Hashtag your Parade photos with #WinterfestFL to get your images on our social media wall!
Look for our filters on SnapChat along the Parade Route.
WinterfestFL
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.
Have a Sponsorship Idea Not Listed? Contact Winterfest to have a representative discuss how to make your idea a reality.
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.
Parade Viewing Area
The 2026 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
PUBLIC VIEWING AREA
55th Annual Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Viewing Area.
We’ll see you then!
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.
TICKETS for the 2026 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade on December 12, 2026.
$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:
- Conveniently located adjacent to public parking, rideshare drop-offs, and shuttle services from local hotels. CLICK HERE for a list of Winterfest Weekend specials from our hotel partners!
- Entertainment on the City of Fort Lauderdale’s stage starting at 4:00 PM. The area transforms into a concert with the Shane Duncan Band at 4:00 PM.
- Hungry? Thirsty? Don’t worry, we have you covered! Stella Artois Culinary Corner will have a variety of festival foods, featuring beverages from Stephen’s Distributing as well as Coca-Cola and LaCroix products.
- Photo opportunities with the jolly man himself – Santa, before he rides in the Parade.
- Parade Commentary provided by iHeart personality.
- Download the Winterfest App for updates and opportunities to vote for your favorite boat.
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.
The Winterfest Launch Party
October 24, 2026 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Marriott Resort Fort Lauderdale Harbor Beach
3030 Holiday Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Presented By
Hosted By
Featured Restaurant
2026 Poster Artist
CHARLES FAZZINO
As a Winterfest partner, you will receive tickets to South Florida’s preview of the holiday season featuring Winterfest updates, amazing bites, sips and entertainment at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa. The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 7-10 pm, and will feature delights from top-area restaurants throughout Broward County.
NO TICKETS ARE SOLD TO THE PUBLIC – SPONSORSHIP IS YOUR TICKET IN!
The 2026 Winterfest White Hot Launch Party theme “Taste of America” is in celebration of America250.
This year’s Parade celebrates 55 years as a signature Holiday Tradition in South Florida.
Did you receive an invitation but don’t know what to wear? Lookbook link to come.
Poster Artwork by Charles Frazzino and the unveiling of the original artwork of this year’s poster.
Picture Perfect Partners
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)
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 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.