Each holiday season, as dusk settles over Biscayne Bay, a line of sailboats—glowing with twinkling lights and holiday spirit—pushes off from the dock at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club (CGSC). What unfolds is not just a parade, but a living tradition rooted in camaraderie, volunteerism, and the simple joy of being on the water together.
The CGSC Holiday Boat Parade officially began in 2009, as an idea sparked by Past Commodore Janice Pruett, who was serving as Cruising Chair at the time—back when the club had roughly 300 members.
“We were looking for ways to attract more people into the club, get more members involved, and introduce some fun community events,” Pruett recalled. “Yes, we wanted to attract new members—but we also wanted to open the doors of the club to non-members.”
That spirit of inclusion helped shape not only the Holiday Boat Parade, but a series of popular social events that followed, including Oktoberfest, a chili cook-off, the Haunted Mooring Field, and the Race Committee’s annual potluck party held each year on the first Tuesday of December.
The First Parade: Small, Scrappy—and Unforgettable
The inaugural parade took place in December 2009, led by then-Commodore Dr. Nick Marten, on his own craft. He was followed in line by Janice, her husband and then-Vice Cruising Chair Alyn Pruett, and a small handful of other adventurous members.
That first year, fewer than six boats participated. “No one really knew the depth of the harbor or which route was best,” Pruett said with a laugh. “Only one boat ran aground that year—and that was Mooring Chair and Past Commodore Billy Beavers.”
Rules were few, but memorable. One was non-negotiable: the parade would go on rain or shine. Another quickly became legendary—if you didn’t have a boat, you had to bring a dish for the potluck party that followed. That rule practically guaranteed you’d be invited aboard one of the parade boats—especially if you showed up dressed in festive holiday attire.
A Parade That Grew—But Never Lost Its Soul
The Holiday Boat Parade has been held every year since its launch, with the exception of the pandemic years. Over time, participation grew, though the event has remained intentionally low-key and lightly publicized.
“It’s really about the people on the boats,” Pruett said. “It’s about enjoying a fun, relaxed time together out on the water—singing carols, laughing, and celebrating the season.”
Club tradition encourages captains to light up their boats using as many onboard lights as possible. And every year, Pruett arrives prepared—donning festive apparel while carrying spare holiday outfits to loan to fellow participants and extra lights for those who want to add a little more flair.
This year’s parade, held on December 14, 2025, featured more than 13 boats and was coordinated by current Cruising Chair Tom Cobin, with Commodore Priska Urban leading the procession.
How the Parade Works
The parade traditionally “steps off” at dusk on the third Sunday in December and wraps up following the onshore party by around 8 p.m. The route depends heavily on weather conditions.
If conditions are poor, the potluck celebration moves undercover at the club. When weather permits, captains gather their festive crews, ensure everyone is wearing a personal flotation device (PFD), and follow the Commodore off the dock.
From there, the illuminated fleet heads down the main channel, turns to parade past Dinner Key Marina piers 7 through 1, and circles the basin near Miami City Hall, Regatta Grove, Monty’s, and Coral Reef Yacht Club. In favorable conditions, the route may be extended through Brennan’s Channel and through the city’s live-aboard mooring field.
On shore, dozens of members, friends, and community residents gather on the club’s second-floor balcony and along the grounds to watch the glowing procession push off and later return.
More Than a Parade
The Holiday Boat Parade has become a meaningful part of a larger seasonal rhythm at CGSC. The Race Committee’s potluck party earlier in December—followed by youth sailors returning to the water for Orange Bowl Regatta training just days after Christmas—keeps the club buzzing throughout the holidays. Members then ring in the New Year together on December 31 with a more formal, dress-up celebration, enjoying fireworks launched just across Dinner Key at Regatta Grove.
Ultimately, the parade reflects Coconut Grove’s identity as one of Miami’s oldest waterfront neighborhoods and underscores CGSC’s enduring role as a steward of Biscayne Bay.
What began as a modest idea to bring people together has grown into a cherished tradition—one that lights up the Bay, honors maritime heritage, and reminds the community that sometimes, the best celebrations are the ones created simply for the joy of sharing the water.
“We wanted something fun, welcoming, and genuine,” Pruett added. “And that’s exactly what it’s become.”
