Santa Paddle Parade & Bluewater Bay Marina Christmas Boat Parade
Saturday, December 20 | Noon & 5:30 p.m.
The holidays at Bluewater Bay Marina bring two of the most festive waterfront traditions of the season, each offering a fun and uniquely coastal way to celebrate.
First up is the Santa Paddle Parade, where paddlers fill Rocky Bayou dressed head-to-toe in Santa suits—yes, full suit required! For just $10 or 10 canned goods, participants can join the fun while supporting Sharing & Caring Niceville. A group photo takes place at 12 p.m., with paddlers hitting the water at 12:10 p.m. The result is a charming (and often hilarious) sea of Santas gliding across the Bay for a great cause.
Later that evening, the lights come on for the 14th Annual Bluewater Bay Marina Christmas Boat Parade. Boaters of all kinds deck their vessels in dazzling holiday lights and cruise through the marina in a beloved local tradition. Registration is available by calling 850-897-2821 or visiting bluewaterbaymarina.com. A skipper’s meeting begins at 4 p.m., staging at 5 p.m., and the parade rolls out at 5:30 p.m. Festivities continue dockside with a DJ from 6–10 p.m.
Both events invite locals and visitors to soak up the season with waterfront cheer—right outside LJ Schooners, where you can grab dinner, drinks or brunch and enjoy some of the best holiday views in Niceville.
