Charleston Harbor transformed into a floating light show Saturday evening as dozens of decorated vessels paraded past Waterfront Park for the city’s annual Holiday Parade of Boats, a tradition that celebrates the maritime character of a city built around its harbor.

Spectators lined the seawall as boats of every size—from modest fishing vessels to substantial yachts—cruised past with lights strung from bow to stern. Some featured elaborate themed decorations. Others simply wrapped their railings in colored bulbs. All contributed to a spectacle that draws crowds despite the December chill.

The parade has grown since its modest beginnings into one of the season’s signature events. Participating boats register in advance and compete for prizes in categories ranging from best overall decoration to most creative theme. The friendly competition drives increasingly elaborate displays each year.

For many Lowcountry boat owners, participating in the parade has become a December ritual. Crews spend days stringing lights and constructing scenes. Families gather aboard to wave at onshore crowds. The effort involved speaks to how seriously participants take the event.

Viewing spots along the harbor fill early. Waterfront Park’s pier offers prime sightlines, and nearby restaurants do brisk business from diners who claim tables with harbor views hours before the parade begins.

The event showcases Charleston’s relationship with its waterways—the reason the city exists and a defining feature of Lowcountry life. In a region where boats are tools, toys, and status symbols, the holiday parade brings the boating community together for pure celebration.

The parade typically runs from dusk until around 8 p.m., giving spectators ample time to appreciate the illuminated flotilla against the darkening harbor.