Now everyone can plan their vacations early around Winterfest. The 52nd Annual Holiday Parade continues to encourage boaters and spectators to join their celebrations year after year. The website has added details for their 2023 events as well as a separate post listing the Parade dates from 2023 to 2028.
Mark your calendars for DECEMBER 16, 2023 with the Parade starting in the Downtown Area at 6:30 PM with a pre-show of non-motorized vessels at 6:00 p.m. The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade will stage on the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale, along the docks west of Stranahan House to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.
The Parade starts in true procession at Stranahan House, traveling East along the New River in Fort Lauderdale to the Intracoastal Waterway and continues North to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. It’s 12 Miles of the “Best Show on H20.” The Parade takes approximately 2 and 1/2 hours to view from one location (starting locations stagger as you travel north).
Private boats, giant showboats, and corporate megayachts will be adorned with hundreds of thousands of lights, music, entertainment, decorations, celebrities, musical groups, beauty queens, and many other exciting entries expected to be viewed by over one million spectators. A variety of hotel packages with Parade viewing are also listed on the site.
THE PARADES FOR 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028
DECEMBER 16, 2023
DECEMBER 14, 2024
DECEMBER 13, 2025
DECEMBER 12, 2026
DECEMBER 11, 2027
DECEMBER 9, 2028
Parade dates may change without notice – please check this page
Winterfest, Inc., producers of the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, recently secured Fabulous Inflatables and Brandano Displays to design the Santa Showboat for the second year in a row. This Parade entry will host Santa Claus during his quick visit to South Florida and the City of Fort Lauderdale on December 16, 2023. The Santa Showboat, delivered by Amazon, will also host nominees from the Winterfest Foundation Jr. Captain Contest. These children, ages 7-16, represent the services of nonprofit organizations in Broward County. Download our app for a complete list of all 100 entries in Winterfest.
For information on how your Broward County non-profit organization can nominate a child, visit winterfestfoundation.org and scroll down the Jr. Captain section to nominate.
Look for more Parade highlights in this Captain’s Log, including our floating concert entry. winterfestparade.com
Links to the 2022 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Digital interviews and event highlights captured by EyeOnSouthFlorida. To see current and past videos: https://eyeonchannel.com/?s=winterfest
2022 INTERVIEWS during Winterfest Events:
2022 Winterfest Launch Party
2022 Winterfest Black Tie Ball
2022 Winterfest Grand Marshal Reception
2022 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Parade Viewing at Riverside Hotel
2022 Raw Footage of the Parade Staging Area – Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
Thank you, Kim Sweers, for welcoming me to the helm of Boat Boss. Great platform to promote the 50th-anniversary celebration of Winterfest. Be a part of all the events leading up to the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade on 12.11.21.
The Organizers of Winterfest, Producers of the Signature Event, The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, brings “Home for the Holidays” with Decorating Contests, Virtual Events, Pop Up Santa Sightings, Holiday Cheer Light Cruises, and More as a countdown to the Annual Holiday Television Special
It was a very difficult decision to pause the “World’s Most Watch Boat Parade” for 2020, but that did not stop the organizers of Winterfest from reinventing this year’s holiday season. The team may not be able to produce the famous Parade in December; however, they are committed to bringing community cheer with the theme, “Home for the Holidays.”
“This has been a very emotional time for all of us,” noted Lisa Scott-Founds, President and CEO of Winterfest, Inc. “The Parade is synonymous with the holidays. We had to weigh the safety of everyone onshore as well as the water. The event would create “gatherings” in public and private areas with little or no control regarding social distancing, and mask-wearing. What would those optics look like and how would that be perceived? It was decided by the Winterfest Board of Directors, as well as a few of our major sponsors, that the safety of the community was the main priority. As the area businesses open up, there is a tear that we are not the finale celebration for this difficult year. We may not have live events, but our calendar is full of holiday events and activities for everyone to enjoy.” Winterfest is asking the community to help spread the warm and positive feelings of the holidays by decorating and submitting a photo. Simply visit the https://winterfestparade.com/winterfest-decorating-contestto upload your images OR upload them on social media using the hashtag: #winterfestdecor on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. We want everyone to show their lights! When you enter on social media, include your social media handle, a brief description, and a shout-out where your amazing decorations are located (business name, for residents – your city, state … No exact location unless you want people to drive by and gawk!) If you decorated it – we want to see it (boats, homes, businesses, interior/exterior parts of your home … holiday tree, room, dock, balcony, porch, etc.)! Lots of great prizes will be given out including a $500 Bloomers Frosé Basket to the photo with the most votes in select categories. A few over the top entries will receive the “Griswold Award” which will be selected by the president of the Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors®, Jarrod K. Lowe. We even have a contest for the cutest holiday pets! Voters, we didn’t forget about you – Vote starting November 28th and you’ll be entered for a chance to win round trip travel on Southwest Airlines®.
Are you out and about? Enjoy the Holidays with Winterfest aboard Holiday Lights Cruises on a special decorated Water Taxi or download the Winterfest App to see where Santa will be from November 27th to December 24th as he vacations in Fort Lauderdale. Want to getaway? Check out Winterfest’s Social Media and Crown Wine & Spirits locations and enter to win a two-night stay at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, dinner for (2) two, Southwest Airlines tickets and more. Click on https://winterfestparade.com/contests for all the details on how to enter!
Looking to snuggle more on your comfy couch? Winterfest makes Holiday Shopping, baking, DIY ornament crafting easy with a click to our website. Your family can even enjoy Santa in your home virtually. This year, Storytime with Santa is a Winterfest virtual experience with the first 100 children that are registered receiving a copy of the book Santa will be reading so kids may read along.. The sight will have the link to see Santa read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas on December 5th. A list of all the holiday excitement is on the Winterfestparade.com site under “2020 holidays.”
And what would Winterfest be without the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade? On December 19th, 25th and 31st, turn on WSVN Channel 7 to watch a trip down memory lane with a retrospective of 49 years of this holiday tradition. For your holiday needs and wishes, go to Winterfestparade.com
For more information on Winterfest, Inc., call 954-767-0686.
“As published in the International Festivals & Events Association’s “i.e.: the business of international events” quarterly magazine. The premiere association supporting and enabling festivals and events worldwide. For more information on the IFEA, go to www.ifea.com.”
Fort Lauderdale, FL (September 10, 2019) Winterfest, Inc. and
Disney Theatrical Productions announce the theme of the 2019 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Black Tie Ball presented by
Ford in association with Republic National Distributing Company. Your Broadway
wish will be granted during the premier social event of 2019. On Saturday,
December 7th, the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Black Tie Ball will host special
performances from Disney’s Aladdin.
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel
& Casino Hollywood will produce the event with luxurious and exotic
décor. “We are looking forward to
blending the magic of Disney’s Aladdin
with the creative minds of our outstanding production team,” said
Susan Renneisen, vice president of community affairs and special events for
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL. “As the 2019-2021
chairwoman of Winterfest, Inc. and co-chair of the Black Tie Ball, I always
look forward to captivating the beauty, inspiration, and awe of Broadway. The
entertainment and overall experience of this gala is unprecedented because of
Winterfest’s affiliation with Broadway Across America.”
The Seminole
Hard Rock Ballroom will transform into a cave of wonders for South Florida’s
signature holiday gala boasting over 900 attendees. With just one rub of a magic lamp, guests will
journey to the fictional land of Agrabah. Live performances and colorful décor
will transport attendees from the moment they step into The Red “Magic Carpet”
Reception. As the evening progresses, décor will immerse guests into Aladdin’s adventures
as he stumbles upon the magic lamp, wish-granting genie and beautiful Princess
Jasmine.
It doesn’t take three wishes to attend this year’s gala. Tables of 10 range from $3000-$5000 and reservations are now being accepted. This highly desirable event will sell out quickly. Didn’t get the digital invite? Click on the link: http://bit.ly/WinterfestBall2019, visit winterfestparade.com or call 954.767.0686 for more details.
Disney’s Aladdin will play a limited
two-week engagement at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Ft.
Lauderdale from January 8 – 19, 2020.
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.”
Approximately one million spectators view the Parade on the 12-mile route along
with millions more via television and the internet bringing National and
International recognition to South Florida.
Winterfest also hosts annual events to enhance the community’s image and
provide unique, wholesome family entertainment. For more information on
Winterfest, please contact the office at (954) 767-0686 or their website: www.winterfestparade.com.
About Seminole Hard Rock
Hotel & Casino Hollywood
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel
& Casino Hollywood is the flagship casino resort of Hard Rock
International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. It isa
world-renowned entertainment, gaming and hospitality destination that features
a AAA Four Diamond-rated, 465 room luxury hotel; expansive gaming offerings
including first-in-class slots, high-stakes table games and South
Florida’s premier poker room; spa and fitness center; award-winning dining and
nightlife; and the popular Hard Rock Event Center which hosts celebrity
performances, comedy acts and sporting events. A $1.5 billion expansion slated
to open October, 2019, will bring 638 new, luxury guestrooms to the first-ever,
guitar-shaped Guitar Hotel and 168 upscale guest accommodations, including
unique swim-up suites, in the adjacent Oasis Tower at Seminole Hard Rock
Hotel & Casino Hollywood. Upon completion, the property will have a
combined total of 1,271 rooms. The project will also unveil a lush, “Bora
Bora” style lagoon with private cabanas and butler service; a
42,000 square-foot Rock Spa®; a 13.5 acre recreational water experience for
swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding; 19 dining outlets and 20 bars and
lounges; an expansive gaming floor housing 3,100 slots, 193 table games and a
45-table poker room; 120,000 square feet of premier meeting and convention
space including a 38,000 square-foot, carpeted exhibition hall; and a 26,000
square-foot retail promenade. The highly anticipated Hard Rock Live
entertainment venue with a 7,000 person capacity, will showcase A-list
entertainers, comedy acts, Broadway performances, sporting events and live
broadcast productions. The integrated resort is located
on 87 acres of the Hollywood SeminoleReservation
along State Road 7, (U.S. Highway 441),
and is 10 minutes from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and 30
minutes from downtown Miami and Miami International Airport. For more
information, visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com, call 800-937-0010 or
follow us: Facebook: SeminoleHardRockHollywood, Twitter: @HardRockHolly,
Instagram: @HardRockHolly
About
Aladdin
Aladdin,
the hit musical based on the Academy Award®-winning animated film, opened on
Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre to critical acclaim on March 20, 2014 and
quickly established itself as one of the biggest new blockbusters in recent
years, breaking 14 New Amsterdam Theatre house records; worldwide it has
welcomed more than 10 million people and grossed over $1 billion. Its global
footprint includes productions in Tokyo, Hamburg and on tour across North America.
Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, under the direction of Thomas Schumacher, the show features music by Tony Award and eight-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Sister Act), lyrics by two-time Oscar winner Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid), three-time Tony Award and three-time Oscar winner Tim Rice (Evita, Aida) and six-time Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer), with a book by Beguelin, and is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon).
Aladdin, adapted from the animated
Disney film and centuries-old folktales including “One Thousand and One
Nights,” is brought to fresh theatrical life in this bold new musical. Aladdin’s journey sweeps audiences into an
exotic world of daring adventure, classic comedy and timeless romance.
This new production features a full score, including the five cherished songs
from the Academy Award-winning soundtrack and more written especially for the
stage.
The animated film Aladdin was released by
Disney in 1992 and was a critical and box office smash, becoming the
highest-grossing film of the year.
The film won the Oscar for Best Original Score and
introduced the hit song “A Whole New World,” which won the second of the film’s
two Academy Awards as Best Original Song. The Peabo Bryson/Regina Belle
recording of the tune soared to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Aladdin is designed by seven-time Tony-winning scenic
designer Bob Crowley, six-time Tony-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz,
two-time Tony-winning costume designer Gregg Barnes and sound designer Ken
Travis.
The production team also includes illusion designer
Jim Steinmeyer, hair designer Josh Marquette and makeup designer Milagros Medina-Cerdeira.
The music team is headed by music supervisor and music director Michael
Kosarin, who also created the vocal and incidental music arrangements, joined
by orchestrator Danny Troob and dance music arranger Glen Kelly.
Disney Theatrical Productions under the direction of Thomas Schumacher presents Aladdin, the US tour, music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, book and additional lyrics by Chad Beguelin, starring Jonah Ho’ Okano (Aladdin), Kaena Kekoa (Jasmine), Zach Bencal (Babkak), Colt Prattes (Kassim), Ben Chavez (Omar) and Korie Lee Blossey (Genie) directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw
Fort Lauderdale, FL (August 13, 2019) – Parade Organizers announced today legendary multi-platinum superstar, Bret Michaels, as the Grand Marshal of the 48th Annual Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019.
Bret will serve as an ambassador for South Florida’s most acclaimed holiday celebration.
“Bret is one of the most iconic faces of rock-n-roll
and we are excited to have him bring his superstar presence to rock Greater
Fort Lauderdale,” said Lisa Scott-Founds, President & CEO of Winterfest,
Inc. “The added bonus is having him perform at the new Hard Rock Live the night
before the Parade as part of his 2019 worldwide Unbroken Tour.”
Michaels’ relentless work
ethic has extended him beyond his front man persona in the band “Poison” and
his solo career in music. His Michaels Entertainment Group is a multi-million
dollar empire. Along with his multifaceted career, he helps to raise millions
of dollars for charities through his Life Rocks Foundation. He has partnered
with both the American Diabetes Association and Juvenile Diabetes acting as a
spokesperson and sponsor.
“Seminole Hard Rock is
thrilled to have Bret Michaels serve as this year’s Grand Marshal, kicking off
the holiday season in style. His iconic stage personality screams Hard Rock and
is sure to shake up the waterways”, said Susan Renneisen, vice president of
community affairs and special events for Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
in Hollywood, FL. “As the chairwoman of Winterfest, Inc., I am personally
excited to bring such an energetic Grand Marshal to rock this 12-mile Parade.”
Michaels will be a part of a private Winterfest® Grand
Marshal Reception on Friday, Dec. 13 prior to his concert at Hard Rock Live at 8
p.m. The public will be able to purchase concert tickets for $70, $50, $40 and
$30. All seats are reserved and available at all Ticketmaster outlets online at
www.myhrl.com
and www.ticketmaster.com.
The following night, he will appear in the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade
on Dec. 14. For more information on the Winterfest Celebration and how you can
be a participant, visit WinterfestParade.com
or call 954-767-0686.
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.”
Approximately one million spectators view the Parade on the 12-mile route along
with millions more via television and the internet bringing National and
International recognition to South Florida.
Winterfest also hosts annual events to enhance the community’s image and
provide unique, wholesome family entertainment. For more information on
Winterfest, please contact the office at (954) 767-0686 or their website: www.winterfestparade.com.
About Seminole Hard Rock
Hotel & Casino Hollywood
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel
& Casino Hollywood is the flagship casino resort of Hard Rock
International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. It isa
world-renowned entertainment, gaming and hospitality destination that features
a AAA Four Diamond-rated, 465 room luxury hotel; expansive gaming offerings
including first-in-class slots, high-stakes table games and South
Florida’s premier poker room; spa and fitness center; award-winning dining and
nightlife; and the popular Hard Rock Event Center which hosts celebrity
performances, comedy acts and sporting events. A $1.5 billion expansion slated
to open October, 2019, will bring 638 new, luxury guestrooms to the first-ever,
guitar-shaped Guitar Hotel and 168 upscale guest accommodations, including
unique swim-up suites, in the adjacent Oasis Tower at Seminole Hard Rock
Hotel & Casino Hollywood. Upon completion, the property will have a
combined total of 1,271 rooms. The project will also unveil a lush, “Bora
Bora” style lagoon with private cabanas and butler service; a
42,000 square-foot Rock Spa®; a 13.5 acre recreational water experience for
swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding; 19 dining outlets and 20 bars and
lounges; an expansive gaming floor housing 3,100 slots, 193 table games and a
45-table poker room; 120,000 square feet of premier meeting and convention
space including a 38,000 square-foot, carpeted exhibition hall; and a 26,000
square-foot retail promenade. The highly anticipated Hard Rock Live
entertainment venue with a 7,000 person capacity, will showcase A-list
entertainers, comedy acts, Broadway performances, sporting events and live
broadcast productions. The integrated resort is located
on 87 acres of the Hollywood SeminoleReservation
along State Road 7, (U.S. Highway 441),
and is 10 minutes from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and 30
minutes from downtown Miami and Miami International Airport. For more
information, visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com, call 800-937-0010 or
follow us: Facebook: SeminoleHardRockHollywood, Twitter: @HardRockHolly,
Instagram: @HardRockHolly
DONATE TODAY TO BE A PART OF THE 2024 WINTERFEST SILENT AUCTION. Reap the rewards for your item and logo displayed on our digital auction platform from October to December 7. This online auction has a separate marketing campaign on social media with select items that will be highlighted on Winterfest’s social media.
YOUR SUPPORT helps this organization create free events such as the Parade. Scroll to the bottom of this page for more details about Winterfest. You can fill out the form on this website or download this fillable pdf form.
SUGGESTED DONATION:
Event VIP Tickets
Sporting Event Tickets
Attraction Tickets
Gift Cards & Certificates
Purses & Jewelry
Beer, Wine, and Liquor
Exclusive Experiences
Memorabilia
Hotel Stays
Vacation Packages
Spa & Salon Products or Services
Airline Tickets
PLEASE COMPLETE THE FORM:
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF WINTERFEST, INC.
Spurred by the continued popularity of the parade, a not-for-profit organization, WINTERFEST, Inc., was formed in 1988 to administer the Boat Parade and to build a festival around it.
Winterfest, Inc. is known for producing wholesome, unique, internationally recognized events that reflect the diversity and culture of South Florida. South Florida’s signature event, the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, has earned the title “The World’s Most Watched Boat Parade.”
Winterfest embraces the dual goals of providing a means for the residents of the Greater Fort Lauderdale area to come together and enjoy spectacular and unique events and attracting positive national and international attention to the area as a tourist destination and a great place to live, work, and play.
Your item and images will be a part of our ONLINE AUCTION powered by QTego, which can be seen on your laptop or smartphone.
Lights, Camera, Action… Movies on Parade is the theme for the 2019 Parade on December 14th. The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is the “Greatest Show on H2O” with holiday floats that really float. Enjoy your Christmas on the Water or entertain guests on land. Winterfest has tickets for reserved Grandstands seats for only $25-$30 pp. Have a boat? You can enter your vessel for as little as $35 (private entry / no signage). Love to dance? Entertain clients, friends or colleagues with the purchase of a table of 10 at the Black Tie Ball start at only $3,000. Celebrate the holidays with Winterfest in beautiful South Florida and enjoy this holiday tradition which sails from Downtown Fort Lauderdale to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. Call Winterfest, Inc. for all your Holiday Party needs 954-767-0686 or email us info @ winterfestparade.com
