Holiday Boat Shows Galore in Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands
A boat parade is an event along a waterway that features illuminated boats (and yes, they are properly maintained, all silicon bronze bolts tightened, decks cleaned, masts flying high). Several beautifully decorated boats will be parading along the waterway, lighting up the night as they go. If we are being honest here, there’s no better way to celebrate the holidays than by participating in festive boat parades, Christmas light canal tours and family-friendly art fairs. Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands have a number of fun events planned for the whole family.
Photo by: CharlotteHarborTravel.com
Mark your calendars for the following events:
1. Festival of Lights at Fishermen’s Village: Nov. 15 – Dec. 31, 2014
“Lighting of the Village” will take place on Nov. 15, 2014 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. More than one million lights and themed decorations will be lit in sequence with ribbon cutting with city officials, followed by the Lee County Pipes & Drums parade.
Other festivities include:
- Luis the Balloon Man
- Airbrush Art for Face & Body
- Dickens Carolers from Charlotte Chorale
- Visits with Santa
- Live music with the Boogiemen Band
Festival of Lights will be on display through Dec. 31. For Admission bring a canned good for the Good Samaritans Food Pantry. For more info, visit Fishville.com.
2. Christmas Light Canal Cruises: Dec. 4 – 31, 2014
A tradition in Punta Gorda for more than 30 years, take a family-friendly cruise tour featuring houses and boats decorated with Christmas lights. Three departures are offered nightly at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and at 9 p.m. Trip length is one hour. Tickets are $16 for adults, half price for kids ages three to 11 and free for children under three. Private charters and group rates also available. For more info, call 941-639-0969 or visit KingFisherFleet.com.
3. Smoke and Roses Catamaran Christmas Canal Cruise: Dec. 5 – 30, 2014
Ride aboard the 47′ Smoke and Roses catamaran and enjoy the sites and sounds of the season at sea. The two-hour private cruise is available for up to six persons and costs $50 per person (based on six passengers). There will also be a special New Year’s Eve sail at sunset. Price is $175 person based on six passengers. For more info on these events, call 605-366-7673 or visit SmokeAndRoses.com.
4. Olde Englewood Village Association Winter Arts Festival: Dec. 6 – 7, 2014
Explore the unique shops and restaurants in the Olde Englewood Village when West Dearborn Street becomes a pedestrian-only exhibit area showcasing the works of more than 100 artists. Visit OldEenglewood.com for more info.
5. Lemon Bay Playhouse presents “Greetings!” a Christmas Eve Comedy: Dec. 3 – 21, 2014
Reserve your seat for a festive Christmas comedy show. Curtain times: 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. Reserved tickets are $18.00. For more info, call 941-475-6756 or visit LemonBayPlayhouse.com.
6. Images of the Season Holiday Concert: Dec. 13, 2014
At 4 p.m. the Charlotte Chorale will present its annual holiday concert at the Center for Performing Arts in Punta Gorda. Tickets are $20 and $10 for students. For more info, call 941-204-0033.
7. 25th Annual Peace River Lighted Boat Parade: Dec. 14, 2014
The festive display of lights and gorgeous reflections on the water make this annual event a definite must see. As a new addition this year, small craft are encouraged to participate off Fishermen’s Village. Admission is free. For more info, call 941-639-3720.
8. Punta Gorda Boat Parade of Lights: Dec. 20, 2014
Another boat parade, not to be missed, view beautifully decorated boats as they cruise along the PGI canal. Event will start around 6:00 p.m. For route map visit PuntaGordaBoatParade.com.
9. Fishermen’s Village New Year’s Eve Extravaganza: Dec. 31, 2014
Enjoy a night filled with family-friendly festivities, including live music, dancing, hair glitter designs, a balloon man, face painting and more. For more info, visit Fishville.com.
If you go… For more info on visiting Charlotte Harbor visit CharlotteHarborTravel.com.
