Boats criss-cross the water wearing dresses threaded with miniature bulbs. One of the most unique holiday traditions doesn’t display on tidy neighborhood front lawns, but rides on vessels across Alabama’s waterways. Each year lake communities throughout the state organize boat parades and other holiday events themed around the state’s lakes and rivers.
Below are some of the events taking place this holiday season.
Lay Lake Christmas Boat Parade
Saturday, December 13 at 5 p.m.
Santa Claus, Christmas music and extravagantly decorated boats are the main stars of Lay Lake’s 16th Annual Christmas Boat Parade. Public viewing of the parade is available at the Beeswax Creek Park public boat launch. Beyond Beeswax Creek, the parade proceeds down to Paradise Point Marina, Cedar Creek Marina, Okomo Marina and Bozo’s Marina. Lay Lake Homeowners and Boat Association sponsors the parade. See the Lay Lake HOBO page for more information.
The Spirit of a Hometown Christmas Parade
Sunday, December 13 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Over 40 floats will move through downtown Dadeville for The Spirit of a Hometown Christmas Parade. Historic downtown Dadeville will be the host to the parade and other activities throughout the day including face painting, cookie decorating and an appearance by Santa Claus. The popular Christmas movie “Grinch” will air, and many of the local shops will be open.
Christmas on the Coosa
Saturday, December 13 starting at 10 a.m.
Alabama’s Vacation Guide & Calendar named Wetumpka’s Christmas on the Coosa one of the Top Ten Events for 2013, and this year’s event aims to continue to impress. A quilt show, car show and children’s character breakfast promises fun for all ages. The day’s street parade will precede the evening’s boat parade with a ski-in from Santa before a grand finale of fireworks.
