Christmas Boat Parade is Back

Best Overall in the Medium Boat Division -- Jeremy Trumble

Photo Credit | CHRIS CRONIN, Chris Cronin Media

Last night, the lagoon lit up as Vero Beach’s Christmas Boat Parade returned, ending a two-year hiatus and restoring one of the City’s most cherished holiday rituals.

On the water, the winning entries told their stories clearly. Jacob Barattini took the small boat category with a Grinch-themed fishing skiff, while Jeremy Trumble captured the medium division with an elegantly adorned sailboat flanked by dancing angels. In the large boat category, Bill King took first place with a commanding party barge complete with a wacky waving inflatable Santa.

Best Overall in the Large Boat Division -- Bill King

Photo Credit | CHRIS CRONIN, Chris Cronin Media

Boats curled around Fritz Island before gliding past the City Marina, where judges took their posts on the fuel dock. From there, the illuminated flotilla headed south toward Quail Valley River Club, looped through the Vero Isles channel, and finished near Royal Palm Pointe Park. Viewing spots along the river filled early, with families, longtime residents, and seasonal visitors all claiming their stretch of shoreline.

Best Overall in the Small Boat Division -- Jacob Barattini

Photo Credit | CHRIS CRONIN, Chris Cronin Media

Organized for years by the Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast, the parade is free to enter and accessible to any boat owner with a VHF radio and shallow draft.

Photo Credit | CHRIS CRONIN, Chris Cronin Media

Vero Beach Marina is stepping into the future with refreshed docks, a new boat barn, and a more welcoming waterfront that still reflects its Old Florida charm. The upgrades aim to make boating easier and the riverfront more enjoyable, while continuing the marina’s role as a longtime community gathering spot on the Indian River Lagoon.​

Check out the early historic photos and vintage postcards of the marina below to see how far this waterfront landmark has come over the decades.​