Holiday spirit sails through Sarasota Bay

The floating parade featured an extended route and viewing areas.

  • By Anna Brugmann
  • | 10:18 p.m. December 11, 2016
  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • Share

The sound Christmas carols wafted over the water of Sarasota Bay on Saturday, Dec. 10 as the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights neared Bayfront Park, but one tune resonated with paradegoers more than others — “Baby It’s Cold Outside.”

The Bayfront Park crowd braced itself against the wind blowing over the bay as they waited patiently for a glimpse of the festive vessels.

The 31st annual parade of lights included an additional turn to the southwest of Bayfront Park and extended viewing at the northern portion of the island.

“Santa” relaxes on a jet ski before the parade begins.
“Santa” relaxes on a jet ski before the parade begins.
A boat in the Bayfront Park Marina was decorated like a Christmas tree.
A boat in the Bayfront Park Marina was decorated like a Christmas tree.
Joel and Carol Klein wait for the parade to arrive at Bayfront Park.
Joel and Carol Klein wait for the parade to arrive at Bayfront Park.
Layla Parsons smiles after getting settled on her father’s shoulders.
Layla Parsons smiles after getting settled on her father’s shoulders.
Layla Parsons waits for the parade to arrive at Bayfront Park.
Layla Parsons waits for the parade to arrive at Bayfront Park.
Sam and Pat Towell watched the parade from Bayfront Park.
Sam and Pat Towell watched the parade from Bayfront Park.
Boats sailed past Marina Jack to end the Boat Parade of Lights.
Boats sailed past Marina Jack to end the Boat Parade of Lights.
Boats sailed past Marina Jack to end the Boat Parade of Lights.
Boats sailed past Marina Jack to end the Boat Parade of Lights.
Boats sailed past Marina Jack to end the Boat Parade of Lights.
Boats sailed past Marina Jack to end the Boat Parade of Lights.
Boats sailed past Marina Jack to end the Boat Parade of Lights.
Boats sailed past Marina Jack to end the Boat Parade of Lights.

 

Latest News

Sarasota's Alderman MURT includes a rest area with a shade shelter, drinking fountain, benches and tables, and a bike repair station as well as landscaping. This view looks east, toward School Avenue.
  • March 30, 2026
City's latest transportation link opens Tuesday
Traffic often backs up from the Cortez Bridge intersection onto Longboat Key during peak season.
  • March 30, 2026
Manatee looking for MPO citizens advisory committee members
The proposed site of a city-owned attainable housing development across First Street from City Hall. The red X marks the location of the city's credit union office, which is now being considered for purchase by the city.
  • March 30, 2026
City works to add parcel to workforce housing project
Kelley Klepper, a vice president and senior planner for Kimley-Horn, speaks with Indigo’s Suzanne Henke following the Envision Manatee presentation at the Lakewood Ranch Library March 28.
  • March 30, 2026
Workshops seek feedback on Manatee County's comprehensive plan updates

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content