Illustration of a generic other scene (Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade)
Other Christmas Activities

Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade

Visitors of all ages can experience the magic of the holidays in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Spectators can enjoy festive decorated boats along the water. On-site dining includes open resident restaurants, local food trucks, and an apple cider and hot chocolate station run by the Boy Scouts.

What to Expect

Annual holiday boat parade celebrating its 30th year.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade

Food & Drink

Resident restaurants will be open, local food trucks will offer snacks, and the Boy Scouts will serve apple cider and hot chocolate.

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families and visitors of all ages

Vibe

Festive and welcoming

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Location

Yorktown, VA

Know Before You Go

  • Parking: Limited parking is available at the parking garage, with additional parking by the Court House, at the Welcome Center, and American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Attendees are encouraged to use the Yorktown Trolleys.

Tips & Advice

  • Park at the Court House, the Welcome Center or the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, because the garage has limited space and usually fills up quickly.
  • Take the Yorktown Trolleys between parking and the waterfront, because the organizers encourage visitors to use them throughout the evening.
  • Warm up at the Boy Scouts' apple cider and hot chocolate station while you wait for the decorated boats to pass.
  • Dress warmly for an evening by the water in December, because you'll be outside while the lighted boats parade past.
  • Check the parade's Facebook page on the day, because that's where organizers post the most up-to-the-minute updates.

Special Events & Promotions

  • This year is the 30th Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should we park?

The parking garage has limited space and usually fills up quickly. There's more parking by the Court House, at the Welcome Center and at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, and the Yorktown Trolleys run during the evening.

What food and drink is there?

The Boy Scouts run an apple cider and hot chocolate station, all the local restaurants are open, and food trucks serve snacks and more.

Is it good for kids?

Yes. The parade is for all ages, from the youngest children to the oldest adults.

Can I enter my own boat?

Yes. Boat owners can sign up through the parade's boat registration.

Where can we get last-minute updates?

The parade's Facebook page has the most up-to-the-minute updates.

Tags

holiday traditionfamily friendlyfestive atmospherecommunity celebrationseasonal activitiesfree eventlight displays

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team