Holiday Parade of Boats

Photo by William Murton

Saturday, December 1, 2012 from 5pm-7:30pm
Cooper River, Charleston Harbor & Ashley River

The 32nd Annual Holiday Parade of Boats will be held in Charleston Harbor on Saturday, December 1, 2012. You can participate in the parade by simply registering, decorating your boat from stem to stern with lights, and joining us on the water. Thousands of spectators view the parade along the route from Mt. Pleasant to Charleston each year.

The parade begins at approximately 5:00PM near the Mt. Pleasant side and ends in the Ashley River, (after processing down the Charleston side of the Cooper River), at approximately 7:30PM. We say approximately, because of various factors, including wind, current, and the ability of the boats to maintain headway.

Captains and crews will be invited to the Captain’s Party and Awards Ceremony at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina. Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place boats in both the power and sail categories, with the best-in-show award going to the highest scoring boat overall.

For those who also wish to attend the City of Charleston’s Official Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Marion Square on the same evening, there is time to get to the waterfront and enjoy both. We look forward to seeing you on the water!

For more information: Call Ray Swagerty, Production Manager & Parade of Boats Coordinator (843) 724-7414 or email SwagertyR@charleston-sc.gov.