Christmas parades aren’t limited to the land! Every year there are several lighted boat parades in the Charlotte area. Read on for tips about where you can view each parade from. They are free to watch, but if you’re watching from a lakeside restaurant or bar, you’d be expected to purchase food or drink.
Check out our huge day-by-day list of holiday events in the Charlotte area! We update it every day!
Lake Norman Christmas Lighted Boat Parade
Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade
Saturday, December 20, 2025
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Of all the lighted boat parades, this is the ones that’s most available to the public for viewing. The parade starts at Blythe Landing, then goes to Ramsey Creek Park, then to Peninsula Yacht Club, and then to the Duke Energy Explorium. Each of the parks will be open until 30 minutes after the parade has passed each location.
At the final viewing point, Duke Energy Explorium, there will be food trucks and a visit from Santa!
Please bring unwrapped toys as a donation to Little Smiles.
Lake Wylie Boat Parade
Annual Lake Wylie Boat Parade
Saturday, December 13, 2025
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Papa Doc’s Shore Club
3990 Charlotte Hwy, Lake Wylie, SC
Free
The parade starts and ends at Papa Doc’s. Santa will be at Papa Doc’s from 5 to 8 p.m.
Lake Norman Yacht Club Christmas Flotilla and Parade
Lake Norman Yacht Club Christmas Flotilla and Lights Parade
Saturday, December 6, 2025
5 p.m.
Check back soon to see information about where (if) the public can view the parade.
Northern Lights of Lake Norman Lighted Boat Parade
The Northern Lights of Lake Norman Boat Parade
This one is not taking place in 2025.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
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More Holiday Events
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