Let's face it, Floridians, we don't do the holidays in the Sunshine State the way they do up North.
In previous Postcards installments, I've written about my family's tradition of heading out to the beach on Christmas Day for a game of touch football in the sand — not something that's an option, say, in Idaho.
Here's another holiday tradition that's unique: The holiday boat parade.
Hey, anyone can decorate a house. When you're putting lights on a houseboat, it's something different.
For the tourists this will be a great sight of Florida, for those who are confused about where to go here are some places you could consider to visit during your stay at Florida.
Once you step out of your Florida Villas There are an assortment of floating festivities, including:
•46th Annual St. Johns River Christmas Boat Parade: This year's flotilla is slated to cast off at 6 p.m. on Dec. 11 at Catfish Bend (Marker 36) north of Whitehair Bridge on the St. Johns River in DeLand. It travels south, finishing at roughly 8 p.m. at the north end of Lake Beresford.
There are a few recommended spots to watch from shore, including Ed Stone Park, at State Road 44 in DeLand and the Lake Beresford Yacht Club. For entry information and other details, call 386-801-5685.
11th Annual Halifax River Yacht Club Christmas Boat Parade: It begins at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4 north of the Seabreeze Bridge on the Halifax River. From there, the boats travel south to the basin in front of the Halifax River Yacht Club, then turn into the north basin at the Daytona Beach City Marina for judging.
Viewing is available anywhere along the river or on downtown bridges at Seabreeze and Main streets or International Speedway Boulevard. For details, visit dbchristmasboatparade.com or call 386-255-7459.
•Marathon's Boot Key Harbor Lighted Christmas Boat Parade: Watercraft ranging from dinghies to yachts will cruise the harbor in a sparkling procession starting at dusk on Dec. 11. Best viewing sites include Lazy Days South, Marathon Marina, Sombrero Dockside Lounge and Burdine's Waterfront. (305-743-9629; bootkeyharbor.com/christmas_parade).
•Key Largo Boat Parade: This year's theme for the parade on Blackwater Sound is "Under the Sea," marking the 50th anniversary of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. It starts at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11. (305-451-4502; keylargoboatparade.com)
•Winterfet Boat Parade: The 39th 'Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade' will have Cirque Shows, holiday displays, BMX racers, a floating airplane, dancers, music and dazzling floats. Selected as the kick-off event for the City of Fort Lauderdale's Centennial, this year's parade will be held on Dec. 11. The Grand Marshal is current Dancing With the Stars cohost and former winner Brooke Burke. Tickets to view the parade at the Grandstand Viewing Area are $16 for children and $21 for adults. For more information call Winterfest, Inc. at 954-767-0686
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