Tips for Lighted Boat Parade Spectators
Among the joys of the holiday season on the waterfront are lighted boat parades up and down the Chesapeake Bay. Find a link to 2024 parades here and our top spectator tips below:
- Always pack more layers than you think you need. You can always take off extra layers and leave them in the car. Bring mittens, a winter hat, scarf, coat, and leggings or long-johns.
- Wear warm shoes and socks. You will stand outside on a dock, seawall, or beach, so this is not the time for cute heels and boat shoes. Wear winter boots and bring hand/foot warmer packets for ‘just in case.’
- Fill a thermos with hot chocolate, tea, or coffee.
- Make a parking plan. Certain areas might be harder to find parking in (such as Annapolis), so find out beforehand if there is a garage or free street parking. That way you won’t waste time searching for a spot and miss the parade.
- Bring a blanket. If it’s extra cold, chances are you will want something more to wrap around you.
- If allowed, bring collapsible chairs.
- Bring a camera with a night setting. We are always looking for great lights parades photos for social media and the magazines! Send to [email protected]
- Bring snacks.
- Bring the whole family! Kids, grandparents, everyone. But before you bring the dog, check to make sure pets are allowed. If they are, bring a sweater for Fido as well.
- Bring friends who don't live on the waterfront. You'd be surprised how many of them have never experienced this simple (and free!) holiday event.
View this year's Lighted Boat Parade Schedule on the Chesapeake Bay.
