Baltimore's Parade of Lighted Boats

Baltimore’s annual Lighted Boat Parade takes place on the Saturday night of the first weekend in December. The parade, which usually consists of more than 50 vessels, benefits the Marine's “Toys for Tots” annual Christmas campaign. Prior to the parade, Santa Claus arrives in the morning at Fells Point by tugboat and stays there all day, while carolers sing and eggnog contests are held. The parade is organized by the Fells Point Yacht Club (www.fpyc.net). 

Those who wish to enter boats in the parade must complete a registration form (http://fpyc.net/page14.html) accompanied by payment of a fee. A skippers’ meeting, organized by Fells Point Yacht Club, will held on November 28; attendance at this meeting is mandatory. All vessels entered into the parade must be properly insured. Each skipper must adhere to all the rules, regulations, and directions of the Baltimore City Fire Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Marine Unit of the Baltimore City Police.