Winterfest 2025 to Feature Dazzling Yacht Parade and Glamorous Events in Fort Lauderdale

Published on December 2, 2025

Fort Lauderdale, often referred to as the Venice of America, is gearing up for one of the most anticipated annual events in the region. This year’s Winterfest, set for December 13, 2025, is poised to deliver an unforgettable experience, showcasing a dazzling parade of lighted yachts, private boats, and extravagant showboats.

As one of South Florida’s largest and most beloved holiday traditions, Winterfest will take over the city’s iconic waterways, offering a visual feast for locals and tourists alike. With this year’s theme, Yacht Rock of Ages, the event promises a nostalgic and musical atmosphere, bringing a refreshing twist to the holiday celebrations.

Event Overview: A Parade of Lights

Winterfest’s Yacht Parade is a spectacle that has captured the hearts of Fort Lauderdale residents and visitors for decades. This year, the event will feature an extraordinary lineup of boats and yachts, each adorned with hundreds of thousands of dazzling lights, intricate decorations, and lively music. Corporate mega yachts, private vessels, and enormous showboats will glide down the New River, creating a magical display along the water. Starting in downtown Fort Lauderdale, the parade will move eastward along the New River, before turning north and concluding at Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach.

The grandeur of the parade is not only in its illuminated vessels but also in the atmosphere of festive cheer and holiday magic that it brings. Each boat will be decorated to the theme of Yacht Rock of Ages, bringing a retro vibe that celebrates the best of classic yacht rock music from the past. Attendees can expect a medley of sounds from artists like Christopher Cross, Michael McDonald, and Hall & Oates, whose hits will echo along the water as the yachts sail by. The fusion of stunning visuals and smooth tunes will transport everyone to a time when yacht rock ruled the airwaves.

Celebrity Guests and Artistic Touches

Winterfest 2025 is not just about the boats and the music—it is also an event that brings together a range of talents, including celebrity performances and a prominent artistic influence. This year, R&B sensation Montell Jordan, best known for his hit This Is How We Do It, will serve as one of the Grand Masters of the event.

His involvement adds an exciting layer to the celebration, making it not only a visual but also a musical feast. Alongside Jordan, internationally acclaimed Brazilian artist Romero Britto will play a pivotal role in shaping the look and feel of the Winterfest celebration. Known for his vibrant and colorful art, Britto’s designs will help define the visual aesthetic of the parade, with his signature style gracing many of the event’s decorations and installations.

Britto’s collaboration with Winterfest ensures that the parade will be as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the ears. His iconic pop-art approach will infuse the event with energy, creating an atmosphere that is both festive and artistic. Britto’s works, paired with the shimmering lights on the boats, will make Winterfest 2025 one of the most visually stunning events in Fort Lauderdale’s history.

A Celebration of Music, Art, and Glamour

Winterfest 2025 is not limited to just the boat parade; it is a multi-day celebration of music, art, and glamour. The event will feature an array of exciting festivities for attendees of all ages. One of the most popular attractions is Family Fun Day, where guests can engage in interactive activities, enjoy festive games, and make lasting memories with loved ones. Whether it’s taking part in arts and crafts, enjoying holiday treats, or simply strolling along the water, Family Fun Day is the perfect occasion for families to come together and celebrate the season.

For those seeking a more sophisticated experience, the Black Tie Ball will provide an elegant evening of celebration. The ball will be a highlight of the Winterfest calendar, offering guests a chance to dress up and enjoy a night of fine dining, live entertainment, and socializing with celebrities and high-profile figures. With beauty queens and other notable personalities in attendance, the Black Tie Ball will add an air of exclusivity and glamour to the festivities, attracting visitors who want to experience the upscale side of Fort Lauderdale’s holiday season.

When and Where to Attend

Winterfest 2025 is scheduled for December 13, 2025, with the parade beginning in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale. The event will travel along the New River, offering a front-row seat to the festive lights and entertainment. The parade will continue its journey north, with the final destination at Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach, where it will conclude after a memorable evening of lights, music, and celebration.

The parade is a must-see for anyone visiting Fort Lauderdale during the holiday season, offering an enchanting blend of maritime magic, nostalgia, and festive cheer. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor from outside the area, Winterfest promises to be one of the most exciting and memorable events in South Florida this year.

A Highlight of the Holiday Season

As one of the largest holiday events in South Florida, Winterfest 2025 is a highlight of the season, providing a spectacular way to celebrate the holidays with friends and family. The vibrant yacht parade, the celebrity performances, and the artistic touches will combine to create an experience that captures the magic of the season in Fort Lauderdale’s unique setting. With activities for all ages and a range of events that cater to different tastes, Winterfest 2025 is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who attends.

Whether you are looking to enjoy a fun-filled day with your family, dress up for an elegant evening, or simply soak in the stunning sights and sounds of the boat parade, Winterfest 2025 is an event you won’t want to miss. This year’s theme, Yacht Rock of Ages, will offer a festive atmosphere that appeals to all generations, making it the perfect way to kick off the holiday season in South Florida.