Some of us might find it hard to get in the holiday spirit when it’s October and as hot as the inside of a Santa suit.

But Winterfest Boat Parade officials hope Fort Lauderdale boaters are ready to start planning their on-water holiday displays.

“Now is the perfect time to start thinking about how you want to decorate, what you want to wear and how you want to bring your idea to life,” said Kathy Keleher, marketing and parade director.

By late September, about 40 boats had signed up for the Dec. 12 event, which usually draws about 100 craft. Corporate-sponsored yachts are also part of the mix.

The entry fee is $35 for privately owned recreational boats and $30 for boats representing nonprofit causes.

“By making an early commitment, boaters have the opportunity to be invited to special events, get their decorations early and start planning how they are going to become one of the stars on the water,” Keleher said.

Winterfest is also looking for volunteer boats to watch for problems along the parade route. No entry fee is required and participants are thanked with a “well-stocked goodie bag” and a party.

With 2026 being the country’s 250th anniversary, “Party in the U.S.A.” is the theme of both the Winterfest parade and the Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce Holiday Boat Parade on Dec. 11.

Boaters and spectators are encouraged to show off American flags, patriotic decorations and red, white and blue outfits.

Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade

The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade covers 12 miles of the New River and Intracoastal Waterway through greater Fort Lauderdale and Broward County.

The 55th annual parade begins on the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale near Stranahan House and heads north to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach.

Organizers say the parade attracts more than 1 million spectators in person, on television and online, drawn by the elaborately decorated boats, celebrity appearances and a salute to the military.

The year’s theme is so broad that entrants can get creative, Keleher said.

“It can be inspired by a musician, a song, a movie, or an iconic symbol like Mount Rushmore or the Statue of Liberty. Most importantly, it can be whatever America means to you. We want people to take the theme and make it their own,” Keleher said.

With its patriotic theme, the parade serves as a grand finale for America’s 250th celebration, she said.

Many boaters participate year after year.

“We love our boaters, and we want them to know how much we appreciate their commitment to Winterfest. We show that appreciation throughout the year with celebrations and happy hours,” Keleher said.

“If it’s your third time in the parade, your fifth or beyond, you may find yourself invited to special events like our Launch Party, Grand Marshal Reception, and even the Black Tie Ball.”

Winterfest, the Florida not-for-profit organization, kicks off the holiday season with a free Family Fun Day Nov. 22 at Esplanade Park in Fort Lauderdale, followed by a Black Tie Ball on Dec. 5. Visit winterfestparade.com.

Greater Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade

The Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce Holiday Boat Parade returns for its 64th year, presented by Harrah’s Casino Pompano Beach.

As the boats get underway, they will pass the parade headquarters and judges’ viewing stand at Miraggio Italian Grill on Atlantic Avenue before heading north toward the Hillsboro Bridge.

The Hillsboro, Atlantic Boulevard and 14th Street Causeway bridges will open at 6:15 p.m. and remain open until the parade passes, so motorists should expect traffic delays in the area.

Boaters are encouraged to register early to participate, while spectators can reserve special seating at restaurants along both the Pompano and Fort Lauderdale parade routes. Spectators can watch both parades for free from locations along the routes.

For more info please visit www.pompanobeachchamber.com.

More boat parades on the calendar

South Florida and the Florida Keys offer plenty of other ways to celebrate the season from the water including:

Key Largo Boat Parade

The Key Largo Boat Parade cruises through Blackwater Sound at Mile Marker 104 on Dec. 12.

Boaters can sign up through Florida Bay Outfitters and should have their boats in line by 6:30 p.m. After the parade, the celebration continues at Sundowners, 103900 Overseas Highway, with awards, prize money, swag bags and shirts. Please visit the website online at www.keylargoboatparade.com.

Miami Outboard Club Christmas Boat Parade

The Miami Outboard Club hosts its annual Christmas Boat Parade Dec. 19.

Members decorate their boats for a cruise through Miami’s waterways, while the shoreside celebration includes family-friendly activities, music, food and entertainment. Please visit them online at www.moc-miami.com/christmas-boat-parade.