Bill Baggs Boat Parade & Holiday Paddleboard Flotilla

A community tradition returns to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park as the Boat Parade & Holiday Paddleboard Flotilla fills No Name Harbor with lights, music and Miami’s unmistakable holiday spirit. Set along the shoreline at golden hour, the event brings together paddleboarders, boaters, families and neighbors for an evening shaped by decorated vessels, sunset views and festive gatherings by the bay.

The celebration begins with the Holiday Paddleboard Flotilla, where participants loop around No Name Harbor in holiday-themed outfits, with prizes awarded for Best Holiday Spirit, Most Creative, Best Holiday Outfit for Your Pet and this year’s new category, Best Shiny Lighthouse. Paddleboards and kayaks are welcome, and a safety boat will be on patrol throughout.

As dusk settles, the harbor becomes the stage for the annual boat parade. Decorated vessels from the Key Biscayne Yacht Club glide past the shoreline beginning around 6 p.m., accompanied by narration from MC Theo Holloway. Guests are encouraged to bring folding chairs and blankets to enjoy the illuminated procession.

Throughout the evening, families can visit Boater’s Grill, The Cleat or nearby food trucks and enjoy photos with Santa, a Santa-and-elves paddle, arts and crafts, and a Magic Snow Globe activation.

This free community event (with standard park entry fee) takes place Saturday, December 13. Paddleboarders should RSVP via the Friends of Cape Florida, and boaters may contact the Key Biscayne Yacht Club to participate.