In 1982, a group of visionary individuals from the Marina Point Yacht Club set in motion what would become a beloved Daytona tradition. This iconic event, the Daytona Christmas Boat Parade, has since blossomed into a community favorite, captivating the hearts of residents and visitors alike. Its legacy is a testament to the power of unity and festive spirit that has ignited the waters of Daytona for over four decades.

The inspiration for this nautical celebration struck the Marina Point Yacht Club members after they witnessed the beauty of the Fort Lauderdale Christmas Boat Parade. Enchanted by the idea, they embarked on a journey to bring this magical experience to the shores of Daytona Beach. Under the leadership of Commodore Jeff Schulz, their combined endeavors led to the birth of a cherished tradition, one that found a warm embrace from both the community and yacht club members.

As time passed, the sail loft where it all began started to deteriorate. The yacht club recognized the need for change to ensure its survival. They took a daring step by acquiring a houseboat, meticulously refurbishing it to embody the elegance of a yacht club’s interior. This distinctive vessel found its home at City Marina, now known as the Halifax River Marina, and later, at English Jim’s Marina, today Caribbean Jack’s.

The parade faced a brief hiatus in its journey, but in 1995 and 1996, the Halifax Harbor Marina, supported by the Power Squadron, stepped up to the plate, breathing new life into the event. Twenty-five boats adorned the waterways, each hoping to claim prizes generously provided by local vendors. However, it was still in search of a permanent home.

In the year 2000, the Halifax River Yacht Club recognized the enduring significance of the Christmas Boat Parade and embarked on a mission to ensure its continuity. A dedicated committee was formed to take on the responsibilities required to orchestrate this beloved event.

Today, the Daytona Christmas Boat Parade stands as a highly anticipated community highlight during the holiday season. Captains of both sailboats and powerboats craft enchanting themes for their vessels, competing for prizes donated by generous local merchants. The competition has become fiercer each year, challenging the judges to assess boats based on each captain’s selected theme, originality, quality of execution, and overall visual impact. With each passing year, captains strive to surpass their previous entries, resulting in an evermore spectacular spectacle.

The Halifax River Yacht Club’s Christmas Boat Parade has seen remarkable growth over the years, with more participants and spectators lining the bridges and riverbanks to marvel at the creativity displayed on the decorated boats.

The parade route takes the boats from their assembly point north of the Seabreeze Bridge, guiding them southward towards the Halifax River Yacht Club before moving further south to the Halifax Harbor Marina, where judging takes place.

While the Halifax River Yacht Club is a private club with membership granted by the Board of Directors’ approval, it’s important to note that participating in the parade doesn’t require membership. This inclusive approach allows all boat owners to partake in the festivities, a cherished aspect of this event.

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening on Saturday, December 16, starting at 6:30 p.m. The boats will set sail from the Seabreeze Bridge in Daytona, creating a dazzling nighttime display of lights as they cruise down the Halifax River.

For this year’s parade, the Halifax River Yacht Club is actively seeking boat participants, sponsors, and contributions for swag bags for the participating captains. First-year captains who register their boats will enjoy the privilege of FREE entry. All the necessary information and registration details can be found on the Halifax River Yacht Club’s website at HRYC.com. If you prefer to speak to someone, feel free to reach out to the club at (386) 585-2994 to sign up, sponsor, or contribute to the swag bags for the captains.

Join us in keeping this cherished tradition alive, and be a part of the enchantment that is the Daytona Christmas Boat Parade. Your boat, your sponsorship, and your support are all invaluable pieces of the puzzle that make this festive celebration a resounding success year after year.

Scan the QR code for more information on the Halifax River Yacht Club.