Best Places to Watch the Jupiter Holiday Boat Parade (and Spot Jupiter Pointe on the Water!)
here are few nights in Jupiter that feel as magical as the Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade. Every December, the Intracoastal lights up with glowing boats, holiday music, and the kind of small-town cheer that makes you want to stay out way past bedtime. If you’re planning to watch this year, here’s everything you need to know — including the best viewing spots in Jupiter and how to catch Jupiter Pointe Marina in the action.
Parade date & timing (so you don’t miss the moment)
Mark your calendar: the 31st Annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade & Toy Drive arrives in Jupiter on Saturday, December 6, 2025. The parade starts south in North Palm Beach around 6:00 PM and typically reaches Jupiter around 8:00 PM, finishing near the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse for a grand finale. South Florida on the Cheap+3Jupiter, FL+3MIAPBC+3
Pro tip: get to your spot early. Parking and waterfront walkways fill up fast.
Best public places to watch in Jupiter
1. Harbourside Place & the Jupiter Riverwalk
If you want a lively, festive vibe, this is the move. Harbourside is one of the city’s official viewing locations, with restaurants, bars, and wide open riverfront sightlines. The Riverwalk is perfect for strolling along as the boats come through. Jupiter, FL+2JupiterDaily+2
Why we love it:
Great views of the Intracoastal
Plenty of food/drinks nearby
Fun crowd energy (very “holiday night out”)
2. Sawfish Bay Park
This grassy waterfront park is a favorite for families and anyone who wants room to spread out. It’s also listed among Jupiter’s best public viewing areas along the route. Jupiter, FL+2MIAPBC+2
Why we love it:
Clear, open view of the parade
Space for blankets and lawn chairs
Relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere
3. Lighthouse Park / Inlet Village area
If you want the iconic Jupiter boat parade photo — the lighthouse glowing in the background while illuminated boats glide past — this is your spot. The parade wraps up near the lighthouse, so you’ll get a strong finish here. MIAPBC+2JupiterDaily+2
Why we love it:
Final, most dramatic stretch of the parade
Best spot for photos
Feels like the “main event”
4. Love Street (Charlie & Joe’s / Square Grouper area)
This stretch is a classic local hang. It’s on the MIAPBC viewing list and offers waterfront dining + front-row seats if you claim your spot early. MIAPBC+1
Why we love it:
Waterfront restaurants and tiki bars
Super fun, social vibe
Great view corridor as boats pass
5. Waterway Park
A quieter alternative that still gives you excellent parade visibility. It’s another official Jupiter viewing location with a nice open shoreline. MIAPBC
Why we love it:
Less crowded than Harbourside
Easy sightlines
Good “local secret” feel
Watching from home on the water?
Lucky you. If you live on the route, set up chairs on your dock, turn on some holiday music, and enjoy the show from your own backyard.
And remember: this parade doubles as a toy drive. A volunteer “toy fleet” will collect new, unwrapped toys right from docks during the parade — just wave a flashlight when you see a collection boat. South Florida on the Cheap+3Jupiter, FL+3MIAPBC+3
Look for Jupiter Pointe Marina out there ✨
We’re thrilled to share that Jupiter Pointe Marina will be in the parade this year — and we’re not coming quietly. Keep an eye out for our festive fleet, featuring our 27’ Robalo and other beautifully decorated boats, all lit up and cruising with full holiday spirit.
Expect:
Twinkling lights and themed décor
A proud Jupiter Pointe presence near the Jupiter stretch
Lots of waves, smiles, and photo-worthy moments
If you see us, snap a pic and tag us — we love sharing your shots.
Want to experience the parade from the water?
There’s no better seat than a boat seat. For guests who want to watch afloat without worrying about navigation, parking, or timing, Jupiter Pointe offers captained holiday cruises so you can sit back and soak up the glow of the parade in comfort.
Perfect for:
Date nights
Family holiday outings
Visiting friends who want a true Jupiter experience
Anyone who hates fighting for parking
Spots fill quickly every year — so if you want to be on the water with us, reach out soon.
Quick checklist for a perfect parade night
Arrive early (especially Harbourside/Riverwalk)
Bring a chair or blanket
Pack bug spray (it’s Florida!)
Bring a toy to donate if you can
Charge your phone — you’ll want photos
