (2 min walk to the restaurant)
Metered Street Parking – THG 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.
The 2024 Winterfest October Happy Hour has entered the history books!
Coming in 2025, this page will be updated with all the exciting details of the next Winterfest October Happy Hour. We’ll see you then!
Bret Michaels – 2019 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
The 2019 Grand Marshal Experience will be hosted at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
This Winterfest Celebration welcoming our Grand Marshal Bret Michaels includes dignitaries and celebrities who join us at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to celebrate, Winterfest style. RECEPTION BY INVITATION ONLY.
Captain Lee, Miss Florida USA, Miss Teen USA, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick, and Miss Latina Internationals.
This fabulous reception is the prelude to the parade. Many local VIP’s, dignitaries, sponsors will be on hand to welcome this year’s celebrity Grand Marshal. Fort Lauderdale’s Mayor, Dean Trantalis, will give the Grand Marshal a key to our beautiful city and Riverwalk, Inc. will present a brick in his/her name(s) for the Riverwalk Celebrity Walk of Fame on the banks of the staging area of the Parade.
Please view photos of our past parade Grand Marshals Huey Lewis, Big & Rich, PITBULL, Flo Rida, Deborah Norville, Barry Gibb, Brooke Burke, Kim Kardashian, Alonzo Mourning, Jim Belushi, Lorraine Bracco, Frankie Valli, Randy Jackson, Shaquille O’Neal, Ryan Hunter-Reay, and many more on our Facebook page.
This is a private reception to honor our Grand Marshal. Become a Sponsor – Get Invited!
For an exciting day of family fun in Fort Lauderdale, head on over to Esplanade Park for Winterfest’s Family Fun Day.
This event offers many FREE activities for kids of all ages – and parents, too! This holiday event features giant slides such as Polar Express Slide, Catabella Express Train, and other activities.
Our Family Fun Day is in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale in front of the Museum of Discovery and Science and it is packed with exciting family activities.
If you work up an appetite, there will be plenty of food and beverage options for sale. Samples and so much more.
With great food, fun activities, and live music, this is an event you don’t want to miss out on. It’s a perfect day on the New River / Riverwalk for the entire family.
TITLE SPONSOR: Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
PRESENTING SPONSOR: Publix Super Markets
List of Event Highlights and booths:
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Teddy Bear Clinic
Cookie decorating by Publix
Stoked on Salt Ocean Conservation Village
Experience Catabella Express Train, Polar Express
Entertainment provided by School of Rock
Broward College Snow Mountain
Pet Rescue Row and Puppy Kissing Booth
Free boat rides courtesy of Water Taxi
City of Fort Lauderdale Kids Zone
Free Bicycle Helmets from Epilepsy Alliance
Sampling by Raising Cane’s
Additional entertainment by the Hip Hop Kidz, Sout Florida Cloggers and Florida Children’s Theatre.
BONUS: the Museum of Discovery & Science will open for FREE after this event (Free Admission from 3-5 P.M.)
School of Rock
Don’t miss the excitement for 2025, contact us today to be a sponsor at 954-767-0686
Become a 2025 Sponsor
Sponsors receive Tickets to Winterfest Events – the Winterfest Launch Party, Grand Marshal Reception, VIP Area, and Captain’s Cup
10×10 Booth prominently displayed
Logo incorporated in a variety of Winterfest Promotions including Family Fun Day Flyer and Social Media
Other media opportunities
Sponsorship Opportunities
All sponsorships are created to provide the maximum entertainment/branding opportunities within the Winterfest Celebration.
Click on the sponsorship level of interest and a Winterfest representative will contact you to have a custom sponsorship created for your company.
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 promotions plan when requesting credentials.
The Incredibly Successful 2024 Family Fun Day is in the history books.
Coming in 2025, this page will be updated with all the exciting details of our next Family Fun Day on Sunday, November 23rd, 2025.
Until then, please enjoy a look back at all of the fun that was the 2024 Winterfest Family Fun Day!
