Jupiter Boat Parade 2025: A Sparkling Night at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse

Written By Allison Saunders

The Jupiter Boat Parade 2025 delivered everything locals love about holiday season on the water—glowing yachts, festive music drifting across the Intracoastal, and the kind of community energy that makes Jupiter feel like a small town in the best way. On Saturday, December 6, 2025, the 31st Annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade & Toy Drive traveled north from North Palm Beach to Jupiter, arriving around 8:00 p.m. and wrapping up with a grand finale at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. https://www.wflx.com+3Jupiter, FL+3marinepbc.org+3

If you missed it this year, here’s a full recap of what made the parade one of the most memorable holiday events in Jupiter, Florida.

What Is the Jupiter Boat Parade?

The event most people call the “Jupiter Boat Parade” is actually the Jupiter finish of the countywide Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade—one of South Florida’s longest-running waterfront traditions. Hosted by the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County (MIAPBC), the parade features up to 80 boats covered in holiday lights, themed décor, and pure captain-level creativity. marinepbc.org+2Discover The Palm Beaches+2

It’s also a Toy Drive on the Water, benefiting Toys for Tots and Little Smiles, with volunteer “toy fleet” boats collecting donations along the route. marinepbc.org+2Florida Rambler+2

Jupiter Boat Parade 2025 Route & Timing

Here’s how the night flowed:

  • Start: North Palm Beach, 6:00 p.m.

  • Route: North along the Intracoastal Waterway

  • Jupiter Arrival: approximately 8:00 p.m.

  • Finale: Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse marinepbc.org+2Jupiter Magazine+2

Leading the way again in 2025 was the parade’s signature Zambelli traveling fireworks display—a floating fireworks show that lights up the Intracoastal as the boats follow behind. marinepbc.org+1

Best Places to Watch the Jupiter Boat Parade

Jupiter turns the parade into a full waterfront festival. The most popular viewing areas this year were:

Whether you were posted up with lawn chairs and cocoa, or catching the boats from a restaurant dock, the view was top-tier everywhere along the Jupiter stretch.

Highlights from the 2025 Parade

Every year has its standouts, but Jupiter Boat Parade 2025 felt especially bright. A few moments people kept talking about:

1. The creativity went next-level.
Boats came through dressed as floating winter villages, candy canes, Santa workshops, and full-blown light tunnels. The judging criteria for this parade includes lights, enthusiasm, and themed décor, and the fleet absolutely understood the assignment. Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches+1

2. Fireworks + reflections = magic.
Watching fireworks burst overhead while their reflections flickered across calm water is basically the cheat code for holiday vibes in Jupiter. marinepbc.org+1

3. The Jupiter finale never disappoints.
There’s something iconic about the parade finishing at the Lighthouse. Boats slow, crowds swell, and the whole inlet looks like it’s been sprinkled with starlight. Jupiter, FL+1

Why the Jupiter Holiday Boat Parade Matters

This parade isn’t just pretty boats (though, yes, it’s very much that too). It’s a reminder of what makes Jupiter special:

In a season that can get hectic, the boat parade is one night where everyone slows down and just enjoys being outside together.

See You at Jupiter Boat Parade 2026

If you’re already excited for next year (same), keep an eye on early December schedules. The parade is traditionally held the first Saturday of December, and Jupiter once again will be the place to catch the big finish at the Lighthouse. marinepbc.org+2Discover The Palm Beaches+2

Until then, we’re officially in holiday mode—thanks to a waterfront tradition that keeps getting brighter every year.

Allison Saunders
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