Christmas Lighted Boat Parade on Lake Dora

About this happenin

Look for the lead boat with the big alligator on its side. The boats strung out behind it are the Christmas Lighted Boat Parade, and it helps to know which is which, since decorated private boats and tour boats cruise the same water on Lake Dora all evening. Every December the fleet is judged for cash awards on Lake Beauclair before turning into Lake Dora. From there it rounds the lighthouse at Grantham Point and glides along the Mount Dora shoreline after dark. Pontoons carry lit reindeer and sleighs, and some run full light shows. Watching from shore is free, and the parade can only be seen from the Mount Dora side, where Grantham Point at 311 S. Tremain Street and Elizabeth Evans Park at 100 N. Donnelly Street are the prime vantage points. Judging starts around 5:30 pm. The parade reaches the shoreline from about 6:30 pm and runs roughly an hour, though boats travel at their own pace and may reach your spot later. Bring something to sit on. A public lot sits at 400 N. Alexander Street, with street parking downtown, so come early.

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Where

Grantham Point Park, Lake Dora · 311 S Tremain Street, Mount Dora, FL 32757