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Experience Tampa’s dazzling holiday boat parade from Craft, where illuminated vessels and festive cuisine create a night to remember. Discover why this event is a must-see during the holiday season.
Experience Tampa’s dazzling holiday boat parade from Craft, where illuminated vessels and festive cuisine create a night to remember. Discover why this event is a must-see during the holiday season.
Book with Craft
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Craft · Tampa, Florida
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Tampa’s skyline, the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade hosted by Craft transforms an ordinary evening into a festive spectacle. As dusk settles over the Florida coastline, dozens of elaborately decorated boats glow with holiday cheer, creating a luminous procession that cuts through the bay. This event isn’t just a parade—it's a celebration of community, creativity, and nautical craftsmanship.
Craft offers a prime vantage point for this annual spectacle, combining a luxurious dining cruise with spectacular views and festive flavors. Guests enjoy modern American cuisine prepared from an open kitchen, pairing each course with handcrafted cocktails while the city lights shimmer around them. The boat’s open-air deck provides the perfect setting to admire the rotating fleet of festooned vessels, each competing for best decorations and originality.
What makes this experience truly special is the chance to witness Tampa’s unique seafaring tradition amid lively holiday spirit. The parade’s route takes it past iconic landmarks like the Tampa Convention Center and downtown skyline, providing postcard-worthy photo opportunities. Whether celebrating with family, friends, or solo, it's a compelling way to embrace the holiday season with a nautical twist.
This event underscores Tampa's reputation as a lively, welcoming port city with a deep connection to its waters. From the glittering reflections on Tampa Bay to the roaring cheers from onboard spectators, the parade embodies the city’s vibrant maritime culture. Craft’s cruise delivers not just a scenic view, but a chance to be part of a cherished local tradition—an unforgettable night on Tampa’s water that delights residents and visitors alike.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels; no strenuous activity involved.
While the cruise offers a close-up experience, many spots along the waterfront also provide access to view the parade, but the cruise ensures the best overall perspective.
No, crafts provides a full dining experience with modern American cuisine and cocktails included in the ticket price.
Absolutely! The parade is suitable for all ages, with a festive atmosphere and plenty of photo opportunities.
Booking your tickets in advance is the best way to secure a seat on the cruise and guaranteed views of the parade.
It’s recommended to purchase tickets beforehand, as this popular event often sells out.
The parade typically lasts about 1–2 hours, depending on the number of boats participating.
The Tampa Lighted Boat Parade has become a cherished holiday tradition since its inception in the early 2000s, showcasing the city’s strong maritime culture.
Event organizers promote environmental awareness by encouraging guests to minimize waste and protect Tampa Bay’s water quality during the festivities.
Craft is a river dining experience based in Tampa, Florida, operating a river cruiser that combines modern American cuisine with waterfront sightseeing. The company features America’s first open kitchen on water, where chefs prepare multi-course menus visible to guests. Craft’s seasonal and regular sailings include New Year's Eve Dinner with a curated 4-course menu and fireworks viewing, a Holiday Lighted Boat Parade dining cruise, daily Dinner and Brunch cruises, as well as special holiday sailings for Christmas Eve and Thanksgiving and a themed Gasparilla Brunch Cruise. Each cruise departs from the Hillsborough River and emphasizes culinary presentation, handcrafted cocktails, and panoramic views of Tampa’s skyline and historic landmarks. Menus range from three-course dinners to four-course holiday menus, complemented by live music, DJs, and themed entertainment on select departures. The vessel navigates beneath Tampa’s low bridges, creating memorable close-quarters river passages that are part of the attraction. Craft markets itself to diners seeking a unique combination of restaurant-quality food and a scenic cruise. Tickets are offered per sailing, with options for different seating areas and observation-deck access. Group and holiday sailings accommodate celebrations and seasonal events. Information about specific departure times, pricing, and accessibility is available through Craft’s official booking channels and event pages. Onboard service emphasizes safety, guest comfort, and ingredient quality. Seasonal menus highlight locally sourced produce and seafood when available, and bar programs feature signature cocktails. Special-event sailings include themed decor, live DJs, and coordinated viewing for fireworks and parades, enhancing the dining-and-cruise experience for families, couples, and groups.
Book with Craft