Holiday on the Harbor & Boat Parade of Lights

The Carrabelle Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to the 2025 Holiday on the Harbor Festival and Boat Parade of Lights on Saturday, December 13 from 1:00-7:00 pm ET on Marine Street and along the harbor in Carrabelle, FL. This festival will feature terrific children’s activities, arts and crafts, delicious food, holiday music, and of course, the lighted boat parade. This favorite Christmas tradition on the Forgotten Coast is free and family-friendly.
The children’s activities will include visits with Santa, mini-train rides, a bouncy house (courtesy of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department) and a book giveaway by Bring Me a Book Franklin. In keeping with the Carrabelle tradition, Santa will make his grand entrance on the City of Carrabelle Fire Truck. Children and families are welcome to come by Santa’s booth for a visit and photos with Santa.
This festive event will also feature an array of yummy holiday treats and delicious food to enjoy throughout the day. Shoppers can browse a wonderful selection of unique art, crafts, and locally made goods—perfect for finding those special holiday gifts. Adding to the cheerful atmosphere, the festival will be filled with lively holiday music to get everyone in the spirit of the season.
While in Carrabelle, visitors are invited to complete their holiday shopping with unique and one of a kind items at Carrabelle’s wonderful stores, gift shops and art galleries conveniently located within walking distance of the festival. Then guests can enjoy delicious fresh seafood and tasty home-style cooking at one of several cafes, restaurants or festival food vendors.
After enjoying hours of food, festivities, and fun, festival-goers are invited to watch the magical Christmas parade of boats decked out in lights, décor, and holiday outfits! Festival-goers are invited to find a spot along the water and enjoy this parade with double the lights as the Carrabelle harbor beautifully reflects back the glow of the lighted boats. Boaters can see this special nautical tradition from an unbeatable viewing point by entering their own decorated boat for free!
The parade starts around 6:15 pm and proceeds around the Carrabelle harbor between the Marine St. Fishing Pavilion and the Tillie Miller Bridge so it can be enjoyed from many viewing spots. (Viewers are asked to remain in public access areas only and avoid private property.) Following the Boat Parade the boat parade trophies, including the Marina Challenge Trophy, will be awarded at an awards ceremony shortly after at C-Quarters Marina.