2026 Holiday on the Harbor Festival & Boat Parade of Lights

Join the Carrabelle Chamber of Commerce for 2026 Holiday on the Harbor Festival and Boat Parade of Lights on Saturday, December 12 from 1-7 pm ET on Marine Street and along the harbor in Carrabelle, FL. This festival will feature children’s activities, arts and crafts vendors, delicious food, music, dance, and a lighted boat parade. This favorite Christmas tradition on the Forgotten Coast is free and family-friendly!

The children’s activities includes traditions like Visits with Santa, mini-train rides, a bouncy house (courtesy of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department), and a book giveaway by Bring Me a Book Franklin. In keeping with the Carrabelle tradition, Santa will make his grand entrance on the City of Carrabelle Fire Truck. Children and families are welcome to come by Santa’s booth, visit with Santa, and get their photos with Santa for free.

This festive event will offer yummy holiday treats and delicious food to enjoy. Guests can enjoy delicious fresh seafood and tasty home-style cooking at one of several cafes, restaurants or festival food vendors. Shoppers can browse vendors with unique art and crafts, and locally made goods—perfect for holiday gifting. Visitors can complete their holiday shopping with unique and one-of-a-kind items at Carrabelle’s wonderful shops and art galleries, many within walking distance.  Live music will fill the air with performances by local artists. The entertainment doesn’t end there as there will also be a delightful performance by the Forgotten Coast Dancing Witches.

After enjoying hours of food, festivities, and fun, festival-goers are invited to watch the magical Christmas parade of boats decked out in lights, décor, and holiday outfits! Find a spot along the water and enjoy this parade with double the lights as the Carrabelle harbor beautifully reflects back the glow of the lighted boats. See this special nautical tradition from an unbeatable viewing point by entering your own decorated boat for free!

The parade, which can be enjoyed from many viewing spots, starts around 6:15 pm and proceeds around the harbor between the Marine St. Fishing Pavilion and the Tillie Miller Bridge. Afterward, the boat parade winners will be announced! Awards will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in four categories, plus Best In Show and the Marina Challenge. Enter your boat now for free! Details on Registration for the Boat Parade is available at 2026 Boat Registration Form.

TROPHIES WILL BE AWARED FOR 1ST, 2ND, AND 3RD PLACE IN THREE SIZE CATEGORIES, AND A BEST OF SHOW TROPHY. THERE IS ONE TROPHY FOR THE WINNING PADDLED VESSEL.

A big thank you to the wonderful volunteers, vendors and sponsors who help make Holiday on the Harbor possible.

For info about general activities: contact the Chamber at (850) 697-2585 or chamber@nettally.com. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.  

SPONSORS We are in need of event sponsors. Sponsorship levels range from $100 to $1000 dollars. Sponsors receiving promotional perks and more. If you are interested in being a sponsor, check out more information here 2026 Sponsorship Form or contact the Carrabelle Chamber of Commerce at (850) 697-2585.

VENDORS: For information about being a vendor, Vendor Information & 2026 Vendor Registration.

BOAT ENTRIES: For information joining the boat parade, learn more and Register your entry online for the Boat Parade of Lights or download it at 2026 Boat Registration Form.

VOLUNTEERS: We are in need of volunteers to help make the Holiday on the Harbor and Boat Parade of Lights possible. We need volunteers to help with set-up Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. Volunteers are also needed on Saturday during the day to man the Chamber tent, help with trash pick up, monitor the bouncy house and other duties.  Volunteers will work in 2 hour increments. Volunteers are what make this happen every year. You are needed and you are always appreciated! Please contact the Chamber office to sign up as a volunteer today! Chamber@nettally.com or 850-697-2585.

Carrabelle Riverfront
Marine Street
Carrabelle, FL 32322 + Google Map