Get your tickets today to see this year’s WOW Showboats!
In honor of this year’s theme “TV’s Greatest Hits” – Winterfest will have an American Bandstand Barge in the Parade December 13, 2014. Get ready to start singing “I’m on, because I’m on the American Bandstand.”
And what would the Parade be without Santa. The Baptist Health South Florida Showboat will have additional holiday cheer with the nominees of the Winterfest Jr. Captain aboard the entry.
SAFETY:
Aids to Navigation Quick Reference Page – other boat safety links can be found on BoatSafe.com
Boating License – did you take the course?
DOCKING TIPS:
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
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.
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.
Rear Admiral Adam A. Chamie, Assistant Commandant for Response Policy (CG-5R)
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.
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
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®
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®.
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.
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
What can I do while I’m in town for Winterfest? Click Here
Winterfest’s Parade Public Viewing Area, sponsored by Nicklaus Children’s Health System, is conveniently located in east Fort Lauderdale at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park on the Southeast corner of Las Olas Boulevard and the Intracoastal Waterway. Rideshare is encouraged and parking is within walking distance from the event area. Your ticket lets you experience a wonderful afternoon and evening of festival activities, interactive games, continuous stage entertainment, vendors, photo opportunities with Santa Claus and mascots before the main event – the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade.
The excitement begins at 4:00 PM when the gates open. Come early and bring the family (no pets, please) to enjoy the amenities. Enjoy the Stella Artois Culinary Courtyard, Live Entertainment, and activities. The Parade gets underway at 6:00 PM (new start time) along The New River in Downtown Fort Lauderdale and should arrive at Parade Viewing Area at approximately 6:30 PM.
SEATING (chairs) will be provided for every guest.
STAGE ENTERTAINMENT – Shane Duncan Band.
PARADE COMMENTARY by radio personalities from iHeart Radio.
$40 Individual adult tickets
$35 Children 12 years & younger
Children 3 and under free
Tickets are electronic.
Purchased tickets and have questions? help@eventhub.net
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE AREA:
Additional Tips and Parking CLICK HERE.
TICKETS: for PARADE VIEWING TICKETS: Ticket Policy: https://winterfestparade.com/ticket-policy
BRIDGES: Bridge Timings are approximate, and traffic can cause delays. The Las Olas Blvd. Bridge opens for boats on a regular schedule on the quarter and three-quarter hour. The bridge will be locked open for the duration of the Parade, so to make sure you have enough time to get to the Parade Viewing Area plan on being on the east side of the Las Olas Bridge by 6:00 PM.
For bridge openings throughout the day of parade: https://winterfestparade.com/when-are-the-bridges-up
PARKING: Las Olas Parking Garage (next to the viewing area) 200 Las Olas Cir, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. Parking will be very limited on Parade night.
The Parade goes on Rain or Shine.
NO Bottles, coolers, chairs, pets – For additional Parade Viewing Area Tips, Click Here.
LOOKING FOR A HOTEL? CLICK HERE.
Coming in 2025, this page will be updated with all the exciting details of the
54th Annual Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Viewing Area.
We’ll see you then!
Until then, enjoy a look back at the 2024 Parade Viewing Area
Coming in 2026, this page will be updated with all the exciting details of our next Winterfest Launch Party.
We’ll see you then!
Until then, enjoy a look back at the 2025 Winterfest Launch Party
NO TICKETS ARE SOLD TO THE PUBLIC – SPONSORSHIP IS YOUR TICKET IN!
The 2025 Winterfest Launch Party theme “Decked Out” is in celebration of this year’s Parade theme “Yacht Rock of Ages.”
This year’s Parade celebrates 54 years as a signature Holiday Tradition in South Florida.
Shine bright in Gold, Blue, Red, and White Nautical Cocktail Chic.
Did you receive an invitation but don’t know what to wear? Click on this LookBook link.
Special Performance courtesy of Ocean Manor Beach Resort.
Featuring a JF Haden’s Martini Bar
Espresso Martini with Deep Eddy Vodka
Lychee Martini with Deep Eddy Vodka
Mango Margarita Martini with 1800 Tequila
Poster Artwork by Romero Britto and the unveiling of the original artwork of this year’s poster.
Water Taxi Photo Booth
Carroll’s Jewelers Bling Bar
Check out what you missed last year – WSVN Channel 7’s coverage (additional event links on winterfestparade.com/videos)
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 OR call the Winterfest Office at 954-767-0686
Ready to be a Sponsor? Get ready to be part of the Winterfest Family!
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.
Coming in 2025, this page will be updated with all the exciting details of our next Captain’s Cup.
We’ll see you then!
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 will win 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).
