Boat Parade of Lights
Saturday, December 12, 2026
Registration is now open for the 2026 Boat Parade of Lights. Join one of Panama City’s most festive waterfront traditions and showcase your creativity as you light up St. Andrews Bay for the holiday season.
Participating captains will have the opportunity to compete for exciting awards, including Public Choice, Judges’ Choice, and Destination Panama City Choice, while entertaining thousands of spectators gathered along the waterfront.
Complete the application below to submit your registration. A $25 registration fee is required to participate. After your application has been submitted and reviewed by Destination Panama City staff, you will be contacted with payment instructions.
Parade Details
Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026
Parade Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Lineup Time: 5:00 PM
All participating boats must be lined up at the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club by 5:00 PM. Additional lineup instructions and your assigned position will be provided during the mandatory Captain’s Meeting.
Registration Fee: $25
The registration fee will be collected after your application has been submitted and reviewed. Destination Panama City staff will contact approved participants with payment instructions.
Parade Route
The parade will begin at the St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club and travel west along the shoreline of St. Andrews Bay. Boats will pass Historic Downtown Panama City, the Panama City Marina, West Beach Drive, St. Andrews Marina, and Historic St. Andrews before the route concludes at the Hathaway Bridge.
Mandatory Captain’s Meeting & Dinner
All boat captains are required to attend one of the following Captain’s Meetings at Destination Panama City, located at 101 W Beach Drive. Dinner is provided.
Thursday, December 3, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Thursday, December 10, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Important parade instructions, lineup assignments, route information, and safety details will be reviewed during the meeting. Attendance at one meeting is required to participate.
For additional information or questions, please contact Justin Butler-Cannon, Sales & Special Events Coordinator, at [email protected]
Complete the application below to reserve your opportunity to join the 2026 Boat Parade of Lights.