Participants Needed For Annual Boat Parade Of Lights

By Nicole Matheson

The 2025 holiday season is here and so it’s time for the annual Boat Parade of Lights in Lake Havasu City on Dec. 13, at 6 p.m.

In this beloved tradition, dozens of boats splendidly decorated in the spirit of Christmas float along the Bridgewater Channel and underneath the London Bridge.

It is a brilliant display at night to see with the boats lit up on the water, bringing holiday cheer to all.

Lake Havasu RiverScene Magazine Boat Parade of Lights

Boat No. 10, Rob Bost, wins Best Family Entry in the 2024 Lake Havasu Boat Parade of Lights. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Spectators are welcome in this free of charge event as the embellished boats participate and compete in contests for cash prizes based on their designs, including the Best of Show prize of $2,500.

It’s not too late to register and participate. Other prize categories include Best Family Entry, Best Corporate Entry, Best NonProfit/Charity Entry and even a Best First Time Entry, all ranging from $500-$750 in winnings. There will also be a Wildcard Pick category, creating multiple chances to win some cash.

Also in the works there is a People’s Choice award which will feature online voting. There is a $100 entry deposit that is returned to all participants that show up for the pre-parade meeting. A website is being developed for registration and up to date parade information.

Those interested should let their holiday imaginations go wild and decorate to their heart’s content.

The Bridgewater Channel will be emptied of mooring boats beginning at 4 p.m., on Dec. 13, and the boat parade will begin at 6 p.m. Free viewing spots are available at Rotary Community Park, London Bridge Beach, and Lake Havasu State Park. Bring chairs to the channel for viewing and remember no wood-burning fires are permitted.

Dec. 12, Friday night there will be the annual Dock Glow event for a chance to see the boats up close. Sponsors for the Parade of Lights are Anderson Auto & Power Group, Go Lake Havasu, Havasu Riviera, RiverScene Magazine, Barrett Marine, London Bridge Resort, Destination Havasu, River Rat Radio and Wirefree.

If you would like to participate in the Parade of Lights, contact JJ Gibbs at 928.486.7063 or at jj_gibbs@hotmail.com